JP2002009971A - Business method regarding internet - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that there is no room for selection of time and charge of communications by a consumer since they are determined by the connection to the Internet by predetermined contract conditions. SOLUTION: An integrated monitoring server 16: collects the congestion state of respective connection servers 201, 202, 203 and 204 at access points A 12, B 13, C 14 and D 15 via respective monitoring servers 191, 192, 193 and 194 of the respective access points; obtains pieces of congestion information of the access points when a user 11 attempts to connect himself/herself with the access point A 12 via a line 18 and to access a URL 17 through the Internet 19; and selects communication paths to the access points according to the obtained congestion information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a business method related to the Internet, and more particularly, to a method for accessing a target URL (Uniform Resource Lo) through the Internet.
access), and based on the communication time (data download / upload time, URL access time) and communication charge (communication cost for data download, etc.), how busy the line is during use. The present invention relates to a business method related to the Internet in which a communication route is selected in accordance with a parameter having a higher priority by monitoring a congestion state of an access point or the like in real time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when subscribing to the Internet,
Know the phone number of the access point (there are multiple types depending on the subscription area) and determine the telephone fee. Also, the communication fee (connection fee) with the provider can be fixed, pay-per-use,
Alternatively, the user will use the Internet by arranging a contract such as a combination of a flat rate system and a metered system.

[0003] A target URL (U
communication time (time to download and upload data, time to access URL) and communication fee (such as communication cost for downloading data)
Is determined by what the Internet connects to according to predetermined subscription conditions, and there is no room for consumers (subscribers, users, users) to select.

[0004]

When accessing a target URL via the above-mentioned conventional Internet, the first problem is that when accessing the target URL via the Internet, the communication time and communication fee are set in advance. The Internet was connected according to the determined subscription conditions, and there was no choice for consumers.

[0005] The reason is that a communication route selection corresponding to the congestion situation of the access point could not be performed.

[0006]

In the business method according to the present invention, in an access to a URL by the Internet, an access terminal obtains congestion information of a plurality of access points and performs access based on the obtained congestion information. The access terminal obtains congestion information including cache servers of a plurality of access points including a cache server by the communication terminal selecting a communication path to the access point and accessing the URL by the Internet, and the obtained congestion information The access terminal selects a communication route to the access point based on

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various businesses or services using the Internet have become popular, and their importance is likely to increase in the future. In such Internet communication, consumers (users) have increased opportunities to download, upload, and browse various data, and providing an optimal solution for the communication cost or speed has become a great need. I have.

A feature of the present invention is that a target URL (Uniform Resource Lo) is transmitted via the Internet.
In the step of accessing the Internet (cat.), communication time (time for downloading and uploading data, time for accessing the URL) and communication fee (communication cost for downloading data, etc.) are used as parameters, By monitoring the congestion status of an access point in real time, a communication route can be selected in accordance with a parameter having a higher priority.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a business method according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the provider is fixed,
Some access points A12 of the provider,
Connection server 2 at each of access point B13, access point C14, and access point D15
The congestion statuses of 01, 202, 203, and 204 are monitored. The user 11 first connects to, for example, the access point A12 set as an initial value through the line 18 and tries to access the URL 17 via the Internet 19. The line 18 includes a telephone line and a DSL line.

At this time, the comprehensive monitoring server 16 accesses the monitoring servers 191, 192, 193, and 194 of the access points A12, B13, C14, and D15, and the access points A12, B13, C14, D
Fifteen congestion states are collected as information.

As a method of detecting a congestion state, dummy data of a certain fixed length suitable for each of the access points A12, B13, C14 and D15 is connected to each connection server 20.
The data transfer bit rates are calculated by transmitting the data from the monitoring servers 191, 192, 193, and 194 to the data servers 1, 202, 203, and 204 and returning the data to the server.

Each access point A12, B13, C1
4, D15 monitoring servers 191, 192,
Such congestion information possessed by 193 and 194 is transmitted to the comprehensive monitoring server 16, and a portion having the highest data transfer bit rate is determined as an optimal access point.

The maximum number of access points to be searched depends on the judgment of the provider. If the scale becomes large, a monitoring server is provided for each area, and information is exchanged between the monitoring servers in the area. Just do it.

The user 11 first connects to, for example, the access point A12 set as an initial value in advance, and simultaneously extracts congestion information (data transfer bit rate information) from the comprehensive monitoring server 16. Based on the congestion information,
The user 11 changes the connection to the access point having the largest data transfer bit rate.

The user 11 changes the connection to the access point having the largest data transfer bit rate,
The user accesses the target URL 17 via the Internet 19.

Here, it is also possible to set a threshold value of the data transfer bit rate on the user 11 side, and to add a control of selecting an access point to be connected at a threshold value or more. By doing so, when connecting to an access point that has been set as an initial value in advance, if the data transfer bit rate is equal to or greater than the set threshold, communication is performed without changing the connection and using the access point that was originally connected. As a result, the telephone charge can be reduced without changing the line 18.

It should be noted that the congestion of the telephone line itself is not discussed here because the rate of causing the congestion is lower than that of the server connection in the provider.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment using a distributed memory type cache server of a business method for the Internet according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an embodiment using a shared memory type cache server of a business method related to the Internet according to the embodiment.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a case where a connection server of each access point has a cache server.
In FIG. 2, the user 21 connects to the access point A23 of the subscribing provider through the line 22, and accesses the URL 32 through the Internet 31.

The connection servers 24, 26, 28 in the access point A23 have cache servers 25, 27, 29 in a distributed memory system, and cache URLs 32. Each cache server 25, 2
The information of 7, 29 is stored in each corresponding connection server 24, 26,
28 is of a table type, and access to each cache server 25, 27, 29 is performed via access to each corresponding connection server 24, 26, 28.

The monitoring server 30 is connected to each connection server 24,
The congestion status of 26 and 28 and the storage information of the cache server are also monitored.

In FIG. 3, the user 41 connects to the access point A 42 of the subscribing provider through the line 50 and accesses the URL 49 through the Internet 48.

The cache server 46 is connected to the connection servers 43, 44, 45 in a shared memory system. Each of the connection servers 43, 44, and 45 can arbitrarily access the cache server 46, but since they are shared, it is necessary to provide a FIFO buffer or the like as access control when access occurs simultaneously. The monitoring server 47 also obtains the information of the cache server 46 when obtaining the congestion information of the connection servers 43, 44, 45.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a business method relating to the Internet according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the user 51 makes a dial-up connection to connect to the access point A 52 having the cache server 53 of the provider to which the user 59 subscribes to access the URL 59 through the Internet 60. The monitoring server 54 connected to the access point A52 and monitoring the congestion status of the access point A52 and the monitoring server monitoring the congestion status of each of the other access points B55, C56, and D57. Access the comprehensive monitoring server 58 that collects the situation at the same time, and
2, access point B55, access point C5
6, cache information as well as data transfer bit rate information required for selecting the access point D57 can be obtained.

If the cache information includes the URL 59 that the user wants to access, it is advantageous to connect to an access point having the cache information.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a business method relating to the Internet according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, a contract is made with a plurality of providers A62 and B63 and each provider A
When selecting an optimal connection between the provider 62 and the provider B 63, the user 61 first connects to the provider A 62. At the same time, it receives the congestion information of the provider A62 from the comprehensive monitoring server A65 collecting the congestion status from the monitoring server 64 monitoring the congestion status of the provider A62, and then switches the connection to the provider B63,
Total monitoring server B66 collecting congestion status from monitoring server monitoring congestion status of provider B63
Similarly, the congestion information of the provider B63 is received.
Compare these, connect to the optimal access point of the optimal provider, and UR through the Internet 68
Access L67.

Here, if a contract for mutual use of monitoring information is concluded between the provider A62 and the provider B63, information can be exchanged between the comprehensive monitoring server A62 of each provider A62 and the provider B63 and the provider B63. Then, by connecting to either provider, it is possible to obtain both information. By doing so, all providers A62 and provider B can be connected in the first connection.
Since the monitoring information during 63 can be obtained, it is not necessary to switch the connection and the telephone charge can be reduced.

As a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the third embodiment
Even if each provider of the embodiment of the present invention has a cache server, the monitoring server can also check the congestion status such as information on the data transfer bit rate of each connection server and the congestion status such as the information on the data transfer bit rate of the cache server. It monitors both cache information and stored information.

When the congestion information is received and compared, the congestion information is simply used, or the connection to the optimum access point of the optimum provider is performed by combining the congestion information with the cache information indicating whether the URL to be accessed is cached or not. Access the URL through the Internet.
At this time, a connection is made to an optimal access point in consideration of the cache information of the presence or absence of the cache, and the cache information includes the URL that the user wants to access. You only need to access the cache server directly without having to access the server.

In the above description, the number of access points, the number of users, the number of connection servers, the number of monitoring servers, the number of comprehensive monitoring servers, the number of cache servers, the number of providers, and the like are not limited to the embodiments. In addition, the method of selecting a connection to which access point by the user according to the congestion information is automatically performed by an algorithm incorporated in the user terminal in advance, and manually performed by displaying the congestion information on the display of the user terminal. There is a way to do it.

As described above, by receiving congestion information such as data transfer bit rate information from the comprehensive monitoring server, it is possible to access a URL intended by the user.

[0037]

As described above, according to the business method relating to the Internet of the present invention, the first effect is that the user can use the most important communication time and communication fee regarding the most important communication line and the most ideal line or access for the Internet access. You can communicate using points.

[0038] The reason is that by receiving the congestion information from the comprehensive monitoring server, it is possible to select a line or an access point which is the most ideal for the communication regarding the communication time and the communication charge intended by the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a business method relating to the Internet according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment using a distributed memory type cache server of a business method related to the Internet according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment using a shared memory type cache server of a business method related to the Internet according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a business method related to the Internet according to the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a business method related to the Internet according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 21, 41, 51, 61 user 12, 23, 42, 52 access point A 13, 55 access point B 14, 56 access point C 15, 57 access point D 16, 58 general monitoring server 17, 32, 49, 59,67 URL 18,22,50 line 19,31,48,60,68 Internet 24,26,28,43,44,45,201,20
2,203,204 Connection server 25,27,29,46,53 Cache server 30,47,54,64,191,192,193,1
94 monitoring server 62 provider A 63 provider B 65 comprehensive monitoring server A 66 comprehensive monitoring server B

Claims (22)

[Claims] An access terminal obtains congestion information of a plurality of access points when accessing a URL via the Internet, and the access terminal selects a communication path to the access point based on the obtained congestion information. Business methods pertaining to the Internet. 2. Access to a URL by the Internet, an access terminal acquires congestion information of a plurality of access points, and the access terminal selects a communication route to an access access point with the least congestion based on the acquired congestion information. Business method according to the Internet, characterized by performing: 3. An access terminal obtains congestion information of a plurality of access points when accessing a URL via the Internet, and selects a communication path to the access access point according to a threshold set by the access terminal based on the obtained congestion information. Business method according to the Internet, characterized by performing: 4. An access terminal obtains data transfer bit rates of a plurality of access points by accessing a URL via the Internet, and based on the obtained data transfer bit rates, the access terminal selects a communication path to the access point. A business method according to the Internet, characterized in that it is performed. 5. An access to a URL via the Internet, wherein the access terminal obtains data transfer bit rates of a plurality of access points, and the access terminal obtains an access having the largest data transfer bit rate based on the obtained data transfer bit rates. A business method according to the Internet, comprising selecting a communication route to a point. 6. The access terminal obtains data transfer bit rates of a plurality of access points when accessing a URL via the Internet, and a threshold value of a data transfer bit rate set by the access terminal based on the obtained data transfer bit rates. A business method according to the Internet, comprising selecting a communication path from an access point to an access access point. 7. An access terminal obtains congestion information including a cache server of a plurality of access points having a cache server by accessing the URL via the Internet, and the access terminal transmits to the access point based on the obtained congestion information. A business method according to the Internet, comprising selecting a communication route. 8. An access to a URL by the Internet, wherein the access terminal obtains congestion information including cache servers of a plurality of access points having cache servers, and the access terminal determines the most congested information based on the obtained congestion information. A business method according to the Internet, comprising selecting a communication route to a small number of access points. 9. The access terminal obtains congestion information including a cache server of a plurality of access points having a cache server by accessing the URL via the Internet, and sets a threshold value set by the access terminal based on the obtained congestion information. A communication route to an access access point according to the following. 10. The access terminal obtains a data transfer bit rate including a cache server of a plurality of access points having a cache server by accessing the URL by the Internet, and based on the obtained data transfer bit rate, the access terminal. Performing a communication path selection to an access point. 11. The access terminal obtains a data transfer bit rate including a cache server of a plurality of access points having a cache server by accessing the URL via the Internet, and based on the obtained data transfer bit rate, the access terminal. A communication route to an access point having the highest data transfer bit rate. 12. The access terminal obtains a data transfer bit rate including a cache server of a plurality of access points having a cache server by accessing the URL via the Internet, and based on the obtained data transfer bit rate, the access terminal. A communication route from an access point having a data transfer bit rate equal to or larger than a threshold value set by the user to an access access point. 13. An access to a URL by the Internet, wherein an access terminal obtains and obtains congestion information including a cache server of a plurality of access points including a cache server and cache information including presence / absence of a cache corresponding to the URL of the cache server. Access terminal based on the congestion information and cache information
If there is a corresponding cache, a communication path to an access point having a cache server with a cache is selected, and if there is no URL corresponding cache, communication to the access point is performed based on congestion information other than the obtained cache server. A business method related to the Internet, comprising selecting a route. 14. An access terminal obtains congestion information including a cache server of a plurality of access points including a cache server and cache information including presence / absence of a cache corresponding to the URL of the cache server by accessing the URL via the Internet. Access terminal based on the congestion information and cache information
If there is a corresponding cache, a communication route to an access point having a cache server with a cache is selected, and if there is no URL corresponding cache, access with the least congestion is performed based on congestion information obtained from a cache server other than the obtained cache server. A business method according to the Internet, comprising selecting a communication route to an access point. 15. An access to a URL by the Internet, wherein an access terminal obtains and obtains congestion information including a cache server of a plurality of access points including a cache server and cache information including a cache-enabled URL of the cache server. Access terminal based on the congestion information and cache information
If there is a corresponding cache, select a communication route to an access point equipped with a cache server with a cache. If there is no URL corresponding cache, access according to a threshold set based on congestion information other than the obtained cache server. A business method according to the Internet, comprising selecting a communication route to an access point. 16. Access to a URL via the Internet, wherein the access terminal includes a cache server of a plurality of access points with a cache server, and a data transfer bit rate and a URL of the cache server.
Obtain cache information including the presence or absence of the corresponding cache,
If the access terminal has a URL-compatible cache based on the obtained data transfer bit rate and cache information, a communication path to an access point having a cache server with a cache is selected, and if the URL does not have a cache, A business method related to the Internet, wherein a communication route to an access point is selected based on a data transfer bit rate other than the obtained cache server. 17. Access to a URL via the Internet, wherein the access terminal includes a cache server of a plurality of access points having a cache server, and a data transfer bit rate and a URL of the cache server.
Obtain cache information including the presence or absence of the corresponding cache,
If the access terminal has a URL-compatible cache based on the obtained data transfer bit rate and cache information, a communication path to an access point having a cache server with a cache is selected, and if the URL does not have a cache, A business method related to the Internet, comprising selecting a communication path to an access point having the highest data transfer bit rate based on a data transfer bit rate other than the obtained cache server. 18. Access to a URL via the Internet, wherein the access terminal includes a cache server of a plurality of access points having a cache server, and a data transfer bit rate and a URL of the cache server.
Obtain cache information including the presence or absence of the corresponding cache,
If the access terminal has a URL-compatible cache based on the obtained data transfer bit rate and cache information, a communication path to an access point having a cache server with a cache is selected, and if the URL does not have a cache, A business method related to the Internet, comprising: selecting a communication path from an access point to an access point having a data transfer bit rate set to a threshold value or more based on a data transfer bit rate other than the obtained cache server. It is to be. 19. An access terminal holds information on a telephone charge to an access point and information on an Internet connection charge, and accesses a communication charge composed of a telephone charge and a connection charge based on congestion information obtained from the access point. A business method according to the Internet, characterized in that a terminal calculates a communication route to an access access point based on a calculated communication fee. 20. An access terminal has information on a telephone charge to an access point and information on an Internet connection charge, and a communication charge composed of a telephone charge and a connection charge based on a data transfer bit rate obtained from the access point. Is calculated by an access terminal, and a communication route to an access access point is selected based on the calculated communication fee. 21. A business method related to the Internet, wherein a communication route to an access access point is selected based on communication time, regardless of a communication charge, based on congestion information obtained from the access point. 22. A business method according to the Internet, wherein a communication route to an access access point is selected based on a communication time, regardless of a communication charge, based on a data transfer bit rate obtained from the access point.