JP7680416B2 - Switching device and switching program - Google Patents

Description

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a switching device and a switching program for switching between modes.

The following Patent Document 1 describes a network relay device that operates in either a bridge mode in which it operates as a bridge function unit, or a router mode in which it operates as a router function unit.

JP 2014-7547 A

The above network relay device can only operate in bridge mode or router mode. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to switch to a mode other than bridge mode or router mode.

A switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a switching unit that switches between at least one of a router mode in which the device operates as a router or a bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the device operates as a bridge and accesses an external network.

In this aspect, switching is performed between at least one of the router mode and the bridge mode and the original mode. In other words, switching to a mode other than the bridge mode or the router mode can be performed.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to switch to a mode other than bridge mode or router mode.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a switching device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration including a switching device according to an embodiment that functions in a router mode. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration including a switching device according to an embodiment that functions in a bridge mode. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration including a switching device according to an embodiment that functions in an original mode. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a switching process executed by the switching device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a table of mode switching conditions. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer used in the switching device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a switching program according to the embodiment, together with a storage medium.

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 switching device 1 (switching device) according to an embodiment. The switching device 1 is a computer device (network device) that operates within a network. Note that in this embodiment, the term "network" may be replaced with "LAN (Local Area Network)" as appropriate.

The switching device 1 can function in at least one of a router mode in which it operates as a router and a bridge mode in which it operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which it operates as a bridge and also accesses the Internet (external network). In this embodiment, the term "Internet" may be appropriately replaced with "external network." The switching device 1 may have functions realized in a general router mode and a general bridge mode.

Using Figures 2 to 4, we will explain router mode, bridge mode, and original mode.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration including a switching device 1 functioning in router mode. The switching device 1 functioning in router mode operates as a router. In the system configuration shown in Figure 2, a network includes the switching device 1, device A 1A, and device B 1B. The switching device 1 is connected to device A 1A and device B 1B on the LAN side (LAN port) of the switching device 1 via a network. Device A 1A and device B 1B may each be any device. The number of devices connected to the LAN side of the switching device 1 is not limited to two, and may be any number.

The switching device 1 functioning in the router mode may operate as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. In other words, the switching device 1 may operate as a DHCP server in the router mode.

The switching device 1 functioning in router mode creates a network as shown in Figure 2. IP addresses within the network may be in the range of "192.168.0.0/24". As shown in Figure 2, the LAN side of the switching device 1 is assigned the IP address "192.168.0.1", device A 1A is assigned the IP address "192.168.0.2", and device B 1B is assigned the IP address "192.168.0.3".

The switching device 1 functioning in the router mode can access the Internet through an access unit 11 (LTE side) described below. FIG. 2 shows that the switching device 1 can access the Internet through an LTE (Long Term Evolution) connection. As shown in FIG. 2, the IP address "10.220.1.5" is assigned to the switching device 1 (the side accessing the Internet).

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration including a switching device 1 functioning in bridge mode. The switching device 1 functioning in bridge mode operates as a bridge. In the system configuration shown in Figure 3, the network includes a switching device 1, device A 1A, device B 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 router device 2 is a router (network device) that provides access to the Internet. The router device 2 is, for example, a home router. Access to the Internet by the router device 2 may be, for example, wired access via optical fiber or wireless access via LTE. The router device 2 may access the Internet by multiple independent means (for example, optical connection and LTE connection). The router device 2 may have the functions of a general router.

The router device 2 operates as a DHCP server. That is, the network including the switching device 1 is connected to a router device 2 that provides access to the Internet and operates as a DHCP server. The switching device 1 that functions in bridge mode (or original mode) does not have to operate as a DHCP server (in bridge mode or original mode). The switching device 1 that functions in bridge mode (or original mode) may operate as a DHCP client (in bridge mode or original mode).

The switching device 1 functioning in bridge mode is connected to each of device A 1A and device B 1B via a network on the LAN side of the switching 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 switching device 1 is not limited to two, and may be any number. As shown in FIG. 3, the LAN side of the switching 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 switching device 1 functioning in bridge mode does not access the Internet through the access unit 11 described below. In FIG. 3, the access unit 11 does not access the Internet, so the diagram relating to access to the Internet through the access unit 11 (switching device 1) is shown with a dotted line. In FIG. 3, the access unit 11 is in a hot standby state, and is in a state in which the access unit 11 accesses (can access) the Internet instantly when switching to the router mode or original mode is performed.

The switching device 1, which functions in bridge mode, is connected to the LAN side of the router device 2 via a network on the WAN (Wide Area Network) side (WAN port) of the switching device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the WAN side of the switching 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 switching device 1, the HEMS 2A, the optical TV 2B, the PC 2C, and the game console 2D on the LAN side of the router device 2 via a network. The HEMS 2A, the optical TV 2B, the PC 2C, and the 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. 3, 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 network shown in FIG. 3 may be constructed by a router device 2. IP addresses within the network may be in the range "192.168.100.0/24".

The router device 2 can access the Internet on the WAN side. As shown in FIG. 3, the IP address "130.220.10.5" is assigned to the WAN side of the router device 2. In other words, the switching device 1 functioning in bridge mode accesses the Internet via the WAN side of the switching device 1.

Figure 4 shows an example of a system configuration including a switching device 1 functioning in the original mode. The switching device 1 functioning in the original mode operates as a bridge and accesses the Internet.

The system configuration shown in Figure 4 is similar to the system configuration shown in Figure 3 with some exceptions, and the differences will be explained below.

In FIG. 4, router device 2 does not (cannot) access the Internet. For example, router device 2 does not (cannot) access the Internet due to a network failure or the like. In FIG. 4, because router device 2 does not (cannot) access the Internet, the diagram relating to access to the Internet by router device 2 is shown with dotted lines.

In FIG. 4, the switching device 1 functioning in the original mode accesses the Internet through the access unit 11 (LTE side) described below. In FIG. 4, since the access unit 11 accesses the Internet, the diagram relating to the access to the Internet by the access unit 11 (switching device 1) is shown with a solid line (rather than a dotted line).

Above, we have explained router mode, bridge mode, and original mode.

Returning to FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the switching device 1 is configured to include a storage unit 10, an access unit 11 (access unit), and a switching unit 12 (switching unit). Each functional block of the switching device 1 is assumed to function within the switching device 1, but is not limited to this. For example, some of the functional blocks of the switching device 1 may function within a computer device that is different from the switching device 1 and is network-connected to the switching device 1, while appropriately transmitting and receiving information with the switching device 1. Also, some of the functional blocks of the switching 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.

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

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

The access unit 11 accesses (is able to access) 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 switching 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 accesses the Internet in the router mode and the original mode. The access unit 11 does not access the Internet in the bridge mode.

The switching unit 12 switches (in this embodiment, simply referred to as "switching") between at least one of the router mode in which it operates as a router or the bridge mode in which it operates as a bridge, and the original mode in which it operates as a bridge and also accesses the Internet. The switching device 1 functions in the mode in which it has been switched to by the switching unit 12. For example, when the switching unit 12 switches to the router mode, the switching device 1 functions in the router mode. Also, for example, when the switching unit 12 switches to the bridge mode, the switching device 1 functions in the bridge mode. Also, for example, when the switching unit 12 switches to the original mode, the switching device 1 functions in the original mode.

The switching unit 12 may perform switching based on at least one of whether or not a DHCP server exists in the same network (on the WAN side of the switching device 1) and whether or not access to the Internet is possible (without using access by the access unit 11). That is, the switching unit 12 may perform switching based on whether or not a DHCP server exists in the same network, may perform switching based on whether or not access to the Internet is possible, or may perform switching based on both whether or not a DHCP server exists in the same network and whether or not access to the Internet is possible.

The determination of whether or not a DHCP server exists within the same network, and whether or not access to the Internet is possible, are performed using existing technology. For example, the determination of whether or not a DHCP server exists within the same network may be made by executing a command to send a Ping to the DHCP server and making a determination based on the response. Also, for example, the determination of whether or not access to the Internet is possible may be made by sending a Ping to a specific (fixed) URL on the Internet and making a determination based on the response.

The switching unit 12 may switch to the router mode if there is no DHCP server in the same network. The switching unit 12 may switch to the bridge mode or the original mode if there is a DHCP server in the same network. The switching unit 12 may switch to the bridge mode if there is a DHCP server in the same network and the Internet can be accessed. The switching unit 12 may switch to the original mode if there is a DHCP server in the same network and the Internet cannot be accessed.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the switching process executed by the switching device 1. First, the switching unit 12 checks the connection every 60 seconds (step S1). The connection check includes checking whether a DHCP server exists in the same network and whether access to the Internet is possible. Next, the switching unit 12 judges whether a DHCP server exists in the same network (step S2). If it is judged in S2 that there is no DHCP server (S2: NO), the switching unit 12 switches to the router mode (step S3). Following S3, the switching unit 12 continues to check the connection every 60 seconds (step S4) and returns to S2. If a predetermined condition is met (for example, if the loop between S1 and S4 has been executed a predetermined number of times), the process may end after S4.

If it is determined in S2 that the Internet exists (S2: YES), the switching unit 12 determines whether or not the Internet can be accessed (step S5). If it is determined in S5 that the Internet can be accessed (S5: YES), the switching unit 12 switches to bridge mode (step S6) and proceeds to S4. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5 that the Internet cannot be accessed (S5: NO), the switching unit 12 switches to original mode (step S7) and proceeds to S4.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example table of mode switching conditions. As shown in the example table in Figure 6, if there is no DHCP server (and there is no Internet on the WAN side (of switching device 1 or router device 2)), switching to router mode is performed. Also, if there is a DHCP server and there is Internet on the WAN side (of switching device 1 or router device 2), switching to bridge mode is performed. Also, if there is a DHCP server and there is no Internet on the WAN side (of switching device 1 or router device 2), switching to original mode is performed.

Next, a switching program 200 for causing a computer to execute a series of processes by the switching device 1 will be described. The switching program 200 is a computer program for causing a computer to function as a switching unit 12 that switches between at least one of a router mode in which the computer operates as a router or a bridge mode in which the computer operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the computer operates as a bridge and also accesses the Internet. As shown in FIG. 7, the switching 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 switching program 200 is stored in a program storage area 101 formed in a storage medium 100 provided in the switching device 1.

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

The switching program 200 may be a program for causing the switching device 1 (one or more CPUs) to function as an access unit 11 that accesses the Internet, and a switching unit 12 that switches between at least one of a router mode in which the device operates as a router or a bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the device operates as a bridge and also accesses the Internet.

The switching 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 switching program 200 may be installed not in one computer, but in one of multiple computers. In that case, the series of processes of the switching program 200 described above are performed by a computer system consisting of the multiple computers.

Next, we will explain the effects of the switching device 1 according to the embodiment.

The switching device 1 includes a switching unit 12 that switches between at least one of the router mode in which the device operates as a router or the bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge, and the original mode in which the device operates as a bridge and accesses the Internet (external network). With this configuration, switching is performed between at least one of the router mode or the bridge mode and the original mode. In other words, switching to a mode other than the bridge mode or the router mode is possible. Also, switching to an appropriate mode according to the network situation is possible.

Furthermore, according to the switching device 1, the switching unit 12 may perform switching based on at least one of whether or not a DHCP server exists in the same network, and whether or not access to the Internet is possible. With this configuration, it is possible to switch to an appropriate mode according to the network situation, such as whether or not a DHCP server exists in the same network and whether or not access to the Internet is possible.

Furthermore, according to the switching device 1, the switching unit 12 may switch to the router mode when there is no DHCP server in the same network. With this configuration, it is possible to switch to the router mode in which the device operates as a router when there is no DHCP server in the same network. In other words, it is possible to switch to an appropriate mode according to the network situation.

Furthermore, according to the switching device 1, the switching unit 12 may switch to bridge mode or original mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network. With this configuration, when a DHCP server exists in the same network, it is possible to switch to bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge, or to original mode in which the device operates as a bridge and also accesses the Internet. In other words, it is possible to switch to an appropriate mode according to the network situation.

Furthermore, according to the switching device 1, the switching unit 12 may switch to bridge mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network and access to the Internet is possible. With this configuration, it is possible to switch to bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge when a DHCP server exists in the same network and access to the Internet is possible. In other words, it is possible to switch to an appropriate mode according to the network situation.

Furthermore, according to the switching device 1, the switching unit 12 may switch to the original mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network and access to the Internet is not possible. With this configuration, when a DHCP server exists in the same network and access to the Internet is not possible, switching to the original mode that operates as a bridge and accesses the Internet can be performed. In other words, switching to an appropriate mode according to the network situation can be performed.

The switching device 1 may also operate as a DHCP server in router mode. With this configuration, the switching device 1 operates as a DHCP server, making it possible to create an appropriate DHCP environment within the network, for example.

In addition, the switching device 1 does not need to operate as a DHCP server in bridge mode or original mode. 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 network.

The switching device 1 may also operate as a DHCP client in bridge mode or original mode. With this configuration, for example, when a router device 2 operating as a DHCP server is connected, the switching 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 switching 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 switching device 1, for example, eliminates the need for complicated setting work when introducing a HEMS. When introducing a HEMS to each home, even if the switching device 1 is introduced into the network later, the setting is transparent and Internet access can be performed appropriately. Furthermore, even if the switching device 1, device A 1A connected to the switching device 1, and device B 1B connected to the switching device 1 are introduced into the network later, the switching device 1, device A 1A, and device B 1B can properly access the Internet, and can also access (control) device A 1A, device B 1B, etc. from the Internet side.

The switching device 1 provides a switching function for installation in an existing network and for a backup line. The switching device 1 recognizes the connection state (of the router device 2) and automatically controls access by the access unit 11. The switching device 1 can switch to the appropriate mode in any state, for example when the recovery order is different after a power outage.

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

[1]
A switching device having a switching unit that switches between at least one of a router mode in which the device operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the device operates as a bridge and also accesses an external network.

[2]
the switching unit performs switching based on at least one of whether or not a DHCP server exists in the same network and whether or not an external network can be accessed.
The switching device according to [1].

[3]
The switching unit switches to the router mode when there is no DHCP server in the same network.
The switching device according to [1] or [2].

[4]
The switching unit switches to a bridge mode or an original mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network.
A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[5]
the switching unit switches to a bridge mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network and an external network can be accessed;
A switching device according to any one of [1] to [4].

[6]
the switching unit switches to the original mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network and an external network cannot be accessed.
A switching device according to any one of [1] to [5].

[7]
In router mode, it acts as a DHCP server.
A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[8]
In bridge mode or original mode, it does not operate as a DHCP server.
A switching device according to any one of [1] to [7].

[9]
In bridge mode or original mode, it acts as a DHCP client.
A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[10]
A switching program for causing a computer to function as a switching unit that switches between at least one of a router mode in which the computer operates as a router or a bridge mode in which the computer operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the computer operates as a bridge and accesses an external network.

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 switching device 1 in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the switching method of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the switching device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-mentioned switching device 1 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a 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 switching 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.

The functions of the switching device 1 are realized by loading specific software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communications by the communication device 1004, and control at least one of the reading and writing of 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 switching 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 the computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, the access unit 11 and the switching 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, for example, at least one of Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD). For example, the above-mentioned access unit 11 and switching 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 switching 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 comparison of numerical values (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...switching 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...switching unit, 100...storage medium, 101...program storage area, 200...switching program, 201...access module, 202...switching module, 1001...processor, 1002...memory, 1003...storage, 1004...communication device, 1005...input device, 1006...output device, 1007...bus.

Claims (13)

A switching unit is provided for switching between at least one of a router mode in which the device operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the device operates as a bridge and accesses an external network;
the switching unit performs switching based on at least one of whether or not a DHCP server exists in the same network and whether or not an external network can be accessed.
Switching device. A switching unit is provided for switching between at least one of a router mode in which the device operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the device operates as a bridge and accesses an external network;
The switching unit switches to the router mode when there is no DHCP server in the same network.
Switching device. A switching unit is provided for switching between at least one of a router mode in which the device operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the device operates as a bridge and accesses an external network;
The switching unit switches to a bridge mode or an original mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network.
Switching device. A switching unit is provided for switching between at least one of a router mode in which the device operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the device operates as a bridge and accesses an external network;
the switching unit switches to a bridge mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network and an external network can be accessed;
Switching device. A switching unit is provided for switching between at least one of a router mode in which the device operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the device operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the device operates as a bridge and accesses an external network;
the switching unit switches to the original mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network and an external network cannot be accessed.
Switching device. In router mode, it acts as a DHCP server.
A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . In bridge mode or original mode, it does not operate as a DHCP server.
A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . In bridge mode or original mode, it acts as a DHCP client.
A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The computer is caused to function as a switching unit that switches between at least one of a router mode in which the computer operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the computer operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the computer operates as a bridge and accesses an external network ;
the switching unit performs switching based on at least one of whether or not a DHCP server exists in the same network and whether or not an external network can be accessed.
Switching program. The computer is caused to function as a switching unit that switches between at least one of a router mode in which the computer operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the computer operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the computer operates as a bridge and accesses an external network;
The switching unit switches to the router mode when there is no DHCP server in the same network.
Switching program. The computer is caused to function as a switching unit that switches between at least one of a router mode in which the computer operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the computer operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the computer operates as a bridge and accesses an external network;
The switching unit switches to a bridge mode or an original mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network.
Switching program. The computer is caused to function as a switching unit that switches between at least one of a router mode in which the computer operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the computer operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the computer operates as a bridge and accesses an external network;
the switching unit switches to a bridge mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network and an external network can be accessed;
Switching program. The computer is caused to function as a switching unit that switches between at least one of a router mode in which the computer operates as a router and a bridge mode in which the computer operates as a bridge, and an original mode in which the computer operates as a bridge and accesses an external network;
the switching unit switches to the original mode when a DHCP server exists in the same network and an external network cannot be accessed.
Switching program.

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