JP5839742B2 - Relay device, relay system, setting method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a setting control technique related to connection of a relay device.

In recent years, usage scenes of wireless LAN (Local Area Network; for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity)) are increasing (for example, see Patent Document 1).
At present, HGW (Home Gate Way) with a built-in wireless LAN (Local Area Network) function is widespread. Since such an HGW has a BBR (Broad Band Router) function and a wireless LAN function, a single HGW can be connected to a network using a wireless LAN without purchasing a separate wireless LAN router. can do.

JP 2005-094656 A

  By the way, in a wide space such as an office, a single HGW cannot sufficiently cover the range. For this reason, when a wireless LAN is used in an office, a plurality of wireless LAN routers different from the HGW are prepared and connected to the HGW in multiple stages. In such a case, it is necessary to prepare a controller that collectively manages the settings of the wireless LAN routers, and to manually set the wireless LAN routers using the controller. For this reason, when the relay devices are connected in multiple stages in the office, the trouble as described above is generated. Such a problem is common to all relay devices such as wireless LAN routers and HGWs connected in multiple stages in an office.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can reduce the trouble that occurs when a relay device is connected in multiple stages in an office.

  One aspect of the present invention is a relay device that relays communication between an upstream side where an external network is located and a downstream side where a communication device is located, and based on information received from another device, A setting unit for setting the own device as either a parent relay device or a child relay device, and when the own device is a parent relay device, the external network located on the upstream side and the child relay located on the downstream side from the own device A relay that relays communications performed between the devices and, when the own device is a child relay device, a relay unit that relays communications performed between the communication device belonging to the own device and the parent relay device Device.

  One aspect of the present invention is the relay device described above, wherein the setting unit sets the own device as a parent relay device when IPv6 identification information is acquired from another device, and sets the IPv6 identification information as the own device. If it is generated in step 1, set its own device as a child relay device.

  One aspect of the present invention is the relay device described above, and when the own device is a parent relay device, when a request for confirming the operation setting of the other relay device is received from another relay device, A notification unit for notifying another relay device that is a transmission source of the request as a response to the request, the notification including the information indicating that it operates as a child relay device; When it is acquired from the device, the device is set as a parent relay device, and when the notification is received, the device is set as a child relay device.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of relay devices that relay communication between an upstream side where an external network is located and a downstream side where a communication device is located, and any one of the relay devices A relay system comprising a DHCPv6 server that communicates with a device, wherein the relay device determines whether it is a parent relay device or a child relay device based on information received from another device. When the setting unit to be set and the own device is a parent relay device, relay the communication performed between the external network located on the upstream side and the child relay device located on the downstream side from the own device, Is a child relay device, a relay unit that relays communication performed between the communication device belonging to the own device and the parent relay device, and the DHCPv6 server transmits an IPv6 packet transmitted from the relay device. Identification As a response to the request, a relay system comprising a transmission unit for transmitting including information indicating operating as a master repeater in the response.

  One aspect of the present invention is a setting method in a relay device that relays communication between an upstream side where an external network is located and a downstream side where a communication device is located, and includes information received from other devices. Based on the setting step of setting the own device as either the parent relay device or the child relay device, and when the own device is the parent relay device, the external network located on the upstream side and the downstream side from the own device Relaying the communication performed between the slave relay device and the own device is the slave relay device, the relay step of relaying the communication performed between the communication device belonging to the own device and the parent relay device; Is a setting method.

  One aspect of the present invention is a computer program for operating a computer as a relay device that relays communication between an upstream side where an external network is located and a downstream side where a communication device is located. A setting step of setting the own device to either the parent relay device or the child relay device based on the information received from the mobile station, and if the own device is the parent relay device, the external network located upstream Relays communication performed between a child relay device located downstream from the own device, and when the own device is a child relay device, the communication is performed between the communication device belonging to the own device and the parent relay device. A computer program for causing a computer to execute a relay step of relaying communication.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce time and effort required when connecting relay devices in multiple stages in an office.

It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of the relay system 100 in this invention. It is a schematic block diagram showing the function structure of HGW in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the HGW information database in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the parent-child setting process of HGW in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the response process of parent HGW10 in 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of the relay system 100 in 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram showing the function structure of HGW in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the HGW information database in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the parent-child setting process of HGW in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the response process of parent HGW10a in 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of the relay system 100 in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a relay system 100 according to the present invention. The relay system 100 includes a parent HGW 10, a plurality of child HGWs 20-1 and 20-2, a repeater 30, a DHCPv6 (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol version 6) server 40, and a control server 50. A communication device 60 is connected to the relay system 100. The parent HGW 10, the DHCPv6 server 40, and the control server 50 are connected via a first network 70 so that they can communicate with each other. The parent HGW 10, the DHCPv6 server 40, and the control server 50 communicate with each other by IPv6 IPoE (IP over Ethernet (registered trademark)) connection.
In the following description, child HGWs 20-1 and 20-2 will be referred to as child HGW 20 unless otherwise distinguished. Further, in the following description, the parent HGW 10 and the child HGW 20 are simply referred to as HGW (relay device) unless otherwise distinguished.

The parent HGW 10 communicates with the child HGW 20 via the repeater 30. In addition, the parent HGW 10 communicates with the DHCPv6 server 40 and the control server 50 via the first network 70. For example, the parent HGW 10 transmits an RS (router solicitation) packet to the DHCPv6 server 40 when acquiring an IPv6 address (IPv6 identification information), and receives an RA (router advertisement) packet as a response to the RS packet.
The RS packet is a packet transmitted to request prefix information. The RA packet is a response packet to the RS packet. Further, the parent HGW 10 provides the communication device 60 with a connection to the second network 80.

  The child HGW 20 relays communication performed between the parent HGW 10 and the communication device 60 belonging to the own device (child HGW 20). The child HGW 20 communicates with the communication device 60 by wireless LAN connection. For example, Wi-Fi is used for the wireless LAN connection. The child HGW 20 communicates with the control server 50 via the repeater 30, the parent HGW 10, and the first network 70.

  The repeater 30 is a relay device that relays communication between the parent HGW 10 and the child HGW 20. The repeater 30 is, for example, an L2 switch or an L2 bridge. The repeater 30 relays communication between the parent HGW 10 and the child HGW 20. Moreover, the repeater 30 relays communication between the child HGW 20 and the child HGW 20. In the case of FIG. 1, the repeater 30 relays communication between the child HGW 20-1 and the child HGW 20-2.

  When receiving the RS packet from the parent HGW 10, the DHCPv6 server 40 generates an RA packet. At this time, the DHCPv6 server 40 stores information (for example, a value of “1”) indicating that an IPv6 address is acquired in the stateful mode in the field of the M flag in the RA packet. That is, the DHCPv6 server 40 stores information (for example, a value of “1”) indicating that an IPv6 address is acquired using DHCPv6 in the M flag field in the RA packet. Further, the DHCPv6 server 40 provides information (hereinafter referred to as “address information”) including an IPv6 address, an IPv4 address for Hikari Denwa, telephone number information, and the like in response to a request from the parent HGW 10.

The control server 50 controls each HGW (parent HGW 10 and child HGW 20). For example, the control server 50 controls setting changes such as SSID (Service Set Identifier), channel, and command of the child HGW 20.
The communication device 60 is configured using an information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a notebook computer, or a game device. The communication device 60 communicates with the child HGW 20. Further, the communication device 60 can use a hikari phone in accordance with a user operation.

The first network 70 may be a network configured in any way. For example, the first network 70 may be configured using NGN (Next Generation Network).
The second network 80 may be a network configured in any way. For example, the second network 80 may be configured using the Internet.
Hereinafter, a specific configuration example (first embodiment and second embodiment) of the relay system 100 according to the present invention will be described.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the HGW in the first embodiment. The parent HGW 10 and the child HGW 20 have the same configuration. In addition, the HGW operates as either the parent HGW 10 or the child HGW 20 when the HGW described later is activated or during processing. The HGW is compatible with both IPv4 and IPv6.
The HGW includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, an auxiliary storage device, and the like connected by a bus, and executes a relay program. By executing the relay program, the HGW can generate the packet generation unit 101, the first communication unit 102, the communication control unit 103, the determination unit 104, the address acquisition unit 105, the setting unit 106, the HGW information storage unit 107, the parent function unit 108, It functions as a device including the function unit 109 and the second communication unit 110. The parent function unit 108 functions as a parent relay unit 1081, an IPv4 information storage unit 1082, a Hikari Telephone function unit 1083, a notification unit 1084, and a DHCPv4 server function unit 1085. Further, the child function unit 109 functions as a child relay unit 1091 and a connection control unit 1092. Note that all or part of the functions of the HGW may be realized by using hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The relay program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium is, for example, a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in the computer system. Further, the relay program may be transmitted / received via a telecommunication line.

The packet generator 101 generates various packets. The packet generated by the packet generation unit 101 is, for example, an RS packet.
The first communication unit 102 communicates with another device (the repeater 30 or the DHCPv6 server 40). The first communication unit 102 includes an IPv4 interface 1021 and an IPv6 interface 1022. The IPv4 interface 1021 inputs / outputs data with other devices using IPv4. The IPv6 interface 1022 inputs / outputs data with other devices using IPv6. For example, the RS packet generated by the packet generation unit 101 is transmitted to another device (the repeater 30 or the DHCPv6 server 40) via the IPv6 interface 1022. For example, an RA packet transmitted from another device (the repeater 30 or the DHCPv6 server 40) is received via the IPv6 interface 1022.

The communication control unit 103 performs control according to the packet received by the first communication unit 102. For example, when the received packet is an RA packet addressed to the own apparatus, the communication control unit 103 outputs the received RA packet to the determination unit 104.
The determination unit 104 determines whether the value of the M flag field in the RA packet received by the first communication unit 102 is information (for example, a value of “0”) indicating that an IPv6 address is acquired in the stateless mode. To determine. That is, the determination unit 104 determines whether or not information (for example, a value of “0”) indicating that the IPv6 address is automatically generated by the own device is stored in the field of the M flag in the RA packet.

  The address acquisition unit 105 acquires an IPv6 address used by the own device according to the determination result of the determination unit 104. Specifically, when it is determined that information (for example, a value of “0”) indicating that an IPv6 address is acquired in the stateless mode is stored in the M flag field in the RA packet, the address acquisition unit 105 generates an IPv6 address used by the own device based on the prefix information stored in the RA packet and the MAC address of the own device. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information (for example, “0” value) indicating that the IPv6 address is acquired in the stateless mode is not stored in the M flag field in the RA packet, the address acquiring unit 105 determines that the DHCPv6 Is used to obtain address information including an IPv6 address from the DHCPv6 server 40. A value of “0” or “1” is stored in the field of the M flag in the RA packet. That is, when it is determined that the value of the M flag field in the RA packet is not 0, a value of 1 is stored in the M flag field in the RA packet. After acquiring the IPv6 address, the address acquisition unit 105 outputs information on the value of the M flag field in the RA packet (information indicating whether it is 0 or 1) to the setting unit 106.

The setting unit 106 sets the own apparatus based on information received from another apparatus. Specifically, when the information indicating that the value of the field of the M flag in the RA packet is 0 is output from the address acquisition unit 105, the setting unit 106 sets the own device to the child HGW 20. When the address acquisition unit 105 outputs information indicating that the value of the M flag field in the RA packet is 1, the setting unit 106 sets the own device as the parent HGW 10.
The HGW information storage unit 107 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The HGW information storage unit 107 stores an HGW information database. The HGW information database is a database in which information related to operation settings for each HGW including its own device is registered.

The parent function unit 108 is a function unit that functions when the own device is the parent HGW 10. That is, when the own device is the child HGW 20, the parent function unit 108 does not function. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the parent function unit 108 will be described.
The parent relay unit 1081 performs a relay process between the first communication unit 102 and the second communication unit 110. The IPv4 information storage unit 1082 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The IPv4 information storage unit 1082 stores IPv4 address and phone number information for Hikari Denwa among the address information acquired by the address acquisition unit 105.

In response to a request from the communication device 60, the Hikari Telephone function unit 1083 provides an IP telephone connection service using the information of the IPv4 address and telephone number for Hikari Telephone stored in the IPv4 information storage unit 1082.
When the RS packet is received, the notification unit 1084 transmits the RA packet to the child HGW 20 that is the transmission source of the RS packet via the second communication unit 110 and the relay 30. Note that the notification unit 1084 stores information (for example, a value of “0”) indicating that the IPv6 address is acquired in the stateless mode in the field of the M flag in the RA packet.
The DHCPv4 server function unit 1085 assigns an IPv4 address to the communication device 60 in response to a request from the communication device 60.

The child function unit 109 is a function unit that functions when the own device is the child HGW 20. That is, when the own device is the parent HGW 10, the child function unit 109 does not function. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the child function unit 109 will be described.
The child relay unit 1091 performs a relay process between the first communication unit 102 and the second communication unit 110.
The connection control unit 1092 controls connection between the own device (child HGW 20) and the control server 50. More specifically, the connection control unit 1092 transmits the spontaneous packet to the control server 50 via the communication control unit 103, the first communication unit 102, the repeater 30, and the parent HGW 10. Further, the connection control unit 1092 changes the setting of the own device according to the control from the control server 50.
The second communication unit 110 performs communication with other devices (the repeater 30 or the communication device 60). The second communication unit 110 includes an IPv4 interface 1101 and an IPv6 interface 1102. The IPv4 interface 1101 inputs / outputs data with IPv4 from / to other devices (the repeater 30 or the communication device 60). The IPv6 interface 1102 performs input / output of data by IPv6 with other devices (the repeater 30 or the communication device 60).

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the HGW information database according to the first embodiment.
The HGW information database has a plurality of records 90 representing information related to operation settings for each HGW. The record 90 has MAC_HGW, M flag, and status values. The value of MAC_HGW represents the MAC address of the HGW (including the own device) existing on the same network of the own device. The value of the M flag represents the value of the M flag notified to the HGW of the same record 90. The status value indicates whether the HGW of the same record 90 is a parent HGW 10 or a child HGW 20.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of MAC_HGWs are recorded in the HGW information database. These MAC_HGWs are “AAA”, “BBB”, and “CCC”. In FIG. 3, the record 90 recorded at the top of the HGW information database has the MAC_HGW value “AAA”, the M flag value “1”, and the status value “parent”. That is, the value of the M flag notified to the HGW identified by the MAC address “AAA” is “1”, indicating that the HGW is the parent HGW 10.

  In FIG. 3, the record 90 recorded in the second row of the HGW information database has a MAC_HGW value of “BBB”, an M flag value of “0”, and a status value of “child”. That is, the value of the M flag notified to the HGW identified by the MAC address “BBB” is “0”, indicating that the HGW is a child HGW 20.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of HGW parent-child setting processing in the first embodiment. The parent-child setting process is a process for setting the own apparatus as either the parent HGW 10 or the child HGW 20.
The packet generator 101 generates an RS packet at a predetermined timing (step S101). The communication control unit 103 transmits an RS packet to another device via the IPv6 interface 1022 (step S102). The communication control unit 103 determines whether an RA packet has been received (step S103). When the RA packet has not been received (step S103—NO), the communication control unit 103 determines whether or not the RS packet has been transmitted a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) (step S104). When the RS packet is transmitted a predetermined number of times (step S104—YES), the HGW determines that a timeout has occurred and ends the process.
On the other hand, when the RS packet has not been transmitted a predetermined number of times (step S104—NO), the HGW repeatedly executes the processing after step S101.

  In the process of step S103, when an RA packet is received (step S103-YES), the communication control unit 103 outputs the RA packet to the determination unit 104. The determination unit 104 determines whether the value of the M flag field in the output RA packet is 0 (step S105). When the value of the field of the M flag is 0 (step S105—YES), the address acquisition unit 105 generates an IPv6 address based on the prefix information stored in the RA packet and the MAC address of the own device ( Step S106). Thereby, the address acquisition unit 105 acquires an IPv6 address used by the own device. The address acquisition unit 105 outputs information related to the value of the M flag field to the setting unit 106. In this case, the setting unit 106 sets its own device as the child HGW 20 (step S107).

  In the process of step S105, if the value of the M flag field is not 0 (step S105-NO), the address acquisition unit 105 requests the IPv6 address from the DHCPv6 server 40 via the communication control unit 103 and the IPv6 interface 1022. (Step S108). The communication control unit 103 receives the address information including the IPv6 address information transmitted from the DHCPv6 server 40 via the IPv6 interface 1022 (step S109). The communication control unit 103 outputs the received address information to the address acquisition unit 105. Thereby, the address acquisition unit 105 acquires an IPv6 address used by the own device. In this case, the setting unit 106 sets its own device as the parent HGW 10 (step S110).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a response process flow of the parent HGW 10 in the first embodiment.
The parent HGW 10 receives an RS packet transmitted from another HGW via the IPv6 interface 1102 (step S201). The notification unit 1084 generates an RA packet when an RS packet is received (step S202). At this time, the notification unit 1084 stores a value of 0 in the M flag field in the RA packet. The notification unit 1084 transmits the RA packet to the child HGW 20 that is the transmission source of the RS packet via the IPv6 interface 1102 and the relay 30 (step S203).

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the relay system 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the number of HGWs is two (HGW1 and HGW2) and the number of communication devices 60 is one. At the start of processing, neither HGW1 nor HGW2 is activated.
When the HGW 2 is activated, the packet generation unit 101 of the HGW 2 generates an RS packet (step S301). The packet generation unit 101 outputs the generated RS packet to the communication control unit 103. The communication control unit 103 transmits an RS packet to the DHCPv6 server 40 via the IPv6 interface 1022 (step S302).
The DHCPv6 server 40 receives the RS packet transmitted from the HGW 2. The DHCPv6 server 40 generates an RA packet as a response to the received RS packet. At this time, the DHCPv6 server 40 stores a value of 1 in the M flag field in the RA packet. The DHCPv6 server 40 transmits the generated RA packet to the HGW 2 (step S303).

  The communication control unit 103 of the HGW 2 receives the RA packet transmitted from the DHCPv6 server 40 via the IPv6 interface 1022. The communication control unit 103 outputs the received RA packet to the determination unit 104. The determination unit 104 checks the value of the M flag field in the RA packet (step S304). Since the value of the M flag field is 1 (M flag is on), the address acquiring unit 105 requests the IPv6 address from the DHCPv6 server 40 using DHCPv6 (step S305).

The DHCPv6 server 40 transmits address information including an IPv6 address to the HGW 2 in response to a request from the HGW 2 (step S306).
The communication control unit 103 of the HGW 2 receives the address information transmitted from the DHCPv6 server 40 via the IPv6 interface 1102. The address acquisition unit 105 acquires an IPv6 address from the received address information. In this case, the setting unit 106 sets the own device as the parent HGW 10 (step S307).

  Thereafter, the setting unit 106 records information regarding the set contents in the HGW information storage unit 107. Specifically, the setting unit 106 first reads the HGW information database stored in the HGW information storage unit 107. Next, the setting unit 106 generates a record 90 including information on the MAC address of the own device, the value of the M flag in the RA packet, and the status (a character string indicating the parent HGW 10 (for example, parent)). Then, the setting unit 106 newly adds the generated record 90 to the read HGW information database.

Next, when the HGW 1 is connected to the HGW 2 via the repeater 30 (not shown in FIG. 6) and activated, the packet generation unit 101 of the HGW 1 generates an RS packet (step S308). The communication control unit 103 transmits an RS packet to the HGW 2 via the IPv6 interface 1022 (step S309).
The HGW 2 receives the RS packet transmitted from the HGW 1 via the IPv6 interface 1102. Since the HGW 2 operates as the parent HGW 10, the second communication unit 110 outputs the received RS packet to the parent function unit 108. The notification unit 1084 generates an RA packet. At this time, the notification unit 1084 stores a value of 0 in the M flag field in the RA packet. Thereafter, the notification unit 1084 transmits the RA packet to the HGW 1 that is the transmission source of the RS packet via the IPv6 interface 1102 (step S310).

  Thereafter, the notification unit 1084 records information on the setting content of the HGW 1 that is the transmission source of the RS packet in the HGW information storage unit 107. Specifically, the notification unit 1084 first reads the HGW information database stored in the HGW information storage unit 107. Next, the notification unit 1084 receives the MAC address of the HGW 1, the value of the M flag (that is, the value of 0) and the status (child HGW 20) in the RA packet transmitted to the HGW 1 by itself (for example, , Child)) is generated. Then, the notification unit 1084 newly adds the generated record 90 to the read HGW information database.

  The communication control unit 103 of the HGW 1 receives the RA packet transmitted from the HGW 2 via the IPv6 interface 1022. The communication control unit 103 outputs the received RA packet to the determination unit 104. The determination unit 104 confirms the value of the M flag field in the RA packet. (Step S311). Since the value of the field of the M flag is 0 (M flag is off), the address acquisition unit 105 generates an IPv6 address based on the prefix information stored in the RA packet and the MAC address of the own device ( Step S312). In this case, the setting unit 106 sets its own device to the child HGW 20 (step S313).

  Thereafter, the setting unit 106 records information regarding the set contents in the HGW information storage unit 107. Specifically, the setting unit 106 first reads the HGW information database stored in the HGW information storage unit 107. Next, the setting unit 106 generates a record 90 including information on the MAC address of the own device, the value of the M flag in the RA packet, and the status (a character string (for example, a child) indicating the child HGW 20). Then, the setting unit 106 newly adds the generated record 90 to the read HGW information database.

  Further, when the fact that the value of the field of the M flag is 0 is output, the setting unit 106 displays information regarding the setting contents of another device (for example, HGW 2) that is the transmission source of the RA packet as the HGW information storage unit 107. To record. Specifically, the setting unit 106 first reads the HGW information database stored in the HGW information storage unit 107. Next, the setting unit 106 sets the MAC address of the other device that is the source of the RA packet, the value of the M flag of the other device that is the source of the RA packet (that is, a value of 1), and the status (in A record 90 including information on a character string (for example, a parent) indicating that there is a record is generated. Then, the setting unit 106 newly adds the generated record 90 to the read HGW information database.

The HGW 1 communicates with the control server 50 via the HGW 2 (Step S314). For example, the first communication unit 102 of the HGW 1 receives setting change information transmitted from the control server 50. The connection control unit 1092 changes the setting of the own device according to the setting change information.
The communication device 60 requests the IPv4 address from the HGW 1 to which the own device (communication device 60) belongs (step S315). The HGW 1 receives the request transmitted from the communication device 60 via the IPv4 interface 1101. Since the HGW 1 operates as the child HGW 20, the received request is output to the child function unit 109. The child relay unit 1091 included in the child function unit 109 transmits the output request to the HGW 2 via the IPv4 interface 1021 (step S316).

The HGW 2 receives the request transmitted from the HGW 1 via the IPv4 interface 1101. Since the HGW 2 operates as the parent HGW 10, the received request is output to the parent function unit 108. The DHCPv4 server function unit 1085 assigns an IPv4 address to the communication device 60 that is the request source of the IPv4 address in response to the output request. The DHCPv4 server function unit 1085 transmits the assigned IPv4 address information to the HGW 1 via the IPv4 interface 1101 (step S317).
The communication control unit 103 of the HGW 1 receives the IPv4 address information transmitted from the HGW 2 via the IPv4 interface 1021. The communication control unit 103 transmits the received IPv4 address information to the communication device 60 that is the request source of the IPv4 address via the child relay unit 1091 and the IPv4 interface 1101 (step S318).

The communication device 60 requests the use of the Hikari phone according to the user's operation (step S319). Specifically, the communication device 60 transmits the telephone number information input from the user to the HGW 1 to which the own device belongs. The HGW 1 receives the telephone number information transmitted from the communication device 60 via the IPv4 interface 1101. The HGW 1 transmits the telephone number information to the HGW 2 via the child relay unit 1091, the communication control unit 103, and the IPv4 interface 1021 (step S320).
The HGW 2 receives the telephone number information transmitted from the HGW 1 via the IPv4 interface 1101. The Hikari phone function unit 1083 provides an IP phone connection service using the received phone number information and the IPv4 address for Hikari phone stored in the IPv4 information storage unit 1082 (step S321).

  According to the HGW configured as described above, it is set to either the parent HGW 10 or the child HGW 20 based on the value of the M flag of the RA packet. When the own device is the parent HGW 10, the device functions as a broadband router that provides the communication device 60 with connection to the network. When the own device is the child HGW 20, the parent HGW 10 and the communication device 60 It functions as a repeater that relays communications performed between the two. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the labor required when connecting the relay devices in multiple stages in the office.

In addition, since an HGW having the same configuration can be used, an operator providing this system can sell the HGW as a wireless LAN router for office use. In addition, with the increase in the number of HGWs procured, businesses that provide this system can negotiate prices that reduce the housing cost per HGW.
Further, the child HGW 20 transfers a request for using the Hikari phone to the parent HGW 10 in response to a request from the user of the communication device 60, and the parent HGW 10 provides the IP phone connection service to the communication device 60. That is, the child HGW 20 functions as a bridge, and the parent HGW 10 provides the IP telephone connection service to the user of the communication device 60. Therefore, even when the HGWs having the same configuration are connected in multiple stages, the telephone function that the HGW originally has can be used.

<Modification>
In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the relay system 100 includes two child HGWs 20 has been described. However, the relay system 100 may be configured to include one child HGW 20 or may include three or more child HGWs 20. It may be configured as follows.
In the present embodiment, an example in which the packet generation unit 101 generates an RS packet when the HGW is activated has been described, but the packet generation unit 101 may generate an RS packet at a predetermined timing. For example, when the HGW is connected to another device (for example, physically connected), an RS packet may be generated, or an RS packet is generated every time a predetermined time elapses. May be.
In the present embodiment, the HGW has been described as an example, but it is not necessary to be limited to the HGW. For example, an access point with a broadband router function may be configured to have the same configuration as the HGW.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the HGW in the second embodiment. The parent HGW 10a and the child HGW 20a have the same configuration. Further, the HGW operates as either the parent HGW 10a or the child HGW 20a at the time of starting up the HGW or a process during operation described later. The HGW is compatible with both IPv4 and IPv6.
The HGW includes a CPU, a memory, an auxiliary storage device, and the like connected by a bus and executes a relay program. By executing the relay program, the HGW generates a packet generation unit 101, a first communication unit 102, a communication control unit 103, a determination unit 104, an address acquisition unit 105a, a setting unit 106a, an HGW information storage unit 107a, a parent function unit 108a, a child It functions as a device including the function unit 109 and the second communication unit 110. The parent function unit 108a functions as a parent relay unit 1081, an IPv4 information storage unit 1082, a Hikari Telephone function unit 1083, a notification unit 1084a, and a DHCPv4 server function unit 1085. Further, the child function unit 109 functions as a child relay unit 1091 and a connection control unit 1092. All or some of the functions of the HGW may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The relay program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium is, for example, a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in the computer system. Further, the relay program may be transmitted / received via a telecommunication line.

  The HGW in the second embodiment includes an address acquisition unit 105a, a setting unit 106a, an HGW information storage unit 107a, and a parent function unit 108a instead of the address acquisition unit 105, setting unit 106, HGW information storage unit 107, and parent function unit 108. The configuration differs from the HGW in the first embodiment in that it is provided. The HGW in the second embodiment is the same as the HGW in the first embodiment with respect to other configurations. Therefore, the description of the entire HGW in the second embodiment is omitted, and the address acquisition unit 105a, the setting unit 106a, the HGW information storage unit 107a, and the parent function unit 108a will be described.

  The address acquisition unit 105 a acquires an IPv6 address used by the own device according to the determination result of the determination unit 104. Further, the address acquisition unit 105a generates an IPv6 address by itself, generates a DHCPv6-IR (Information Request), and sends the generated DHCPv6-IR to another HGW via the communication control unit 103 and the IPv6 interface 1022. Send. DHCPv6-IR is a message sent by the HGW to confirm its own operation setting (status).

The setting unit 106a sets its own device based on information received from another device. Specifically, when information indicating that the value of the field of the M flag in the RA packet is 1 is output from the address acquisition unit 105, the setting unit 106 sets the own apparatus as the parent HGW 10a. When the DHCPv6-IR-Reply transmitted from another HGW is provided with information indicating that the own device is a child HGW 20a (hereinafter, “child operation instruction information”), the setting unit 106 determines that the own device Is set to the child HGW 20a. DHCPv6-IR-Reply is a response message to DHCPv6-IR. The child operation instruction information includes a character string such as “child”, for example.

  The HGW information storage unit 107a is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The HGW information storage unit 107a stores an HGW information database. The HGW information database is a database in which operation setting information for each HGW including its own device is registered.

  The parent function unit 108a is a function unit that functions when the own device is the parent HGW 20a. That is, when the own device is the child HGW 20a, the parent function unit 108a does not function. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the parent function unit 108a will be described. The parent relay unit 1081, the IPv4 information storage unit 1082, the Hikari Telephone function unit 1083, and the DHCPv4 server function unit 1085 perform the same processing as the function unit of the same name in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  When the RS packet is received, the notification unit 1084a transmits the RA packet to the child HGW 20a that is the transmission source of the RS packet via the IPv6 interface 1102 and the relay 30. In addition, when the DHCPv6-IR is received from the child HGW 20a, the notification unit 1084a generates DHCPv6-IR-Reply, and the generated DHCPv6-IR-Reply is transmitted to the child HGW 20a that is the transmission source of the DHCPv6-IR IPv6 interface 1102. To send through. Note that the notification unit 1084a adds child operation instruction information to Vendor-Specific-content among IEs (Information Elements) defined in DHCPv6-IR-Reply. In addition, the DHCPv6-IR-Reply includes information related to the setting contents of other HGWs in addition to the child operation instruction information. The information related to the setting contents of other HGWs may be all the information stored in the HGW information database, or may be information related to a specific HGW.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the HGW information database according to the second embodiment.
The HGW information database has a plurality of records 91 representing information related to the HGW. The record 91 has each value of MAC_HGW, Reply result, and status. The value of MAC_HGW represents the MAC address of the HGW (including the own device) existing on the same network of the own device. The value of the Reply result represents the value of the response result to DHCPv6-IR notified to the HGW of the same record 91. When the HGW is the parent HGW 10a, there is no response result value for DHCPv6-IR. Therefore, when the HGW is the parent HGW 10a, a value of “-” is registered in the Reply result item of the HGW information database. The status value indicates whether the HGW of the same record 91 is a parent HGW 10 or a child HGW 20.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of MAC_HGWs are recorded in the HGW information database. These MAC_HGWs are “AAA”, “BBB”, and “CCC”. In FIG. 8, the record 91 recorded at the top of the HGW information database has the MAC_HGW value “AAA”, the Reply result value “−”, and the status value “parent”. That is, it is indicated that the HGW identified by the MAC address “AAA” is the parent HGW 10a.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of HGW parent-child setting processing in the second embodiment. In addition, about the process similar to FIG. 4, the code | symbol similar to FIG. 4 is attached | subjected in FIG. 9, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
When the processing up to step S106 is completed, the address acquisition unit 105a generates DHCP-IR, and transmits the generated DHCP-IR to another apparatus via the communication control unit 103 and the IPv6 interface 1022 (step S401). The setting unit 106a determines whether the child operation instruction information is stored in the DHCP-IR-Reply received as the DHCP-IR response transmitted in the process of Step S401 (Step S402).

When the child operation instruction information is not stored (step S402—NO), the HGW ends the parent-child setting process.
On the other hand, when the child operation instruction information is stored (YES in step S402), the setting unit 106a sets the own apparatus as the child HGW 20a (step S403).
Further, in the process of step S105, when the value of the M flag in the received RA packet is not 0 (step S105-NO), the processes after step S108 are executed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a response process flow of the parent HGW 10a according to the second embodiment.
The parent HGW 10a receives DHCPv6-IR transmitted from another HGW via the IPv6 interface 1102 (step S501). When the DHCPv6-IR is received, the notification unit 1084a generates DHCPv6-IR-Reply (Step S502). At this time, the notification unit 1084a gives child operation instruction information to DHCPv6-IR-Reply. The notification unit 1084a transmits DHCPv6-IR-Reply to the child HGW 20 that is the transmission source of DHCPv6-IR via the IPv6 interface 1102 and the relay 30 (step S503).

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the relay system 100 according to the second embodiment. In the description of FIG. 11, a case will be described in which the number of HGWs is two (HGW 1a and HGW 2a) and the number of communication devices 60 is one. Also, the processing similar to that in FIG. 6 is denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
When the processing up to step S312 is completed, the address acquisition unit 105a generates DHCPv6-IR (step S601). At this time, the address acquisition unit 105a gives child operation instruction information to DHCPv6-IR. Thereafter, the address acquisition unit 105a transmits the generated DHCPv6-IR to the HGW 2a via the communication control unit 103 and the IPv6 interface 1022 (step S602).

  The HGW 2a receives the DHCPv6-IR transmitted from the HGW 1a via the IPv6 interface 1102. Since the HGW 2a operates as the parent HGW 10a, the received DHCPv6-IR is output to the parent function unit 108. The notification unit 1084a generates DHCPv6-IR-Reply as a response of DHCPv6-IR (step S603). At this time, the notification unit 1084 gives child operation instruction information to DHCPv6-IR-Reply. In addition, the notification unit 1084a gives information regarding the setting contents of the HGW stored in the HGW information database to DHCPv6-IR-Reply. Thereafter, the notification unit 1084a transmits the generated DHCPv6-IR-Reply to the HGW 1a via the IPv6 interface 1102 (step S604).

  The communication control unit 103 of the HGW 1a receives DHCPv6-IR-Reply transmitted from the HGW 2. The communication control unit 103 outputs the received DHCPv6-IR-Reply to the setting unit 106a. Since DHCPv6-IR-Reply is assigned with child operation instruction information, the setting unit 106a sets its own device as the child HGW 20a (step S605).

  Thereafter, the setting unit 106a records information regarding the set contents in the HGW information storage unit 107a. Specifically, the setting unit 106a first generates a record 91 including information on the MAC address of the own device, a reply result, and a status (a character string (for example, a child) indicating that it is a child HGW 20a). Then, the setting unit 106a newly adds the generated record 91 to the read HGW information database.

  Also, the setting unit 106a records information on the setting content of the HGW included in the received DHCPv6-IR-Reply in the HGW information storage unit 107a. Specifically, first, the setting unit 106a reads the HGW information database stored in the HGW information storage unit 107a. Next, the setting unit 106a generates as many records 91 as the number of HGWs included in the information including MAC addresses, Reply results, and status information of other HGWs included in the information related to the setting contents of the HGW. Then, the setting unit 106a newly adds the generated record 91 to the read HGW information database. Thereafter, the processing after step S314 is executed.

  According to the HGW configured as described above, it is set to either the parent HGW 10a or the child HGW 20a based on information received from another device. Specifically, when the value of the M flag in the RA packet transmitted from the DHCP server 40 is 1, the HGW is set as the parent HGW 10a, and DHCPv6-IR-Reply including child operation instruction information from other HGWs. Is received, the HGW is set to the child HGW 20a. When the own device is the parent HGW 10a, it functions as a broadband router that provides the communication device 60 with connection to the network. When the own device is the child HGW 20a, the parent HGW 10a and the communication device 60 It functions as a repeater that relays communications performed between the two. That is, the operation setting of the own apparatus is automatically changed according to the connected state. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the labor required when connecting the relay devices in multiple stages in the office.

In addition, since an HGW having the same configuration can be used, an operator providing this system can sell the HGW as a wireless LAN router for office use. In addition, with the increase in the number of HGWs procured, businesses that provide this system can negotiate prices that reduce the housing cost per HGW.
Further, the child HGW 20a transfers a request for using the Hikari Telephone to the parent HGW 10a in response to a request from the user of the communication apparatus 60, and the parent HGW 10a provides the IP telephone connection service to the communication apparatus 60. That is, the child HGW 20a functions as a bridge, and the parent HGW 10a provides the IP telephone connection service to the user of the communication device 60. Therefore, even when the HGWs having the same configuration are connected in multiple stages, the telephone function that the HGW originally has can be used.

<Modification>
The second embodiment may be modified in the same manner as the first embodiment.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10a ... Parent HGW, 20 (20-1, 20-2), 20a ... Child HGW, 30 ... Repeater, 40 ... DHCPv6 server, 50 ... Control server, 60 ... Communication apparatus, 70 ... First network, 80 2nd network 101 101 Packet generation unit 102 1st communication unit 1021 IPv4 interface 1022 IPv6 interface 103 Communication control unit 104 Determination unit 105 105a Address acquisition unit 106 106a ... Setting unit 107, 107a ... HGW information storage unit 108, 108a ... Parent function unit 1081 ... Parent relay unit 1082 ... IPv4 information storage unit 1083 ... Hikari phone function unit 1084, 1084a ... Notification unit 1085 ... DHCPv4 server function unit, 109 ... child function unit, 10 1 ... child relay unit, 1092 ... connection control unit, 110 ... second communication unit, 1101 ... IPv4 interface, 1102 ... IPv6 Interface

Claims (6)

A relay device that relays communication between the upstream side where the external network is located and the downstream side where the communication device is located, and based on the information received from other devices, A setting unit that is set to one of the child relay devices;
When the own device is a parent relay device, it relays communication performed between the external network located on the upstream side and the child relay device located on the downstream side of the own device, and the own device is the child relay device A relay unit that relays communication performed between the communication device belonging to the own device and the parent relay device;
Equipped with a,
If the information received from the other device includes information indicating that the setting unit operates as a parent relay device as a response to the IPv6 identification information request transmitted by the own device, the relay device to be set to the parent relay device. The setting section sets the own apparatus to the child relaying device when generated by the self device identification information I IPv6, the relay device according to claim 1. When the own apparatus is a parent relay apparatus, when a request for confirming the operation setting of the other relay apparatus is received from another relay apparatus, information indicating that the apparatus operates as a child relay apparatus as a response to the request. A notification unit for notifying other relay devices that are transmission sources of the request including the notification,
The said setting part sets an own apparatus to a parent relay apparatus when the identification information of IPv6 is acquired from another apparatus, and sets the own apparatus to a child relay apparatus when the said notification is received. The relay device described. Communication between a plurality of relay devices that relay communication between the upstream side where the external network is located and the downstream side where the communication device is located, and any one of the plurality of relay devices A relay system comprising a DHCPv6 server to perform,
The relay device is
Based on information received from other devices, a setting unit that sets the own device to either the parent relay device or the child relay device;
When the own device is a parent relay device, it relays communication performed between the external network located on the upstream side and the child relay device located on the downstream side of the own device, and the own device is the child relay device A relay unit that relays communication performed between the communication device belonging to the own device and the parent relay device;
With
The DHCPv6 server is
A relay system comprising: a transmission unit that transmits, as a response to a request for identification information of IPv6 transmitted from the relay device, information indicating that it operates as a parent relay device in the response. A setting method in a relay device that relays communication between an upstream side where an external network is located and a downstream side where a communication device is located,
Based on information received from other devices, a setting step for setting the own device as either a parent relay device or a child relay device;
When the own device is a parent relay device, it relays communication performed between the external network located on the upstream side and the child relay device located on the downstream side of the own device, and the own device is the child relay device A relay step for relaying communication performed between the communication device belonging to the own device and the parent relay device;
I have a,
In the setting step, if the response received from the other device includes information indicating that the device operates as a parent relay device as a response to the IPv6 identification information request transmitted by the own device A setting method to set to the parent relay device . A computer program for operating a computer as a relay device that relays communication between an upstream side where an external network is located and a downstream side where a communication device is located,
Based on information received from other devices, a setting step for setting the own device as either a parent relay device or a child relay device;
When the own device is a parent relay device, it relays communication performed between the external network located on the upstream side and the child relay device located on the downstream side of the own device, and the own device is the child relay device A relay step for relaying communication performed between the communication device belonging to the own device and the parent relay device;
To the computer ,
In the setting step, if the response received from the other device includes information indicating that the device operates as a parent relay device as a response to the IPv6 identification information request transmitted by the own device the order of the computer program is set to the parent relay device.

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