JP2780734B2 - LAN public network connection device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connection device for connecting a LAN (Local Area Network) to a public network.
In particular, the present invention relates to a LAN public network connection device that can reduce the communication cost of the public network for inter-LAN communication via the public network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, this kind of public network connection device 61 is used.
4, as shown in FIG. 4, accommodates and connects LANs 51 to, while being connected to an ISDN 50 of a public network. The public network connection device 61 is connected to another subscriber terminal via the ISDN 50, and is connected to each LAN via the public network connection devices 62 and 63 connected to the ISDN 50.
52, 53 are connected.

When the LANs 51, 52, 53 constitute the same company network, the public network connection devices 61, 6
Reference numerals 2 and 63 denote route control information of a communication route indicating a connection state of each of the LANs 51, 52 and 53 to a public network, here, ISDN.
50 is periodically transmitted (for example, every 30 seconds) to secure a communication path. On the other hand, LAN public network connection devices 61, 62, 63 are LAN 51, 52, 5
In the communication between the three, the public network line is released and disconnected after the lapse of the designated timing in order to avoid collection of charges due to unnecessary reservation in the ISDN 50.

As described above, normally, the public network connection devices 61 to 63 of the LAN release and disconnect the public network line after a lapse of a timing designated for communication to a specific destination LAN. Since the route control information is periodically transmitted to the public network line, a situation in which the public network line is not disconnected occurs, and the burden of unnecessary communication costs cannot be avoided.

[0005] To solve this problem, a technique for communication management of path control information in a conventional LAN public network connection device is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H06-232875.

In this system, the public network connection device of each LAN stores path control information, and sends out only the changed information via the public network at the time of periodic distribution, thereby making it unnecessary. Outgoing calls to public networks.
Also, by limiting one of the public network connection devices as a parent device and the other as a child device to send information to one parent device, and notifying the child device of the collective information from the parent device, Transfer efficiency has been improved. Further, the transfer information is marked with a transfer refusal mark for LANs that do not need to be transferred, and the transfer information is not transferred to the LAN with this mark, thereby reducing the amount of transfer information.

[0007]

The above-mentioned conventional LAN
The public network connection device stops transmission of information that does not need to be distributed among the route control information that is periodically distributed, and limits the transfer information via the public network to a minimum necessary amount by using a parent-child transfer method. ing. In this configuration, the communication cost is reduced by reducing the transfer information transmitted periodically, but the timing for releasing and disconnecting the PSTN line is specified uniformly, and the communication cost is reduced. Is not enough.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to release and disconnect a public network line with fine timing settings in consideration of a non-data time and a billing time, thereby improving the efficiency of communication cost reduction of a LAN. It is to provide a device.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a LAN public network connection apparatus for transferring data between LANs (local area networks) connected to a public network via the public network.
The AN data is monitored, and when the transfer of the LAN data is completed, the connection of the public network line is continued for the next LAN data for a predetermined time, and then, in the public network connection device of the LAN to be disconnected, A number extracting means for detecting a header, extracting a predetermined destination number from the detected header and outputting the same, and a charging time indexed from the destination number, and based on the charging time, public information for the following LAN data is determined. Time setting means for setting a minimum no-data connection time for continuing connection of a network line, and measuring a time limit value set based on the minimum no-data connection time when detecting no data due to the end of the LAN data transfer And a time detection means for detecting arrival of the time value and outputting a disconnection instruction signal, and instructing disconnection of the continuously connected public network line by the disconnection instruction signal of the time limit detection means. And a cross indicating means, and the no-data are similarly predefined and no data for the predetermined data including the periodic communication.

[0010] The time setting means may be set by calculating the minimum data-free connection time based on the indexed charging time. Another setting means may include a charging time corresponding to the destination number and a minimum. A development table for storing the data-free connection time is stored in advance, and is set by indexing the minimum data-free connection time from the development table based on the indexed destination number.

Further, the time limit detecting means sets a larger time value between the received charging time and the minimum no-data connection time as a time limit value.

Further, another specific means has an offset table for storing an offset signal for a charging time corresponding to a destination number in advance, and adds an offset time based on the offset signal to add an offset time before generating a charging measurement pulse. A pulse generating means for generating a charging response pulse is provided, and the disconnection instructing means is continuously connected when receiving a charging response pulse received from the pulse generating means after receiving a disconnection instruction signal from the time limit detecting means. Is disconnected from the public network.

[0013]

Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. In the LAN public network connection device shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the public network is ISDN, and a LAN interface unit 11 connected to the LAN and an ISDN interface unit 12 connected to the ISDN are provided. In the meantime, L transferred between LANs via ISDN
A data monitoring and detecting unit 13 that monitors AN data and detects a header of LAN data is provided. That is, the data monitoring / detecting unit 13 achieves the object of the present invention by:
It monitors a header of only LAN data transferred between LANs, and detects no data in the data such as the routing control information, the incoming data in the public network, and the data by broadcast communication which are periodically transmitted. I do.

Further, the public network connection device includes a number extracting unit 2
1. Time data index unit 22, Minimum data time setting unit 2
3. No-data time detector 24, offset signal indexer 2
5. Billing pulse generator 26 and call disconnection instructor 2
7, the destination number is known from the header detected by the data monitoring detection unit 13, the destination number to a specific LAN is extracted from the destination number, and the charging time is indexed from the specific destination number. Set the minimum data connection time,
The public network line is disconnected by instructing the ISDN interface unit 12 based on the minimum data-free connection time.

Next, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, based on the minimum no-data connection time, a no-data time period is set in relation to a charging time, and a charging corresponding pulse by an offset time is set. An example of disconnecting the public network line is shown in a time chart, and each component will be described first with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

The number extracting section 21 is provided for the data monitoring detecting section 13.
, And compares the header value set in this header with the header value in the number table previously provided, and finds the destination number of the charging target requiring the minimum data-free connection time from the matched header value. The index is output to each unit, and a transmission instruction signal is transmitted to the transmission disconnection instruction unit 27 together with the destination number. For transfer data of a header value not included in the number table, a transmission instruction signal is transmitted due to a comparison mismatch.

The time data index unit 22 includes a number extracting unit 21
, A charging time per unit charge corresponding to the destination number is indexed from a time table provided in advance, and the minimum no-data time setting unit 23, the no-data time detecting unit 24, and the charging pulse generating unit 26 are searched. Send out. The minimum non-data time setting unit 23 calculates a time interval for maintaining the connection required at least for guaranteeing the transfer of the next LAN data from the charging time received from the time data indexing unit 22. 3 and is sent to the no-data time detecting unit 24 as the minimum no-data connection time value.

The no-data period detecting unit 24 compares the charging time value received from the time data indexing unit 22 with the minimum no-data connection time value received from the minimum no-data time setting unit 23, and determines a larger time value. The timer is prepared and set as a no-data time limit value, and after receiving a charging start notification from the transmission disconnection instructing unit 27, the timer is notified by a no-data notification that the LAN data received from the data monitoring and detecting unit 13 has passed and the data has become a no-data section. When the timer reaches the time limit value of the timer, a disconnection instruction signal is sent to the transmission disconnection instruction unit 27.

FIG. 3A shows an example in which the no-data time limit value is set as the charging time value because the charging time value is larger than the minimum no-data connection time value. FIG. 3 (B)
Shows an example in which the minimum no-data connection time value is set to the minimum no-data connection time value because the minimum no-data connection time value is larger than the charging time value.

The offset signal indexing unit 25 in FIG.
Sends an offset signal corresponding to the destination number received from the number extracting unit 21 to the charging pulse generating unit 26 by referring to an offset table provided in advance. When receiving the charging start notification from the transmission disconnection instructing unit 27, the charging pulse generating unit 26 advances the generation of the charging pulse by the offset time included in the offset signal received from the offset signal indexing unit 25 (see FIG. 3). The charging corresponding pulse is generated at a time interval based on the charging time received from the data index unit 22 and transmitted to the transmission disconnection instructing unit 27.

The transmission disconnection instructing section 27 instructs the ISDN interface section 12 to perform transmission with a destination number given by a transmission instruction signal received from the number extracting section 21 when transmitting transfer data between LANs. On the other hand, since the ISDN interface unit 12 receives the connect signal from the ISDN and detects the start of charging, the disconnection instructing unit 27 receives the notification of the start of charging, sends it to the charging pulse generating unit 26, and outputs the charging pulse (ISDN). Before the billing process) occurs, a billing-related pulse is received from the billing pulse generation unit 26 in advance of the offset time as shown in FIG. When a disconnection instruction is received from the no-data time detection unit 24, a disconnection instruction is transmitted to the ISDN interface unit 12 by a charging corresponding pulse from the charging pulse generating unit 26 which is received next, and the charging process in ISDN is stopped. .

Next, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 together,
An operation procedure for setting a no-data connection time minutely for LAN data transferred between LANs via ISDN and instructing disconnection of the PSTN line will be described.

First, the data monitoring / detecting unit 13 detects a header from the LAN data transferred between the LAN interface unit 11 and the ISDN interface unit 12 (step 30) and sends it to the number extracting unit 21. Number extractor 21
Checks and compares the header value of the header received from the data monitoring detection unit 13 with the header value of a preset number table (step 31). If the header value matches, the destination number corresponding to this header value is retrieved from the number table. Index and send (Procedure 3
2) Do it. The header value of the matched number table is, for example, the IS of the LAN that constructs the same company network.
This is a destination number in the DN.

The time data indexing unit 22, which has received the destination number transmitted in step 32, indexes the charging time corresponding to the destination number from a preset charging time table (step 3).
3) Yes. Next, the minimum non-data time setting unit 23 receives the charging time value detected in the procedure 33, and
The minimum data connection time that can guarantee the transfer of the AN data is calculated and set based on the charging time value (procedure 35), and is sent to the non-data time detection unit 24.

The no-data period detecting unit 24 receives the charging time value indexed in the step 33 and the minimum no-data connection time value set in the step 35, and as shown in FIG. The other time value is determined as a no-data time limit value, and the determined no-data time limit value is set in a timer to prepare for measurement. When receiving from the data monitoring and detecting unit 13 that monitors the transferred LAN data that the LAN data has passed and the data has become no-data by a no-data notification (procedure 36), the no-data time detecting unit 24 is preparing The measurement of the no-data time limit value of the timer is started (step 37).

After the step 37, if the timer setting time has not reached (NO in the step 38) and the header of the next LAN data is detected (YES in the step 39), the procedure is changed to the step 3
Proceed to 1. If the procedure 39 is “NO” and there is no next LAN data and the timer has reached the set time before the header is detected (YES in step 38), the no-data time detecting unit 24 outputs a disconnection instruction signal. It is generated (procedure 40) and sent to the outgoing call disconnection instruction unit 27.

On the other hand, offset signal indexing section 25 having received the destination number indexed in step 32 indexes the offset signal corresponding to the destination number from a preset offset signal table (step 41), and generates a charging pulse generating section. 26. The charging pulse generator 26 receives the charging time value indexed in step 33 and prepares to transmit a charging pulse. On the other hand, when receiving the connect signal from the ISDN, the call disconnection instructing unit 27 receives a notification of the start of charging from the ISDN interface unit 12 which recognizes the start of charging (procedure 42). To the unit 26.

When receiving the notification of the start of charging in step 42, the charging pulse generating section 26 moves ahead the generation timing of the first pulse based on the offset time by the offset signal received in step 41, and receives the notification in step 33. The charging corresponding pulse is generated at the charging time interval (procedure 43) and transmitted to the transmission disconnection instruction unit 27.

After receiving the disconnection instruction signal in step 40, the transmission disconnection instructing section 27 first receives the charging corresponding pulse generated in step 43 (YES in step 44).
It instructs the DN interface unit 12 to disconnect the public network line (step 45).

In the above description, the ISDN is set as the public network. However, another network may be used. For example, the charging of the analog line is started by a battery reverse signal. Although the setting of the minimum no-data connection time is described as being based on the calculation based on the charging time, it may be registered in advance in the time data table in association with the destination number and indexed from this time data table. Also, if the billing time is small compared to the minimum data connection time,
The count value of the charging pulse may be used to set the time of the minimum no-data connection time value and the no-data time limit value.

Further, the charging time, the minimum no-data connection time, and the offset signal indexed corresponding to the destination number may be stored in one time data table, and may be indexed from this time data table. Also, the non-data time period value is set by the no-data time detection unit, but may be set and output by the minimum no-data time setting unit.

Further, in the above description, the charging corresponding pulse is generated by the offset signal and is used for the disconnection instruction to give a finer and more effective disconnection instruction. By the disconnect instruction signal of
Even if it is cut immediately, the initial purpose is sufficiently achieved. Also,
Although it has been described that this offset signal corresponds to the destination number, a method in which only one offset signal is set for each device may be used.

Although it has been described that the notification of the occurrence of the non-data section due to the passage of the LAN data is transmitted from the data monitoring / detection unit, the notification may be transmitted via the number index unit.
It may be detected and transmitted by the DN interface unit. As is apparent from the above description, the functions of the illustrated blocks can be freely separated, combined, moved, and the like, and the present invention is not limited by the above description.

The detection of the non-data section in the above description is the detection of the disappearance section of the data between LANs. The target data includes a specific packet, for example, an incoming packet in a public network, data by broadcast communication or the like. Although not included, these various data may be detected and the minimum data-free connection time may be set according to the type of data.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention, the LAN data transferred between LANs via the public network is stored in the LA.
The data is extracted based on the header value of the N data, the destination number is known from the extracted header value, and the charging time corresponding to the destination number is indexed. In order to continue the connection of the PSTN line for the subsequent LAN data, a minimum no-data connection time is set. The measurement is started, the time limit is reached, and the PSTN line is disconnected.

With this configuration, the disconnection instruction signal can be obtained by setting the timing for disconnecting the public network line by setting a time limit value based on the minimum no-data connection time in consideration of the no-data connection time and the charging time. In addition, it is possible to obtain a LAN public network connection device in which communication cost is reduced efficiently.

Further, an offset time for the charging time is set, and after the disconnection instruction signal is generated by the separately set no-data time limit value, the public network line is connected until the next charging time comes and immediately before the charging is performed. However, by cutting the line before the billing process occurs in the public network, communication costs can be reduced more effectively.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of a main operation procedure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a non-data connection time.

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of an arrangement of devices for connection between LANs configured via ISDN.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 LAN interface part 12 ISDN interface part 13 Data monitoring detection part 21 Number extraction part 22 Time data index part 23 Minimum no data time setting part 24 No data time detection part 25 Offset signal index part 26 Charging pulse generation part 27 Transmission disconnection instruction part

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] An LA for transferring data between LANs (local area networks) connected to a public network via the public network.
N data is monitored, and when the transfer of the LAN data is completed, the connection of the public network line is continued for the next LAN data for a predetermined time, and then, in the public network connection device of the LAN to be disconnected, A number extracting means for detecting a header, extracting a predetermined destination number from the detected header and outputting the same, and a charging time indexed from the destination number, and based on the charging time, public information for the following LAN data is determined. Time setting means for setting a minimum no-data connection time for continuing connection of a network line, and measuring a time limit value set based on the minimum no-data connection time when detecting no data due to the end of the LAN data transfer , Detecting a time limit value arrival and outputting a disconnection instruction signal, and a disconnection instruction for disconnecting the continuously connected PSTN line by the disconnection instruction signal of the time limit detection means. And a instruction means, and the no-data public network connection device LAN, characterized in that it is likewise pre-defined as no data for the predetermined data including the periodic communication. 2. The LAN public network connection device according to claim 1, wherein the time setting means sets the time by calculating the minimum data-free connection time based on the indexed charging time. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the minimum data-free connection time value and the time limit value are at least partially set by counting a predetermined number of charging pulses for each charging time. LAN public network connection device. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a time data table for storing a charging time corresponding to a destination number and a minimum no-data connection time, wherein the time setting means performs the expansion based on the indexed destination number. A public network connection device for a LAN, wherein the minimum data connection time is indexed from a table and set. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time limit detecting means sets a larger time value between the received charging time and the minimum data-free connection time as a time limit value.
Public network connection device of AN. 6. An accounting table according to claim 1, further comprising an offset table for storing an offset signal with respect to a charging time corresponding to the destination number, and adding an offset time based on said offset signal to generate a charging corresponding pulse before generating a charging measurement pulse. And a disconnection instructing means for receiving a charge instruction pulse from the pulse generation means after receiving the disconnection instruction signal from the time limit detecting means, and A LAN public network connection device for instructing disconnection of a line.