JPH114262A - Network connection unit, network construction method and communication unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dynamically change connection to a network through a telephone line at a user level. SOLUTION: A network connection unit 1 using an ISDN line or the telephone line following a standard for using plural channels corresponding the line is provided with a connection destination information table 31 storing authentication information constituted of unit information on the respective units which can be connected to the network or user information and managing information on the connection destination which corresponds to authentication information and to which connection is permitted. Network connection means 12, 21 and 22 retrieving the connection destination information table when the request of network connection is received from any unit and executing network connection when a connection request source requests connection to the connection destination to which connection is permitted from the result of retrieval and when the idle channel exists in the telephone line are provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a network connection device, a network construction method, and a communication device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the recent development of computer technology and communication technology, various technologies have been developed for connection from a computer to a network or connection between networks.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a method for connecting a personal computer to a network.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of information defined in the personal computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 shows a personal computer 71.
, A network connection via a telephone line 73 is shown.

In this case, the personal computer 7
1 to PPP (Point t) as a communication protocol.
o Point Protocol) and a network 74, for example, a LAN such as the Internet or an intranet, via a telephone line 73 based on the information shown in FIG.

In the case of such a terminal type, by connecting to a network 74, it can be a network terminal such as a LAN or the Internet. When connecting to the Internet, it is often the case that the user once connects to an Internet provider, where an IP address is dynamically assigned.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a case in which connections are made between LANs using fixed addresses.

In this case, a router 83 and personal computers 84, 85, 86 are connected to a transmission path 82 in a LAN 81.
And a network computer 87, so that the router 83 can be connected to another network 89. In this case, the other network 89 is an LA, such as the Internet, an intranet, or Ethernet.
N.

In the case of the example shown in FIG.
4, 85, 86, and 87 have assigned fixed addresses (such as fixed IP addresses). The router receives one address to the outside. Thereafter, when a request is issued from any of the computers in the LAN 81 to the router 83, the router 83 manages the request from which computer and sends the request to the external network 89.

[0011] The router 83 returns a response to the request issued to the outside to the LAN 81 in the computer that issued the request. Such address management (procedure for associating addresses inside the LAN with addresses outside the LAN) is called NAT.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a case where connection between LANs is made by a temporary address.

In the LAN connection shown in FIG.
, A temporary address in the LAN 81 is determined. Also, an address in the LAN 81 using NAT,
Address management is performed in correspondence with an address from outside the LAN 81.

The above is an example of address management using a conventional router.

[0015]

In the conventional LAN use situation, it is common that one LAN is constructed by one company or school, and is managed and operated in a group unit. In such a case, the conventional technique as described above does not cause any particular problem. However, in recent years,
There is an increasing demand for more individual-based use of networks.

For example, in the case of a satellite office, there is a demand for constructing one LAN as a whole so that one or a plurality of computers can be used on an individual basis. In addition, there is a demand to connect to a network on an individual basis without using a LAN, for example, and to construct a network on an individual basis.

Given this situation, in a conventional computer network using a telephone line,
Since the connection destination is statically defined in the router, there is a problem that only one connection can be made to the connection point at the same time.

Further, even in the case of the system as shown in FIG. 17, once an external connection is made from the personal computer 71, it is impossible to connect to another. The situation that one computer can simultaneously connect to only one connection destination is the same in the systems of FIGS. 19 and 20.

Therefore, even if a large number of users related to the LAN 81 want to construct a network according to their own work, the conventional router cannot cope with this. Also, since the connection destination is statically defined on a computer-by-router basis, if a computer is used by another person in a satellite office, etc., the other user will be However, inconvenience arises in that a connection cannot be made to a connection destination to be connected.

Furthermore, it is difficult to construct a flexible network system using telephone lines at the user level by statically defining each computer.
That is, the use of the conventional router can only build a fixed network of a fixed shape that is set in advance for each computer.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to enable a connection to a network via a telephone line to be dynamically changed at a user level. To provide a network connection device.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a network connection device and a network construction method capable of dynamically changing a connection relationship of a network via a telephone line to change a network shape.

A third object is to provide a communication device which facilitates dynamic change of a communication connection relationship via a telephone line.

[0024]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention corresponding to claim 1 relates to a method in which a predetermined network is connected to another network by an ISDN line or a communication line conforming to a standard that can use a plurality of channels equivalent thereto. In a network connection device that enables connection and communication, the authentication information including the user identification information of each device that can be connected to the network and the information about the connection destination to which each user is allowed to connect correspond to the authentication information. A connection destination information table to be stored and, when a request for network connection is received from any of the devices, the connection destination information table is searched,
And a network connection unit for executing the network connection based on the result of the search.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, it is possible to authenticate the connection to the network via the telephone line at the user level and make the network connection.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the connection destination information table allows each user to connect with authentication information including device information and user identification information of each device connectable to the network. This is a network connection device that stores information about a connection destination in association with authentication information.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, it is possible to authenticate the connection to the network via the telephone line with at least the device information and the user identification information to perform the network connection.

[0028] The invention corresponding to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the network connection means comprises:
When a network connection request is received from any of the devices, the connection destination information table is searched, and if the connection request source has made a connection request to a connection destination permitted to connect based on the search result, the network connection is disabled. The network connection device to execute.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, the connection to the network via the telephone line can be dynamically changed at the user level.

The invention corresponding to claim 4 is an ISD
A network connection device that enables communication by connecting a predetermined network to another network through a communication line that conforms to a standard that can use a plurality of channels equivalent to the N line or the like. When a request is received, even if another network connection has already been established, if there is an available channel in the communication line, a network provided with network connection means for executing network connection for one device Connected equipment.

According to the present invention, since such means are provided, it is possible to connect to a network simultaneously with various devices as long as the telephone line has an available channel, and to provide services of the network connection device to more users. can do.

Further, the invention corresponding to claim 5 is an IS
Device information and user identification information about each network-connectable device in a network connection device that connects a predetermined network to another network to enable communication by using a DN line or a communication line that conforms to a standard that can use a plurality of channels. A connection destination information table that stores information on the connection destinations to which each user is permitted to connect in association with the authentication information, together with the authentication information including, for example, a connection when a network connection request is received from any of the devices. A network connection means for executing a plurality of network connections using the plurality of channels of the communication line if the connection request as a result of searching the destination information table requests a connection to a connection destination to which connection is permitted; And a network connection device comprising:

Since the present invention is provided with such means, it is possible to dynamically change the connection to the network via the telephone line at the user level and execute a plurality of network connections using a plurality of channels. can do.

Further, the invention corresponding to claim 6 is:
In the invention corresponding to claim 5, the network connection means is a network connection device that enables a plurality of network connections to different connection destinations.

According to the present invention, since such means are provided, it is possible to simultaneously connect to different connection destinations in the invention corresponding to claim 5.

On the other hand, the invention corresponding to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each device is connected to a communication device in one network constructed by network connection via a plurality of the same communication devices. One network connection device, wherein the connection information table corresponds to the authentication information of each device belonging to one network and has a network having information indicating that the belonging devices are permitted to connect to each other. Connected equipment.

According to the present invention, such means are provided, so that the same operation and effect as those of the invention according to claim 5 or 6 can be obtained. In addition, devices that have been authenticated by using a plurality of network connection devices can be used. A network can be formed.

Next, the invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein the network connection means comprises:
It is possible to simultaneously make a network connection to two connection destinations using two B channels of the ISDN line, and when the communication device is located at a position other than the end point of one network, both of the two B channels are used. This is a network connection device that connects to another communication device belonging to one network.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, the same operation and effect as those of the invention according to claim 7 can be obtained.
An open network can be formed using an ISDN line.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, there is provided a request for a communication device belonging to one network to join one network via a D channel of an ISDN line. If there is, the network connection means searches the connection destination information table to determine whether the subscription request source can subscribe to one network, and if it can subscribe, one B channel is opened. When the connection request source is connected to one B channel, if both B channels are already connected, it is instructed to interconnect with communication devices located at both ends of one network, and the B channel is connected. Is a network connection device that opens one channel and connects to a subscription request source.

According to the present invention, since such means are provided, the same operation and effect as the invention according to claim 8 can be obtained.
A network configuration can be changed by dynamically changing the connection relationship of a network via a telephone line.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth or ninth aspect, one communication device located at one end of one network communicates with a communication device located at another end. In this case, the network connection unit is a network connection device that makes a network connection with a communication device at another end point.

According to the present invention, since such means are provided, the same operation and effect as the invention according to claim 8 or 9 can be obtained, and the communication speed can be increased.

Further, according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the seventh aspect, the network connection means connects the network to two connection destinations simultaneously using two B channels of the ISDN line. Is a network connection device that connects two B channels to different communication devices belonging to one network.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, the same operation and effect as those of the invention according to claim 7 can be obtained.
A loop-type network can be formed using an ISDN line.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eleventh aspect, there is provided a request for a communication device belonging to one network to join one network via a D channel of an ISDN line. If there is
The network connection means searches the connection destination information table to determine whether or not the subscription request source can subscribe to one network. Is a network connection device that instructs to disconnect the connection and to make a network connection with the subscription request source, and connects to the subscription request source via the B channel opened by the disconnection.

According to the present invention, since such means are provided, the same operation and effect as those of the invention according to claim 11 can be obtained. In addition, the connection relation of the network via the telephone line can be dynamically changed to form the network. Can be changed.

Next, the invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, when one communication device belonging to one network communicates with another communication device, the communication device is connected to the network. The network connection device includes a route selection unit that uses a route having a small number of communication devices from itself to another communication device as a communication route among the routes via either of the two communication devices to be connected.

According to the present invention, since such means are provided, the same operation and effect as those of the invention according to claim 11 or 12 can be obtained, and the communication speed can be increased.

The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to claims 7 to 13 only when the one network is constructed by a part or all of the devices belonging to one network. This is a network connection device provided with an access restricting unit that enables a device constructing the one network to access a storage unit connected to any communication device.

According to the present invention, since such means are provided, the same operation and effect as those of the inventions according to claims 7 to 13 can be obtained, and the sharing of the storage means within the one network can be facilitated. It is possible to eliminate unauthorized access to the storage unit from a source other than the one network.

Further, the invention according to claim 15 is the same as that of I
In a network construction method for constructing a network by connecting networks to each other via an SDN line, each network connection device belonging to the network uses two of the ISDN line channels for network connection, When one network connection device is connected to another network connection device using one channel and three or more network connection devices are connected, one network connection device or another network connection device is opened. A network construction method for constructing a network in which the end point is opened and at least two or more network connection devices are connected by repeating the above operation by connecting the network to another network connection device by using the set channel. is there.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, it is possible to easily construct an open network in which the connection relation of the network via the telephone line can be dynamically changed and the network shape can be changed. be able to.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the network construction method for constructing a network by connecting the network connection devices via the ISDN line, each of the network connection devices belonging to the network has an ISDN line. When two of the channels are used for network connection, one network connection device is connected to another network connection device using one channel, and three or more network connection devices are connected. Is connected to a network with another network connection device using a channel opened by one network connection device or another network connection device, and after all the predetermined network connection devices are connected, the network device located at the end point thereof Open channels It is a network construction method for a network connection with.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, it is possible to easily construct a loop-type network in which the connection relation of a network via a telephone line is dynamically changed so that the network shape can be changed. be able to.

On the other hand, the invention corresponding to claim 17 is based on the IS
In a communication device using a DN line or a communication line conforming to a standard capable of using a plurality of channels equivalent to the DN line, when a connection is made to a communication partner by a certain channel,
When connected to another communication partner via another channel,
A communication device that stops communication with a certain communication partner and releases a certain channel in accordance with a request from another communication partner and / or a preset rule.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, in order to dynamically change the communication connection relationship via the telephone line,
Channel release can be executed using external communication as a trigger.

The invention according to claim 18 is the invention according to claim 17, wherein after a certain channel is released, another channel is used according to a request of another communication partner and / or a preset rule. This is a communication device that connects to a communication partner.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, it is possible to easily change the dynamic connection of the communication connection via the telephone line.

Further, according to the nineteenth aspect, the present invention
In a communication device using an SDN line or a communication line conforming to a standard capable of using a plurality of channels equivalent to the SDN line, when one data transmission channel is connected to one communication partner, another device is connected via a control channel. Is a communication device that, when connected to another communication partner, stops communication with one communication partner and opens one data transmission channel in accordance with a request from another communication partner and / or a preset rule.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the invention corresponding to claim 17.

Next, the invention according to claim 20 is the invention according to claim 19, wherein after one data transmission channel is released, the request according to another communication partner and / or a preset rule is established. Is a communication device that connects to another communication partner through one data transmission channel.

According to the present invention, since such means are provided, the same effect as the invention according to claim 19 can be obtained. In addition, for example, even when all the data transmission channels are in use, the control channel is not used. , It is possible to establish a connection with a high-priority partner or a communication partner that needs to be connected due to circumstances.

The invention corresponding to claim 21 is the invention according to claim 19 or 20, wherein one data transmission channel is a B channel of an ISDN line and a control channel is a D channel of an ISDN line. A communication device.

Since the present invention is provided with such means, the same effects as those of the invention according to claim 19 or 20 can be obtained.

[0066]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

(First Embodiment of the Invention) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a network connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied to network formation.

The router 1 as a network connection device and a communication device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of computers% 1,% 2,% 3,% 4 via a data transmission line 2 in a LAN # 0 to which the router 1 belongs. ,. . To the other connection destinations # 1 and # 1 via the telephone line 3.
2,. . (Hereinafter, also referred to as connection destination # 1 or the like or LAN # 1 or the like). In FIGS. 1 and 4,
Although the LAN # 0 and the connection destination # 1 and the like are illustrated as if they were directly connected via a telephone line, in reality, NT
The router 1 and the like described in each embodiment after this embodiment are devices connected to the public line network, which are connected via a public line network 4 provided by T or the like.

Here, more specifically, an ISDN line is used as the telephone line 3, and the router 1 is connected to connection destinations # 1, # 2,. . (Hereinafter, the connection destination # 1 etc.).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the network connection device of the present embodiment.

This router 1 has its own LAN #
0, an ISDN communication unit 12 connected to the telephone line 3, a LAN communication unit 11 and an IS
It is provided between the LAN communication unit 11 and the ISDN provided between the LAN communication unit 12 and the other connection destinations # 1 and # 2 via the telephone line 3.
The communication unit 12 includes a circuit switching unit 13 that performs path control of a signal detected by the communication unit 12 and a storage unit 14. Although a specific hardware configuration is not particularly shown, the router is a kind of dial-up router and has a CPU.
, A ROM or a rewritable storage medium for storing an operation program, a storage device including a working memory and the like, and a data transmission path connecting these devices.

Here, the LAN communication unit 11 is connected to LAN # 0.
This is a portion for accommodating the communication signal lines of FIG.

The ISDN communication unit 12 is a block that accommodates an ISDN line and sends and receives telephone calls.

The circuit switching unit 13 includes the ISDN communication unit 12
An exchange processing path control unit 21 as a router main body that controls the above and performs the above-described exchange connection and signal path control, and a connection destination management unit 22 are provided.

The exchange processing path control unit 21 uses the ISDN communication unit 12 to make a call when a computer on the LAN # 0 accesses information outside the LAN # 0.
N # 0 is connected to the connection destination. Similarly, the other LAN # 1
When a call is received from the other party, a processing connection with the other party is made. The determination as to whether or not to actually perform the connection operation is made by the connection destination management unit 22 described below, and the connection is executed when there is a connection request from the connection destination management unit 22.

That is, the exchange processing path control section 21 uses the MP to follow the connection command (including the connection change command) from the connection destination management section 22 and uses the B channel (or H channel).
Channel) to a plurality of identical or different connection destinations in units of B (H) channels,
A connection from the same or a different computer in AN # 0 is executed.

The exchange processing path control unit 21 includes:
A technique similar to the MP connection is used. In the first place IS
The basic interface of the DN is provided with one D channel for signal transmission (for control) and two B channels for information transmission, and the MP refers to the number of used B channels as the communication information amount and the like. It is a technology that changes according to

Further, the exchange processing path control unit 21 uses the D channel to communicate with the device of the present invention from another connection destination while performing communication using two B channels using MP. When there is a connection request (for example, in the case of the basic interface, the request cannot be made using the B channel because both B channels are used), the router opens one or both B channels as necessary. It is configured to be able to connect to the destination of the connection request via the D channel.

At this time, UUI (u) which is an interface for communication between users using the D channel
Ser user interface) is used.

For example, the exchange processing path control unit 21
(And H channel) When an interruption by a normal telephone occurs while using the channel, necessary information is received via the D channel, and an inquiry as to whether or not to permit the connection is made to the connection destination management unit 22. Then, necessary processing is performed according to a command from the connection destination management unit 22 that is a result of the inquiry. For example, in some cases, disconnect one B channel connection,
A connection is made to the interrupted communication destination using an empty B channel. In other cases, the connection with the interrupted communication destination is not performed.

The connection destination management unit 22 detects a signal from a device on the LAN # 0 connected to the data transmission line 2 by the LAN communication unit 11, and transmits the signal to an external transmission request or another LAN #. In the case of a connection request with the first or the like, a connection request for circuit switching is made to the exchange processing path control unit 21 according to the information of the connection destination information table 31 in the storage unit 14. Similarly ISDN
LAN # 0 from another LAN # 1 or the like via the communication unit 12
When there is a connection request to the switching processing path control unit 21, a request for circuit switching connection is made to the switching processing path control unit 21 in the same manner according to the information in the connection destination information table 31.

The connection destination management unit 22 stores and refers to the connection status with another LAN # 1 or the like in the connection destination status storage unit 32 in the storage unit 14 and refers to the connection request to the exchange processing path control unit. In performing step 21, it is determined whether or not connection with the connection destination is possible.

When the exchange processing path control section 21 inquires about the processing for the interrupted call, the connection destination management section 22 searches the connection destination information table 31 to determine the processing, and the exchange processing path control section 21 is returned in the form of disconnection and / or connection request. For example, when connection priorities are assigned to the connection destination information table 31, a request to switch connections according to the priorities is issued to the exchange processing path control unit 21.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the connection destination information table of the present embodiment.

The connection destination information table 31 is composed of a part of authentication information t3 composed of a login possible computer name part t1 and a login possible person t2, and a connection destination name part t4 indicating a connection destination connectable by the authentication information t3. Have been. It should be noted that the connection destination name section t4 specifically stores each telephone number of a possible connection destination.

The authentication information t3 is composed of the logical product of the name of the computer that can log in and the person who can log in. For example, if all users can log in with a certain computer, all the users who can log in can log in. Is stored (not shown). The number of persons who can log in to connect to another LAN using a certain computer is not limited to one, and as shown in FIG. , And all the connection destinations connectable by the respective authentication information t3 are stored in the connection destination name part t4.

The connection destination information table 31 has information for determining whether to permit connection and execute circuit switching when a connection request is made to LAN # 0 from another LAN # 1 or the like. Is also stored. FIG. 3 shows LAN # as an example.
1, a connection destination # 0 indicating LAN # 0 is provided as a connection destination name.

Note that FIG. 3 does not particularly show the priority order.

Further, a computer (not shown) having management information performs authentication at the time of login of each user and various management operations in LAN # 0.

The connection destination state storage unit 32 stores the circuit switching unit 1
In the case where the circuit switching connection has been made by the connection No. 3, information on which connection destination # 1 or the like LAN # 0 is connected to based on the connection destination information table 31 is stored.

Next, the operation of the network connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

According to this network connection device, if there is a connection requester who is authenticated by the computer name and the name of a person who can log in, the connection destination information table shown in FIG. A network connection is made to a connection destination that can be connected from 31. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Simultaneous Connection from the Same Computer) As shown in FIG. 1, a connection destination is determined by the router 1 using authentication information for authenticating a user. The detection based on the authentication information is performed by searching the connection destination information table 31, and the connection destination is determined from the connection destination name t4.
Note that the authentication information shown in FIG. 3 is managed by adding user information t2 to a fixedly allocated address or an address t1 of a computer allocated by DHCP.

If the authenticated connection requester is set to be connectable to a plurality of connection destinations as shown in the connection destination information table 31 in FIG. 3, the MP connection to the same connection destination is performed. Not only can it be possible, but also it is possible to selectively connect simultaneously to a plurality of different destinations using the MP connection function using different channels.

At this time, the connection destination management unit 22 manages which B (H) channel is to be connected from which connection requester to which connection destination. The connection destination information is stored in the connection destination state storage unit 3 by the connection destination management unit 22.
2, the information and the connection destination information table 31 are referred to, and a request for execution of circuit switching connection is made to the switching processing path control unit 21, thereby realizing the above processing.

(Simultaneous Connection from Different Computers) FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the network connection device of the present embodiment for simultaneously connecting to two connection destinations from different computers.

That is, the connection destination management unit 22 utilizes the MP connection function of the exchange
It is possible to connect to different locations from different computers in N # 0. In addition, as long as there is a free channel in the line, each authenticated different connection requester can freely connect simultaneously to the connection destination permitted in the table 31. As described above, for example, in the ISDN basic interface, the number of B channels is two. These managements are performed by the connection destination management unit 22 as in the case described above.

As described above, the network connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with the connection destination information table 31 in which the authentication information for each computer and user is provided.
Since the DN line is used to enable simultaneous connection to a plurality of different or the same connection destinations at the same time, the connection to the network via the telephone line can be dynamically changed at the user level.

That is, conventionally, connection to a location registered in a router has been made. However, in order to specify a user and connect to a location desired by the user, it is not necessary to set a router for each connection. be able to.

Further, since one router can simultaneously connect to a plurality of locations, it is effective when different persons belonging to LAN # 0 simultaneously use the Internet or the like.

Therefore, when LAN # 0 is a shared LAN of satellite offices, a system very convenient for each user can be provided.

Further, by expanding and changing the contents of the connection destination information table 31 and performing information processing based on the table 31, various processes and services such as network formation can be performed. This is particularly effective when the users in LAN # 0 are miscellaneous members, such as not belonging to the same organization. As an example of this function extension, a case where a private network is constructed in the following embodiments will be described.

In the description of the operation of this embodiment,
Although the case where there is a call from outside has not been described, if a call comes in when all B (including H) channels, which are positioned as channels for information transmission, are blocked, the signal transmission Data transmission with the interrupted telephone is performed by connecting to the D channel, which is positioned as a control (control) channel.

In this case, whether or not to connect the interrupted telephone to the B channel is determined by the connection destination management unit 22 using the connection destination information table 31, and a request to release any of the B channels and the release of the request are made. A request to connect the interrupted telephone to the channel B is issued to the exchange processing path control unit 21.

Various modifications can be made to the method of releasing any one of the channels (for example, the B channel) and the method of connecting the open channel to the interrupt telephone. First, for example, when there is a vacancy in the B channel, an external telephone is connected here, but even in such a case, it is necessary to establish a network described in the second and subsequent embodiments or to secure a communication amount. For example, even if the other B channel is closed, it can be opened and used.

That is, according to the communication apparatus of the present embodiment, for example, the D channel is used, and other connection requests can be handled even when all the B channels are used. Dynamic change of the connection relationship can be facilitated. The communication device is not limited to the router described in the present embodiment, but can be applied to various communication devices.

(Second Embodiment of the Invention) In this embodiment, a technique will be described in which a network management function is added to the router described in the first embodiment, and a network is constructed using this router.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the concept of a network system formed by network connection devices according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the ISDN network 41 provided by a telephone company such as NTT provides all the routers R1, R2,. . , R1
4,. . And a LAN, a personal computer, a workstation and the like are connected to each router.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a description will be given of a mechanism in which these routers perform circuit-switching connection between routers that permit connection with each other and can freely construct a private network system. . In this embodiment, the ISDN basic interface uses
Therefore, a case where a private network is constructed using two B channels will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the network connection device of the present embodiment.

In the router 1b, a network management unit 23 is provided in a circuit switching unit 13b, and a storage unit 14b
Is provided with a network status storage unit 34, and has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. As will be described later, information for forming a private network is added to the connection destination information table 31b of the first embodiment in the connection destination information table 31b.

The network management unit 23 is a part for constructing a network and managing its status, a route in the network system, and the like. The network status management unit 24, the optimal communication processing unit 25, Part 26
It is constituted by and.

The network status management unit 24 includes an initial setting unit 27, performs initial formation of a private network, and manages network status by accessing the connection destination information table 31b and the network status storage unit 33. That is, it has the following functions 1) to 7).

1) Information about the private network (network formation request, change / release request, etc.) from LAN # 0 is received via the connection destination management unit 22b. Also, requests from other LAN # 1 etc.
Received via the ISDN communication unit 12. The network state management unit 24 itself does not issue a circuit switching request, and when connecting or disconnecting from another connection destination (router) for network management, requests the connection destination management unit 22b to do so. . In addition, since information on the connection status with the connection destination is managed in the connection destination state storage unit 32 by the connection destination management unit 22b, if this connection information is required, it is transmitted through the connection destination management unit 22b. Receive information.

2) A request for forming a private network is received from a computer on LAN # 0 via connection destination management unit 22b when a network is formed starting from LAN # 0. When another LAN # 1 or the like is used as a starting point, another LAN # 1 is transmitted via the ISDN communication unit 12.
Receive from 1st mag.

3) The initial setting unit 27 forms an initial private network based on the connection destination information table 31b. Requests the connection destination management unit 22b to connect to a predetermined router, and issues a network formation notification to the router. When a network formation notification is received from another router, connection and notification are performed with another router.
Each router belonging to the private network repeats the network formation notification and the connection between routers until the network is completed.

4) The state information of the constructed private network is stored in the network state storage unit 33, and the contents are rewritten according to a change in the state of the network.
The network status information is provided for various processes.

5) When a subscription request is received from another router after the initial network formation, or when a request to add another unsubscribed connection destination to the network is received from LAN # 0, the request information is replaced with the connection destination information. The information is transferred to the subscription reception processing unit 26 together with the information in the table 31b, the network status storage unit 33, and the connection destination status storage unit 32, and requests for the determination and the process regarding the subscription reception. In addition, based on the processing result of the subscription reception processing unit 26, it executes processing necessary for changing the private network, such as issuing a connection change request to the connection destination management unit 22b.

6) While all the B channels are being used, there is communication from outside via the D channel, and the exchange processing path control unit 21b
If there is an inquiry about the handling, if it is a subscription request from another router, the processing of the above 5) is executed.

7) If there is an inquiry about the path control from the exchange processing path control section 21b, the inquiry and the contents of the network state storage section 33 are transferred to the optimum communication processing section 2.
5 and processing necessary for optimal communication based on the processing result (temporary open-end connection, route specification, etc.)
Is executed.

The above is the configuration of the network status management unit 24. Next, the connection destination information table 3 in the storage unit 14b
1b and the configuration of the network status storage unit 33 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the connection destination information table of the present embodiment.

The connection destination information table 31b of this embodiment
Is the connection destination management unit 22b and the network status management unit 2
4 and can be searched from both sides, and is made up of a plurality of tables of authentication information units of connection requesters. In the figure, the authentication information is the computer% 1 of LAN # 0 and the user * 1.
, The first table is shown.

This table 31b is made up of requestable connection destination information T1 and connection partner information T2. When all the connectable destination information T1 of the request source in each table configured in the authentication information unit of the connection requester is collected, the contents become the same as the connection destination information table 31 shown in the first embodiment.

The connection partner information T2 is the connection partner authentication information T
3 and private network information T4. In the table 31b, both pieces of information T3 and T4 correspond.

The connection partner authentication information T3 is configured as authentication information by adding the minimum authentication information including the partner logable computer name T5 and the partner user T6, and further adding the partner connection destination name T7 and the partner password T8. I have.

In the private network information T4,
Information for configuring the private network is stored. That is, a group identifier T9 and its type T10 are provided corresponding to each private network, and further, for each group, initial setting information T11 indicating a connection partner who becomes a network member at the beginning of the formation of the network, and join the private network. It stores join permission / non-permission information T12 indicating a possible connection partner.

When the basic interface of the ISDN is used, the type T10 includes an open-end network (“open” in FIG. 7) and a loop network (“loop” in FIG. 7). When an interface is used, there is a type of network in which one router is connected to three or more other routers, in addition to these networks. In this embodiment, only a case where an open-end network is constructed will be described.

Since such a table is provided for each authentication information unit of the connection requester and constitutes the entire connection destination information table 31b, the connection destination information table 31b stores the relationship between the connection request source and the connection partner. All the information about the relationship and the relationship in each network can be provided.

In this embodiment, the configuration of the connection destination information table is as shown in FIG. 7. However, any editing pattern of the table may be used as long as the contents are substantially the same.

The network status storage unit 33 has a LAN
Regarding the connection partner forming a network together with # 0, network information such as computers, users, routers, router connection relations, etc. constituting the network is stored.

Hereinafter, another configuration in the circuit switching unit 13b will be described.

The optimal communication processing unit 25, based on the information given at the request of the network status management unit 24,
A method for performing optimal communication is presented to the network status management unit 24. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the own router 1b is located at an end point of the private network, and when it is at the end point, the destination node of the information to be transmitted by the router 1b has passed through the other end point. If it is faster, the router temporarily connects its own router to the other end point and returns a result to the network state management unit 24 that the information should be transmitted via the other end point.

At the request of the network status management unit 24, the subscription reception processing unit 26
It is determined from the connection destination information T2 of the connection destination information table 31b whether or not to newly join the network or to connect to a network that has not joined the network at that time. A network connection procedure is determined based on the state storage unit 33 and the result is stored in the network state management unit 2.
4

The connection destination management unit 22b executes these processes in response to a circuit switching connection request request from the network management status unit 24 and a content transmission request from the connection destination status information storage unit 32, and executes the processing from the LAN # 0. The configuration is similar to that of the connection destination management unit 22 of the first embodiment, except that a network formation request, a change request, and the like are delivered to the network status management unit 24.

When a private network is formed, the exchange processing path control section 21b inquires of the network state management section 24 about the optimum path when making a path decision, and when all B channels are in use. When an interrupt telephone is connected via the D channel to the network management unit 24, an inquiry about the handling is issued not only to the connection destination management unit 22b but also to the network state management unit 24. The configuration is the same as that of the exchange processing path control unit 21b.

Next, the operation of the network connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, and the formation of a network constructed thereby will be described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining how to form an open network in this embodiment. In the figure, routers R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are network connection devices similar to the router 1b shown in FIG.

First, when the network formation requester belonging to the router R1 wishes to form a private network to which the requester can belong, the requester's computer notifies the router R1 of the fact.

At this time, 2 for designating network formation
There are two ways. One is a method of specifying the group identifier T9 in FIG. 7 and specifying to form a network by the initial setting information T11. Another method is to designate a group identifier T9 and to designate a member belonging to the initial network among members included in the initial setting information T11 and the join permission / inhibition information T12 to make a network formation request.

When the router receives such a notification from any computer, the initial setting unit 27 of the network status management unit 24 shown in FIG.
b, the requester and the network forming member are authenticated, and the network type T10 is also confirmed. Note that the present embodiment describes a case where the type is an open type. Then, when it is determined that the network can be formed, a circuit switching request is made to the connection destination management unit 22b, and a network including the information of the group identifier T9 and the member information is transmitted to the connected router. A formation notification is issued.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, first, a call is made from the first router R1 to the router R2 and connected (FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b)). At the time of connection, the router R2 checks whether or not the connectable condition is satisfied by searching the connection destination information table 31b by the network state management unit 24, and is connected via the B channel to establish communication between the two. The router R2 receives the specific contents of the network formation notification.

At this point, the other B of router R2
Channel is open.

Next, if further network connection is required based on the contents of the network formation notification, the router R2 makes a call to the router R3 (FIG. 8).
(B)). Then, it connects to the router R3 via the other B channel of the router R2 and delivers a network formation notification (FIG. 8 (c)).

This operation is sequentially repeated, and the router R1,
R2, R3, R4, and R5 are connected to complete an open private network (FIG. 8D).

The length of the completed private network is a network of an arbitrary length designated by the first requester when forming the network. In each of the routers R1 to R5, information on network connection and the like is managed in the network status storage unit 33, and the information is used for joining, leaving, and communication path control to the network.

In the private network thus formed, one B channel of both end point routers R1 and R5 is open, and it is an open network.

Next, communication path control in the network shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of communication in the network of this embodiment.

In each of the routers R1 to R5, communication path control between nodes is performed by the exchange processing path control unit 21b. In this private network path control, the exchange processing path control unit 21b may send the network information management information. The unit 24 is inquired about the optimum route.

At this time, based on the network status information stored in the network status storage unit 33, the route is determined by the optimum communication processing unit 25. In the normal case, since the network is an open type network, the route is unique. However, when it is faster to temporarily connect the routers R1 and R2 and communicate via R1 to R5, the optimal communication processing unit 2
5 passes the result to that effect to the network status management unit 24.

The network status management unit 24 sets R1
A request for connection between .about.R2 is made to the connection destination management unit 22b, and the optimum route information is delivered to the exchange processing route control unit 21b.

As a result, a temporary connection is established between R1 and R2, and communication is performed. After communication, R1 to R2
The space is open.

Next, a modification of the network shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

In the private network according to the present embodiment, new joining and withdrawing from the network can be freely performed, and the shape of the network changes accordingly.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the network of the present embodiment.

[0157] In the figure, a state is shown in which the communication partner permitted to join the network in the join permission / inhibition information T12 of the connection destination information table 31b joins the private network.

First, the router R connected to the communication partner
6 makes a call to the router R4, that is, when the call is interrupted by a normal telephone, both routers use the UUI using the D channel.
(User user interface), and a network participation request is made from the router R6 to the router R4 (FIG. 10A).

In the router R4, it is confirmed from the connection destination information table 31b whether the communication partner is qualified to participate in the network. If it is possible to participate in the network, the connection with the router R3 is released by the MP connection function, and the connection with the router R6 is made via the B channel (FIG. 10B).

At this time, the router R4 transmits the information to the router R1.
And a router R5 is notified of the network deformation, and the routers R1 and R5 establish a network connection between them based on the content of the notification. Thus, in the new network after the deformation, the router R3 and the router R6 become end points (FIG. 10B).

The above-described procedures are performed by the subscription reception processing unit 26 based on a request from the network status management unit 27. A new network state is stored in each of the routers R1 to R6.

In the description with reference to FIG. 10, a case has been described in which a new join is made to a router that is not an end point.
In the case of 5), after the other party is authenticated, the connection is made as it is, and the newly joined router becomes the new endpoint.

Further, it is also possible to make a connection request to a new subscriber from any of the routers R1 to R5 forming the network. The same processing as in the above case is performed, and the new subscriber is drawn. .

The withdrawal from the private network is also free. The withdrawal issues a withdrawal notification to one or two routers to which the withdrawal is made, and based on this, the network connection on both sides of the withdrawal is executed. .

Further, in such an open type network, a device belonging to a router at the end point further makes a call to another network such as the Internet as necessary.
It is possible to connect. By connecting from such an end point, connection between the private network and another network can be realized.

As described above, in the network connection device and the network construction method according to the embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the provision of the same configuration as in the first embodiment, a network management unit 23 is provided to form a network. And management, so that the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, a private network can be freely changed by dynamically changing the connection relationship of the network via the telephone line. It can be performed.

That is, a deformable network can be constructed within the range of members (initial setting information T11 and join / non-join information T12) that can belong to the network corresponding to the group identifier T in the connection destination information table 31b. .
It is a flexible network whose member configuration can be changed compared to a conventional intranet or the like. Thus, for example, L
Even when AN # 0 is a joint LAN of a satellite office, a network can be formed for each user.

Further, since this network is connected using a telephone line, it can be a highly secure network.

Furthermore, since new joining or leaving of the network can be performed using the MP connection and the UUI, the network can be expanded freely without having to restart the network connection from the beginning.

[0170] Further, since communication is performed at the end points of the network as needed, communication between nodes can be performed at high speed.

(Third Embodiment of the Invention) In the second embodiment, the case where an open-end network is constructed has been described. In the present embodiment, a loop network using a B channel of a basic interface of ISDN is described. Will be described.

The router used in this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment, except that the optimum signal processing unit 25 and the subscription reception processing unit 26 are adapted to a loop type network.

The optimal communication processing unit 25 is configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and also presents an optimal communication method suitable for the loop network to the network state management unit 24. Specifically, when communicating with another node using the number of hops managed by the network state storage unit 33,
A route (clockwise or counterclockwise) that can be transmitted faster is searched for and determined, and the result is returned to the network state management unit 24.

Next, the operation of the network connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, and the formation of a network constructed thereby will be described.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining how a loop network is formed in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the same figure, routers R1, R2, R3, R
4, R6 are network connection devices similar to the router 1b shown in FIG.

First, as in the case of the second embodiment,
A network request is output from a network requester who is a computer user connected to the router R1. In the case of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the formation network is of a loop type.

While the same processing as described in the second embodiment is performed inside each router, first, as shown in FIG. 11A, a call is made from the router R1 to the router R2, and
Network connection by channel (Fig. 11
(A), (b)).

Next, a call is made from the router R2 to the router R3 to be connected to the network (FIGS. 11A and 11B).

Hereinafter, the same operation is performed between the routers R3 and R4.
It is repeated between R4 and R5 and between R5 and R6 (FIG. 11).
(C)). It should be noted that the network formation notification includes information indicating that the information is of a loop type.
The operation in (c) is the same as that in FIG.
Same as (d).

Assuming that the initial member of this private network is a communicator connected to routers R1, R2, R3, R4, and R6, the connection has already been made in an open form at this point. However, in this embodiment, since the network type is a loop, the call is finally sent from the router R6 to the router R1 and connected. Thus, the initial shape of the loop network is completed (FIG. 11).
(D)).

The length of the completed private network is a network of an arbitrary length specified by the first requester when forming the network. In each of the routers R1 to R6, information on network connection and the like is managed in the network status storage unit 33, and the information is used for joining, leaving, and communication path control to the network.

Next, communication path control in the network shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a communication example in the network of the present embodiment.

In this loop type network, a clockwise route A or a counterclockwise route B shown in the figure is used as a communication route in the network. In performing this control, an inquiry is made from the exchange processing path control unit 21b to the network state management unit 24b.

The network state management unit 24b requests the optimum communication processing unit 25 to calculate the optimum path, and the result is returned to the exchange processing path control unit 21b to execute the path control.

For example, in FIG. 12, when communicating from the router R5 to the router R1, the route A is used, and when communicating from the router R5 to the router R3, the route B is used.

Next, a modification of the network will be described.

In the private network according to the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, new subscription to the network,
Withdrawal is free, and the network shape is deformed accordingly.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the network of this embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows a state where a communication partner permitted to join the network in the join permission / prohibition information T12 of the connection destination information table 31b joins the private network.

First, the router R connected to the communication partner
7 makes a call to router R4, that is, when the call is interrupted by a normal telephone, both routers use a UUI using the D channel.
(User user interface), and a network participation request is made from the router R6 to the router R4 (FIG. 13A).

In the router R4, it is confirmed from the connection destination information table 31b whether the communication partner is qualified to participate in the network. If it is possible to participate in the network, the connection with the router R3 is released by the MP connection function, and the connection with the router R7 is made via the B channel (FIG. 13B).

At this time, the router R3 is connected to the router R4.
, And the router R3 establishes a network connection between the routers R3 to R7 in accordance with the contents of the notification. Thereby, in the new network after the deformation, the router R7 is connected to the router R3 and the router R4.
(FIG. 13B).

The procedures of the above-described processes are performed by the subscription reception processing unit 26 based on a request from the network status management unit 27. A new network state is stored in each of the routers R1 to R7.

In the description with reference to FIG. 10, a case has been described in which a new subscription is made from the outside. However, it is also possible to issue a connection request to a new subscriber from any of the routers R1 to R6 forming the network. If possible, a process similar to that described above is performed to attract a new subscriber.

The withdrawal from the private network is also free, and the withdrawal issues a withdrawal notification to the routers on both sides to which the withdrawal is made, and based on this, the network connection on both sides of the withdrawal is executed.

As described above, in the network connection device and the network construction method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the same configuration as that of the second embodiment is provided, and a loop type network can be constructed. Even in the case of constructing a loop type network, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

Further, since the optimum communication path of the loop network is determined by the optimum communication processing unit 25 based on the network state information, high-speed communication can be executed.

(Fourth Embodiment of the Invention) Second and Third Embodiments
In the embodiment, the technology for constructing a flexible private network using the communication device (network connection device) of the present invention has been described. In the present embodiment, a technique of resource management of a storage device connected to a private network configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network connection device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The network connection device 1c of the present embodiment
Is provided with a file access control unit 28 and the second
Alternatively, the configuration is the same as that of the network connection device 1b of the third embodiment.

[0202] The file access control unit 28
0 controls a file access signal for a storage device connected to the storage device 0. This control is executed when the storage device is used only in a certain private network, or when a partial area of the storage device is used only in the certain private network.
That is, the file access control unit 28 determines that the LAN # 0
File access signal transmitted on the data transmission path 2 of the communication path from the ISDN communication section 12 to the exchange processing path control section 2
1b, while monitoring signals for accessing the storage device of LAN # 0 via the LAN communication unit 11, and performing a process of prohibiting access to the storage device when these access signals are invalid. .

Specifically, when an access signal to the storage device for the specific network is detected, network connection state information is extracted from the network state storage unit 33 via the network management unit 23, and a judgment based on this information is made. Do. That is, the access signal is passed to the storage device only when the access signal is output from a computer belonging to the network and the network satisfies the condition for enabling access to the storage device. Is permitted, otherwise the access signal is invalidated.

Next, the operation of the network connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining storage device access control in this embodiment.

The routers R1, R2, R3, R shown in FIG.
The routers 4, R5, and R6 are the same as the router 1c shown in FIG. 14, and a computer is connected to them so that a private network can be formed.
That is, the routers R1 to R6 form the router R
1, a private network X to which R4, R5, and R6 are connected, or a private network Y to which routers R1, R2, R3, and R5 are connected.

Further, storage devices 41 and 42 are connected to the routers R1 and R5, respectively.
1, 42, storage areas 41X, 42X and storage area 4
1Y and 42Y are provided. In addition, the storage area 41
X and 42X are used exclusively for the private network X, and the storage areas 41Y and 42Y are used exclusively for the private network Y.

In such a situation, consider the case where the private network X is configured. At this time, the computer names, users, and passwords of the constituents of the private network X are provided in the network status storage unit 33 of each of the routers R1, R4, R5, and R6, and it is confirmed that the private network X is indeed formed. Only when the network X is configured, access to the storage areas 41X and 42X from the network X component becomes possible.

The access when the network configuration information is not available, or the access to the storage areas 41X and 42X from anyone other than the network constructor is invalidated by the file access control unit.

Similarly, the private network Y
Is configured, and only the access to the storage areas 41Y and 42Y from the network Y component is possible when the respective configuration information is prepared.

As described above, in the network connection device and the network construction method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the same configuration as that of the second or third embodiment is provided, and the file access control unit 28 is provided. , A private network is configured, each of the configuration information is prepared, and a storage device corresponding only when requested by the constituent,
Since the storage area can be accessed, information can be easily shared only in the private network. That is, information can be safely (securely) separated for each network.

(Fifth Embodiment of the Invention) Second or Third Embodiment
In the above embodiment, the private network was constructed using the B channel of the basic interface of ISDN.
In the present embodiment, a private network using a primary rate interface of ISDN and enabling simultaneous connection from one router to three or more routers will be described.

In the router used in this embodiment, the optimum signal processing unit 25 and the subscription reception processing unit 26 are adapted to the network using the primary rate interface, and are the same as in the second embodiment. It is configured.

The optimum communication processing unit 25 is configured in the same manner as in the second or third embodiment. In addition, the newer line connection from the router 1b to another router enables faster transmission. If yes, and such a connection is permitted, the result is returned to the network status management unit 24.

Next, the operation of the network connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above and the formation of a network constructed by this will be described.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a network using a network connection device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, routers R1, R2, R
3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 are routers that construct a network.

FIG. 21A shows a network formed by the router according to the present embodiment. The connection is sequentially executed while the information of the connection destination and the connection relationship to be initially formed is issued by the network formation notification from the router R1 as the starting point. For example, in the case of the same figure,
Call from router R1 to routers R2, R5, R6, connect,
Network formation notification is issued, and routers R5 and R
6, R5, R4, R5, R3, R3, R2, R
A connection is made between R3 and R4.

As shown in FIG. 16 (b), when a new connection to the network is made, for example, a call is made from the router R7 to R4, and if the connection is permitted, the connection between R7 and R4, R
7. A connection is made between R2.

Thus, dynamic network formation,
Although changes can be made freely, in the case of this embodiment, three or more B (H) channels can be used.
As shown in (a) and (b), it is possible to construct a mesh network. As in the above embodiments, each network member can freely join and withdraw from the private network.

In communication between routers, the optimum route is calculated by the optimum communication processing unit 25 based on the information in the network state storage unit 33. This execution can also be performed at the fastest speed in consideration of the state of the network connection. Routes are required. Further, if necessary, temporary connection between routers as described in the second embodiment is also performed.

As described above, in the network connection device and the network construction method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the same configuration as that of the second or third embodiment is provided. Since each unit is configured to function in accordance with the group speed interface, a complicated mesh-like private network can be constructed.

Further, since a single router can connect to a plurality of routers, the procedure for newly joining a network can be simplified.

Furthermore, connection between routers can be performed so that communication between nodes can be performed at high speed, and high-speed communication according to the situation can be realized by performing temporary connection.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.

For example, in each embodiment, the telephone line is IS
Although the case where the DN line is used has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a telephone line based on another standard similar to ISDN.

Further, for example, each embodiment has been described in connection with the case where it is applied to LAN # 0, but the application of the present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, a personal computer, a workstation, and a CP for a video or DVD playback device.
It is possible to connect and use the network connection device of the present embodiment to any information device having a U or the like and capable of information processing. In this way, a private network can be formed near a personal user. Further, the network connection device of the present embodiment may be incorporated and used in these information devices.

In the tables of the respective embodiments, all pieces of information necessary for the router operation in the embodiments are stored in the connection destination information table. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A part of the contents of the connection destination information table may be obtained from another router, server computer, or the like by communication.

Further, the method described in the embodiment can be executed by a computer as a program such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory. And can also be transmitted and distributed via a communication medium. A computer that implements the present apparatus reads the program recorded in the storage medium, receives the program via the communication medium, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation of the program.

[0229]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, since the table having the authentication information and the connection destination information is provided, the connection to the network via the telephone line can be dynamically changed at the user level. Can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, since the table having the authentication information, the connection destination information and the network member information is provided, the connection relationship of the network via the telephone line is dynamically changed to change the network shape. It is possible to provide a network connection device and a network construction method that enable the above.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the D channel is used, and it is possible to respond to other connection requests even when, for example, all the B channels are used. A communication device that facilitates the change can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a network connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied to network formation.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view showing a configuration example of a network connection device of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing a configuration example of a connection destination information table according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view for explaining the operation of the network connection device according to the embodiment to simultaneously connect to two connection destinations from different computers.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the concept of a network system formed by network connection devices according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a configuration example of a network connection device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a configuration example of a connection destination information table according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary view for explaining how an open network is formed in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view showing a communication example in the network of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the network according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining how a loop network is formed in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a communication example in the network according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the network according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network connection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary view for explaining storage device access control according to the embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary view for explaining a network using a network connection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a method for connecting a personal computer to a network.

18 is a view showing an example of information defined in the personal computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining a case where connection is made between LANs by a fixed address.

FIG. 20 is a view for explaining a case where LANs are connected by a temporary address.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1b, 1c router 2 data transmission path 3 telephone line 11 LAN communication unit 12 ISDN communication unit 13, 13b, 13c circuit switching unit 14, 14b storage unit 21, 21b switching processing path control unit 22, 22b ... connection destination management unit 23 ... network management unit 24, 24b ... network status management unit 25 ... optimal communication processing unit 26 ... subscription reception processing unit 27 ... initial setting unit 28 ... file access control unit 31, 31b ... connection destination Information table 32: Connection destination storage unit 33: Network status storage unit # 0: LAN # 1, # 2: Connection destination% 1,% 2,% 3,% 4: Computer * 1, * 2: User

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI // H04L 9/32

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A network connection device that connects a predetermined network to another network by using an ISDN line or a communication line conforming to a standard that can use a plurality of channels according to the ISDN line to enable communication, wherein a user of each of the network-connectable devices is used. A connection destination information table that stores information on a connection destination to which each user is permitted to connect in association with the authentication information, together with authentication information including identification information and the like, and requests a network connection from any of the devices. A network connection unit that searches the connection destination information table when received, and executes the network connection based on a result of the search. 2. The connection destination information table includes authentication information including device information and user identification information of each device that can be connected to a network, and information on a connection destination to which each user is permitted to connect. 2. The network connection device according to claim 1, wherein the network connection device is stored in association with the network connection. 3. When a network connection request is received from any of the devices, the network connection means searches the connection destination information table, and, based on the search result, determines that the connection request source is a connection destination to which connection is permitted. 3. The network connection device according to claim 1, wherein the network connection is executed when a connection request is made. 4. A network connection device that enables communication by connecting a predetermined network to another network by using an ISDN line or a communication line conforming to a standard that can use a plurality of channels according to the ISDN line. When a network connection request is received from a device, even if another network connection has already been formed, if there is a free channel on the communication line, the network connection for the one device is executed. A network connection device comprising network connection means. 5. A network connection device for connecting a predetermined network to another network to enable communication by using an ISDN line or a communication line conforming to a standard capable of using a plurality of channels, wherein each of the devices is capable of network connection. A connection destination information table that stores information about a connection destination to which each user is permitted to connect in association with the authentication information, together with authentication information including information and user identification information, and a network connection from any of the devices. As a result of searching the connection destination information table when receiving the request, if the connection request requests connection to a connection destination to which connection is permitted, the plurality of channels of the communication line are used. A network connection means for executing a plurality of network connections Connect the equipment. 6. The network connection device according to claim 5, wherein said network connection means enables a plurality of network connections to different connection destinations. 7. A network connection device that is one of the communication devices in one network constructed by the network connection between the devices via a plurality of the same communication devices, wherein the connection information table includes: 7. The network connection according to claim 5, wherein the network connection has information corresponding to the authentication information of each device belonging to the one network and indicating that the belonging devices are permitted to connect to each other. machine. 8. The network connection means includes an ISDN.
The two B channels can be simultaneously connected to two connection destinations using two B channels of a line, and the communication device is located at a position other than an end point of the one network. 8. The network connection device according to claim 7, wherein both of them are connected to another communication device belonging to the one network. 9. When there is a request to the communication device belonging to the one network to join the one network via a D channel of an ISDN line, the network connection means includes the connection destination information. A table is searched to determine whether or not the subscription request source can subscribe to the one network, and if subscription is possible, when one B channel is open, the subscription request source is set to the one B channel. If both B channels have been connected to the network, a command is issued to interconnect the communication devices located at both ends of the one network, and one of the B channels is opened. 9. The network connection device according to claim 8, wherein said connection request source is connected to a network. 10. When one communication device located at one end point of the one network communicates with a communication device located at another end point, the network connection unit communicates with the communication device located at the other end point. 9. A network connection.
Or the network connection device according to 9. 11. The network connection means includes an ISD
The network connection can be made to two connection destinations simultaneously using two B channels of N lines, and both of the two B channels can be connected to different communication devices belonging to the one network. The network connection device according to claim 7, wherein connection is established. 12. When there is a request to the communication device belonging to the one network to join the one network via a D channel of an ISDN line, the network connection means includes the connection destination information. A table is searched to determine whether or not the subscription request source can subscribe to the one network. If the subscription is possible, the connection to itself is disconnected from any communication device connected to the network and the subscription is performed. 12. The network connection device according to claim 11, wherein a command is issued to make a network connection with the request source, and a network connection is made with the subscription request source via the B channel opened by the disconnection. 13. When one communication device belonging to the one network communicates with another communication device, the communication device transmits the other communication device to the other communication device through a path via one of the two communication devices connected to the network. 13. The network connection device according to claim 11, further comprising a route selection unit that sets a route having a small number of communication devices to the device as a communication route. 14. The storage unit connected to any one of the communication devices only when the one network is constructed by a part or all of the devices belonging to the one network. 14. The network connection device according to claim 7, further comprising an access restriction unit that allows a device constructing the network to access. 15. A network construction method for constructing a network by connecting a network between network-connected devices via an ISDN line, wherein each network-connected device belonging to the network is an ISDN line.
Two of the channels of the DN line are used for network connection, one of the network connection devices is connected to another network connection device using one channel, and three or more network connection devices are connected. If you do
By using the channel opened by the one network connection device or another network connection device to further connect to a network with another network connection device and repeating the above operation, the end point is opened, and at least two or more networks are connected. A network construction method, comprising constructing a network to which connected devices are connected. 16. A network construction method for constructing a network by connecting a network between network-connected devices via an ISDN line, wherein each of the network-connected devices belonging to the network has an ISDN line.
Two of the channels of the DN line are used for network connection, one of the network connection devices is connected to another network connection device using one channel, and three or more network connection devices are connected. If you do
The one network connection device or another network connection device makes a network connection with another network connection device using the opened channel, and after all the predetermined network connection devices are connected, the network devices located at the end points thereof A network connection using a channel opened by the user. 17. A communication device using a communication line conforming to an ISDN line or a communication line conforming to a standard that can use a plurality of channels according to the ISDN line. A communication device that stops communication with the certain communication partner and releases the certain channel in accordance with the request of the other communication partner and / or a preset rule when the communication partner is connected. 18. After the certain channel is opened,
18. The communication device according to claim 17, wherein the connection with the other communication partner is made by the certain channel according to the request of the other communication partner and / or a preset rule. 19. A communication device using an ISDN line or a communication line conforming to a standard capable of using a plurality of channels according to the ISDN line. When connected to another communication partner via a channel, the communication with the one communication partner is stopped and the one data transmission channel is released in accordance with the request of the other communication partner and / or a preset rule. A communication device characterized by: 20. After the one data transmission channel is released, a connection with the other communication partner is established by the one data transmission channel in accordance with a request of the other communication partner and / or a preset rule. The communication device according to claim 19, wherein the communication is performed. 21. The one data transmission channel is IS
B channel of the DN line, and the control channel is I channel
21. The communication device according to claim 19, wherein the communication device is a D channel of an SDN line.