JP7680415B2 - Bridge equipment and bridge programs - Google Patents

Description

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bridge device and a bridge program.

The following Patent Document 1 describes a system for multi-layer network elements including a bridge that relays packets within a LAN (Local Area Network).

Special Publication No. 2002-508123

The bridge in the above system only relays packets within the LAN and cannot, for example, access an external network. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to access an external network.

A bridge device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a bridge device that operates as a bridge within a LAN and includes an access unit that accesses an external network.

In this aspect, the access unit accesses the external network. That is, it is possible to access the external network.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to access an external network.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a bridge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration including a bridge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting Internet access priorities. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a priority process executed by a bridge device according to the embodiment. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the router device 2 in the system configuration shown in FIG. 2 can access the Internet. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the router device 2 in the system configuration shown in FIG. 2 cannot access the Internet. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of behavior when there is a response to a Ping sent to the Internet side. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of behavior when there is no response to a Ping sent to the Internet side. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of behavior when there is a response to a Ping to the Internet side after the behavior shown in FIG. 8 . 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an access process executed by the bridge device according to the embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the access process executed by the bridge device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a bridge program according to an embodiment together with a storage medium. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer used in a bridge device according to an embodiment.

Below, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure in the following description are specific examples of the present invention, and unless otherwise specified to limit the present invention, it is not intended that the present invention is limited to these embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a bridge device 1 according to an embodiment. The bridge device 1 is a computer device (network device) that operates as a bridge within a LAN. In this embodiment, the term "LAN" may be replaced with "network" as appropriate. While the bridge device 1 basically operates as a bridge (or in bridge mode), it may also have functions that are not available in a bridge. The bridge device 1 may function as a backup for the bridge mode. The bridge device 1 may have functions that are realized in a general "bridge mode".

As shown in FIG. 1, the bridge device 1 is configured to include a storage unit 10, an access unit 11 (access unit), and a setting unit 12 (setting unit). Each functional block of the bridge device 1 is assumed to function within the bridge device 1, but is not limited to this. For example, some of the functional blocks of the bridge device 1 may function within a computer device other than the bridge device 1 and connected to the bridge device 1 through a network, while appropriately sending and receiving information with the bridge device 1. Also, some of the functional blocks of the bridge device 1 may be omitted, multiple functional blocks may be integrated into one functional block, or one functional block may be decomposed into multiple functional blocks.

A router device 2 that accesses the Internet may be connected to the LAN that includes (is connected to) the bridge device 1. The router device 2 may be, for example, a home router. The access to the Internet by the router device 2 may be, for example, a wired access via optical fiber or a wireless access via LTE (Long Term Evolution). The router device 2 may access the Internet by each of a plurality of independent means (for example, optical connection and LTE connection). The router device 2 may have the functions of a general router. In this embodiment, the term "Internet" may be appropriately replaced with "external network". The router device 2 may operate as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. That is, a router device 2 that accesses the Internet and operates as a DHCP server may be connected to the LAN that includes the bridge device 1. The bridge device 1 does not have to operate as a DHCP server. The bridge device 1 may operate as a DHCP client.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration including a bridge device 1. In the system configuration shown in Figure 2, a LAN includes a bridge device 1, an A device 1A, a B device 1B, a router device 2, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) 2A, an optical TV 2B, a PC (Personal Computer) 2C, and a game console 2D.

The bridge device 1 is connected to each of device A 1A and device B 1B via a network on the LAN side (LAN port) of the bridge device 1. Device A 1A and device B 1B may each be any device. The number of devices connected to the LAN side of the bridge device 1 is not limited to two, and may be any number. As shown in FIG. 2, the LAN side of the bridge device 1 is assigned IP address "192.168.100.11", device A 1A is assigned IP address "192.168.100.12", and device B 1B is assigned IP address "192.168.100.13".

The bridge device 1 can access the Internet through the access unit 11 described below. In FIG. 2, the bridge device 1 shows that it can access the Internet through an LTE connection.

The WAN (Wide Area Network) side (WAN port) of the bridge device 1 is connected to the LAN side of the router device 2 via a network. As shown in FIG. 2, the WAN side of the bridge device 1 is assigned the IP address "192.168.100.10", and the LAN side of the router device 2 is assigned the IP address "192.168.100.1".

The router device 2 is connected to the bridge device 1 described above, as well as the HEMS 2A, optical TV 2B, PC 2C, and game console 2D on the LAN side of the router device 2 via a network. The HEMS 2A, optical TV 2B, PC 2C, and game console 2D may each be any device. The number of devices connected to the LAN side of the router device 2 is not limited to four, and may be any number. As shown in FIG. 2, the HEMS 2A is assigned an IP address of "192.168.100.2", the optical TV 2B is assigned an IP address of "192.168.100.3", the PC 2C is assigned an IP address of "192.168.100.4", and the game console 2D is assigned an IP address of "192.168.100.5".

The LAN shown in FIG. 2 may be constructed by a router device 2. IP addresses within the LAN may be in the range of "192.168.100.0/24".

Router device 2 can access the Internet on the WAN side. As shown in Figure 2, the IP address "130.220.10.5" is assigned to the WAN side of router device 2.

The following describes each function of the bridge device 1 shown in Figure 1.

The storage unit 10 may store any information used in processing in the bridge device 1, and the results of processing in the bridge device 1. The information stored by the storage unit 10 may be referenced as appropriate by each function of the bridge device 1.

The access unit 11 accesses the Internet. The access unit 11 accesses the Internet using existing technology. The access unit 11 may access the Internet by wireless access via LTE or the like, or by wired access via optical fiber or the like. The access unit 11 may access the Internet by each of a plurality of independent means. For example, by inserting (attaching) a plurality of SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards into the bridge device 1, the access unit 11 may access the Internet by each of the means (a plurality of means) based on the information of each SIM card.

The access unit 11 may access the Internet (or permit access) when the router device 2 is unable to access the Internet. For example, the access unit 11 may send a Ping from the WAN port of the bridge device 1 to a specific (fixed) Uniform Resource Locator (URL) via the router device 2, and if there is no Ping response, may determine that the router device 2 is unable to access the Internet, and (the access unit 11) may access the Internet.

When the router device 2 can access the Internet, the access unit 11 does not need to access the Internet (it may block access). For example, the access unit 11 sends a Ping from the WAN port of the bridge device 1 to a specific (fixed) URL via the router device 2, and if there is a Ping response, it determines that the router device 2 can access the Internet, and (the access unit 11) does not need to access the Internet.

The setting unit 12 sets (priority setting) which of the access to the Internet by the router device 2 and the access unit 11 is to be prioritized. When the router device 2 and the access unit 11 can each access the Internet by multiple means, the setting unit 12 may set which of the means is to be prioritized. The setting unit 12 may store the priority setting as setting information in the storage unit 10. The bridge device 1 may access the Internet based on the priority setting by the setting unit 12. The bridge device 1 may access the Internet based on the setting information (indicated by the priority setting) stored in the storage unit 10. For example, if the setting unit 12 sets the priority to the access to the Internet by the router device 2, the bridge device 1 accesses the Internet by the router device 2. Also, for example, if the setting unit 12 sets the priority to the access to the Internet by the access unit 11, the bridge device 1 accesses the Internet by the access unit 11.

The setting unit 12 may set the priority based on an instruction or input from the administrator of the bridge device 1 or the like. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the priority of Internet access. The example screen shown in FIG. 3 shows a web screen that is displayed to the administrator of the bridge device 1 or the like via the web and that allows the setting unit 12 to set the priority based on the input from the administrator of the bridge device 1 or the like. The example screen shown in FIG. 3 includes a drop-down list for selecting the priority access (item name "Primary Link"), a drop-down list for selecting the backup (next priority) access (item name "Backup Link"), and a drop-down list for selecting the backup mode (item name "Backup Mode"). In the example screen shown in FIG. 3, access to the Internet by router device 2 (the name indicating the WAN port of router device 2) is selected as the preferred access, access to the Internet by access unit 11 (the name indicating the WAN port used when accessing the Internet by access unit 11 of bridge device 1) is selected as the backup access, and warm backup (access to the Internet as a backup as soon as it is started) is selected as the backup mode.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of priority processing executed by the bridge device 1. First, the setting unit 12 sets whether access to the Internet by the router device 2 or access to the Internet by the access unit 11 is to be prioritized, and stores this as setting information in the storage unit 10 (step S1). Next, the bridge device 1 reads out (the setting indicated by) the setting information stored in S1 (step S2). Next, the bridge device 1 makes an access based on (the setting indicated by) the setting information read out in S2 (step S3).

Next, using Figures 5 to 11, we will explain an example of operation that occurs with a state change when access to the Internet by the router device 2 is set as a priority (and access to the Internet by the access unit 11 is set as a backup).

The initial state (default) is state A. In state A, priority is given to accessing the Internet by the router device 2, so access to the Internet is performed by the router device 2, and not by the access unit 11. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the router device 2 can access the Internet in the system configuration shown in Figure 2. More specifically, Figure 5 shows an example of state A. In Figure 5, the access unit 11 does not access the Internet, so the diagram related to accessing the Internet by the access unit 11 (bridge device 1) is shown with a dotted line. In Figure 5, the access unit 11 is in a hot standby state, and is in a state in which the access unit 11 can access the Internet as soon as access to the Internet by the router device 2 becomes impossible.

In state A, the state in which the router device 2 is no longer able to access the Internet is referred to as state B. In state B, access to the Internet is performed by the access unit 11. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the router device 2 is no longer able to access the Internet in the system configuration shown in Figure 2. More specifically, Figure 6 shows an example of state B. In Figure 6, since the router device 2 is no longer able to access the Internet, the diagram relating to the router device 2's access to the Internet is shown by dotted lines. In Figure 6, the access unit 11, which was in a hot standby state in state A, is no longer able to access the Internet due to the router device 2, so the access unit 11 accesses (can access) the Internet.

The state in which access to the Internet is restored (recovered) through the router device 2 in state B is called state C. State C is similar to state A, and FIG. 5 can be said to show an example of state C. In other words, access to the Internet is provided by the router device 2, and not by the access unit 11.

States A, B, and C are explained from a different perspective using Figures 7 to 9.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of behavior when there is a response to a Ping sent to the Internet side. The access unit 11 of the bridge device 1 sends Pings periodically (e.g., every 60 seconds) from the WAN port of the bridge device 1 to a specific URL (on the Internet side) via the router device 2. As shown in Figure 7, if there is a response to the sent Ping, the access unit 11 does not access the Internet (e.g., blocks LTE on the bridge device 1 side, turns off the LTE function). Figure 7 corresponds to state A.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of behavior when there is no response to a Ping sent to the Internet side. As shown in Figure 8, if there is no response to the Ping sent, the access unit 11 accesses the Internet (for example, permits LTE on the bridge device 1 side and turns on the LTE function). Figure 8 corresponds to state B.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of behavior when there is a response to a Ping to the Internet side after the behavior shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9, even if there is no response to the sent Ping, Pings are sent periodically (periodic Pings), and when there is a response to the periodic Ping (i.e. when access to the Internet by the router device 2 is restored), the access unit 11 does not access the Internet (for example, LTE on the bridge device 1 side is blocked, and the LTE function is turned off). Figure 9 corresponds to state C.

As explained in Figures 7 to 9, when the WAN port (of bridge device 1) can connect to the Internet via router device 2, WAN side communications are used preferentially. Bridge device 1 can be said to have an LTE communication switching function, which is a function for switching LTE communications.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the access process executed by the bridge device 1. First, the access unit 11 determines whether or not access to the Internet is possible through the router device 2 (step S10). If it is determined in S10 that access is possible (S10: YES), the access unit 11 does not access the Internet (step S11). On the other hand, if it is determined in S10 that access is not possible (S10: NO), the access unit 11 accesses the Internet (step S12). The series of access processes shown in Figure 10 may be repeated.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the access process executed by the bridge device 1. First, the access unit 11 judges whether or not the router device 2 can access the Internet (step S20). If it is judged in S20 that the access can be performed (S20: YES), the access unit 11 does not access the Internet (step S21). On the other hand, if it is judged in S20 that the access cannot be performed (S20: NO), the access unit 11 accesses the Internet (step S22). Following S22 (e.g., after a predetermined time from the process of S22), the access unit 11 judges whether or not the router device 2 can access the Internet (step S23). If it is judged in S23 that the access can be performed (if the access to the Internet by the router device 2 is restored) (S23: YES), proceed to S21. On the other hand, if it is judged in S23 that the access cannot be performed (S23: NO), return to S23 (e.g., after a predetermined time). The series of access processes shown in Figure 11 may be repeated.

Next, a bridge program 200 for causing a computer to execute a series of processes by the bridge device 1 will be described. The bridge program 200 is a computer program for causing the bridge device 1, which operates as a bridge in a LAN, to function as an access unit 11 that accesses the Internet. As shown in FIG. 12, the bridge program 200 is inserted into a computer and accessed, or is stored in a program storage area 101 formed in a storage medium 100 provided in the computer. More specifically, the bridge program 200 is stored in a program storage area 101 formed in a storage medium 100 provided in the bridge device 1.

The bridge program 200 is configured with an access module 201 and a setting module 202. The functions realized by executing the access module 201 and the setting module 202 are similar to the functions of the access unit 11 and the setting unit 12 of the bridge device 1 described above, respectively.

The bridge program 200 may be a program for causing the bridge device 1 (one or more CPUs) to function as an access unit 11 that accesses the Internet, and a setting unit 12 that sets whether access to the Internet by the router device 2 or access to the Internet by the access unit 11 is to be prioritized.

The bridge program 200 may be configured so that a part or all of it is transmitted via a transmission medium such as a communication line, and is received and stored (including installed) by another device. Also, each module of the bridge program 200 may be installed on one of multiple computers, rather than on one computer. In this case, the series of processes of the bridge program 200 described above are performed by a computer system consisting of the multiple computers.

Next, we will explain the effects of the bridge device 1 and bridge program 200 according to the embodiment.

The bridge device 1, which operates as a bridge within a LAN (network), is provided with an access unit 11 that accesses the Internet (external network). With this configuration, it is possible to access the Internet (external network) while operating as a bridge within the LAN.

In addition, according to the bridge device 1, a router device 2 that accesses the Internet is connected to the LAN, and the LAN may further include a setting unit 12 that sets (priority setting) whether access to the Internet by the router device 2 or access to the Internet by the access unit 11 is to be prioritized. With this configuration, it is possible to set whether access to the Internet by the router device 2 or access to the Internet by the access unit 11 is to be prioritized. This makes it possible, for example, to set in advance which one is to be prioritized.

Furthermore, according to the bridge device 1, access to the Internet may be performed based on the settings (priority settings) made by the setting unit 12. With this configuration, access to the Internet can be performed based on the priority settings. As a result, for example, access control can be performed automatically without the administrator of the bridge device 1 having to manually perform access control.

Furthermore, according to the bridge device 1, a router device 2 that provides access to the Internet is connected to the LAN, and the access unit 11 may access the Internet when the router device 2 is unable to provide access to the Internet. With this configuration, the Internet can be accessed by the access unit 11 even when the router device 2 is unable to provide access to the Internet. This makes it possible to avoid, for example, a state in which the Internet cannot be accessed from within the LAN.

In addition, according to the bridge device 1, a router device 2 that accesses the Internet is connected to the LAN, and the access unit 11 does not need to access the Internet when the router device 2 can access the Internet. With this configuration, when the router device 2 can access the Internet, the router device 2 can access the Internet.

Furthermore, according to the bridge device 1, a router device 2 that provides access to the Internet and operates as a DHCP server may be connected to the LAN. With this configuration, the router device 2 operates as a DHCP server, so that, for example, an appropriate DHCP environment can be created within the LAN.

In addition, the bridge device 1 does not need to operate as a DHCP server. With this configuration, even if a router device 2 that operates as a DHCP server is connected, for example, the DHCP servers do not overlap, and an appropriate DHCP environment can be created within the LAN.

The bridge device 1 may also operate as a DHCP client. With this configuration, for example, if a router device 2 operating as a DHCP server is connected, the bridge device 1 operates as a DHCP client, so that an appropriate DHCP environment can be created within the LAN.

One of the problems with the past was that the introduction of HEMS was difficult because the network environment in each home is different. For example, a customer may or may not have an existing Internet environment. When introducing a HEMS, it is necessary to set up the lines with the ONU (Optical Network Unit) and router on the Internet side, as well as the settings with the sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) equipment. This type of work is unfamiliar to ordinary households and businesses, and it often does not go well. In addition, the hurdles to introduction are high, with the dispatch of workers and the initial introduction costs involved.

The bridge device 1 can, for example, automatically identify the existing network environment and automatically construct an optimal network configuration by combining the existing line and the LTE line. The bridge device 1 can, for example, eliminate the complicated setting work when introducing a HEMS. When introducing a HEMS to each home, even if the bridge device 1 is introduced into the LAN later, the setting is transparent and Internet access can be performed appropriately. Furthermore, even if the bridge device 1, device A 1A connected to the bridge device 1, and device B 1B connected to the bridge device 1 are introduced into the LAN later, the bridge device 1, device A 1A, and device B 1B can properly access the Internet, and device A 1A and device B 1B can also be accessed (controlled) from the Internet.

The bridge device 1 provides a switching function for installation in an existing network and a backup line. The bridge device 1 recognizes the connection state (of the router device 2) and automatically controls access by the access unit 11.

The bridge device 1 of the present disclosure may have the following configuration:

[1]
A bridge device that operates as a bridge within a LAN and has an access section for accessing an external network.

[2]
A router device for accessing an external network is connected to the LAN,
and a setting unit that sets whether to give priority to an access to an external network by the router device or an access unit to an external network.
The bridge device according to [1].

[3]
the bridge device accesses an external network based on the setting by the setting unit.
The bridge device according to [2].

[4]
A router device for accessing an external network is connected to the LAN,
the access unit accesses an external network when the router device is unable to access the external network.
A bridge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[5]
A router device for accessing an external network is connected to the LAN,
the access unit does not access the external network when the router device is able to access the external network;
A bridge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[6]
A router device that performs access to an external network and operates as a DHCP server is connected to the LAN.
A bridge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[7]
The bridge device does not act as a DHCP server.
A bridge device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[8]
The bridge device acts as a DHCP client.
A bridge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated and directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wires, wirelessly, etc.). The functional blocks may be realized by combining the one device or the multiple devices with software.

Functions include, but are not limited to, judgement, determination, judgment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, regard, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs the transmission function is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on the method of realization for either of these.

For example, the bridge device 1 in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the bridging method of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the bridge device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-mentioned bridge device 1 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, memory 1002, storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

In the following description, the term "apparatus" can be interpreted as a circuit, device, unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the bridge device 1 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

Each function in the bridge device 1 is realized by loading a specific software (program) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

The processor 1001, for example, operates an operating system to control the entire computer. The processor 1001 may be configured with a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the above-mentioned access unit 11 and setting unit 12, etc. may be realized by the processor 1001.

The processor 1001 also reads out programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002, and executes various processes according to these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the access unit 11 and the setting unit 12 may be realized by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and other functional blocks may be similarly realized. Although the above-mentioned various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing a wireless communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be, for example, at least one of an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, and the like. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other suitable medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission/reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc., to realize at least one of, for example, Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD). For example, the above-mentioned access unit 11 and setting unit 12, etc., may be realized by the communication device 1004.

The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that accepts input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that performs output to the outside. Note that the input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

In addition, each device such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002 is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

The bridge device 1 may also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

Notification of information is not limited to the aspects/embodiments described in this disclosure and may be performed using other methods.

Each aspect/embodiment described in this disclosure may be applied to at least one of systems using LTE, LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and other appropriate systems, and next-generation systems extended based on these. Also, multiple systems may be combined (e.g., a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G, etc.).

The processing steps, sequences, flow charts, etc. of each aspect/embodiment described in this disclosure may be reordered unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order and are not limited to the particular order presented.

The input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or may be managed using a management table. The input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. The output information may be deleted. The input information may be transmitted to another device.

The determination may be based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean (true or false) value, or a numerical comparison (e.g., with a predetermined value).

Each aspect/embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the execution. In addition, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is the case") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may be done implicitly (e.g., not notifying the specific information).

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended as an illustrative example and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and/or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and/or wireless technologies are included within the definition of a transmission medium.

The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

In addition, terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

In addition, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

The names used for the parameters described above are not limiting in any way. Furthermore, the formulas etc. using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure.

The terms "determining" and "determining" as used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, and the like. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Also, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

The terms "connected" and "coupled", or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access". As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

Any reference to elements using designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

The "means" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Additionally, the term "or," as used in this disclosure, is not intended to be an exclusive or.

In this disclosure, where articles have been added through translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

1...bridge device, 1A...A device, 1B...B device, 2...router device, 2A...HEMS, 2B...optical TV, 2C...PC, 2D...game console, 10...storage unit, 11...access unit, 12...setting unit, 100...storage medium, 101...program storage area, 200...bridge program, 201...access module, 202...setting module, 1001...processor, 1002...memory, 1003...storage, 1004...communication device, 1005...input device, 1006...output device, 1007...bus.

Claims (10)

A bridge device that operates as a bridge in a LAN to which a router device that provides access to an external network is connected ,
An access unit for accessing an external network is provided ,
the access unit transmits a Ping to a predetermined URL via the router device, and when there is no Ping response, accesses an external network.
Bridge device. A bridge device that operates as a bridge in a LAN to which a router device that provides access to an external network is connected ,
An access unit for accessing an external network is provided ,
the access unit transmits a Ping to a predetermined URL via the router device, and when a Ping response is received, does not access an external network.
Bridge device. the access unit periodically transmits a Ping even if there is no Ping response, and does not access an external network when there is a Ping response to the periodically transmitted Ping;
The bridge device of claim 1 . and a setting unit that sets whether to give priority to an access to an external network by the router device or an access unit to an external network.
3. A bridge device according to claim 1 or 2 . the bridge device accesses an external network based on the setting by the setting unit.
5. The bridge device according to claim 4 . The router device operates as a DHCP server .
3. A bridge device according to claim 1 or 2 . The bridge device does not act as a DHCP server.
3. A bridge device according to claim 1 or 2 . The bridge device acts as a DHCP client.
3. A bridge device according to claim 1 or 2 . A bridge device that operates as a bridge in a LAN to which a router device that accesses an external network is connected is made to function as an access unit that accesses the external network ;
the access unit transmits a Ping to a predetermined URL via the router device, and when there is no Ping response, accesses an external network.
Bridge program. A bridge device that operates as a bridge in a LAN to which a router device that accesses an external network is connected is made to function as an access unit that accesses the external network ;
the access unit transmits a Ping to a predetermined URL via the router device, and when a Ping response is received, does not access an external network.
Bridge program.

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