JP7130993B2 - Communication system, hopping node, communication control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a communication system, hopping node , communication control method, and program.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11ad is a communication standard for high-speed data transmission through millimeter wave wireless communication using the millimeter wave (60 GHz) band, which has a high linearity of radio waves and a relatively narrow communication range. Are known.

Also, in a multi-hop wireless communication system having a plurality of communication interfaces, there is known a technique of forming a subnetwork with relay nodes and transferring data to a terminal connected to the subnetwork (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

When performing multi-hop communication using millimeter wave wireless communication, since communication is performed using radio waves with strong directivity, for example, content data such as video data and audio data can be shared in real time between multiple communication devices. It was difficult to do.

Embodiments of the present invention have been made in view of the above problems. be able to share to

In order to solve the above problems, a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a communication system including a plurality of hopping nodes and one or more edge nodes , wherein the hopping nodes are millimeter wave wireless communication A first communication unit that functions as an access point and forms a subnetwork for the millimeter wave wireless communication, and a second communication unit that functions as a station for the millimeter wave wireless communication and connects to the subnetwork formed by other hopping nodes . and a data transfer unit that transfers the data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication to another communication device by the millimeter wave wireless communication to a transfer destination node, which is selected from the hopping node and the edge node. and an address conversion unit for converting a destination MAC address of the data into a MAC address of the transfer destination node when the destination IP address of the data is a multicast address or a broadcast address.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, data can be shared in real time among a plurality of communication devices in a communication system that performs multi-hop communication using radio waves having directivity.

1 is a diagram (1) for explaining a millimeter wave wireless communication system according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram (2) for explaining a millimeter wave wireless communication system according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of beamforming according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication system which concerns on one Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a hopping node and an edge node according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a hopping node according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an edge node according to one embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of functional structure of the communication management apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. 1 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a network configuration according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a network configuration according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram (1) showing an example of data transmission processing according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram (2) showing an example of data transmission processing according to the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a hopping node according to the second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of data transmission processing according to the second embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a hopping node according to the third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of transfer processing of a hopping node according to the third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of data transmission processing according to the third embodiment;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Overview of millimeter-wave wireless communication system>
Before describing embodiments of the present invention, an outline of a millimeter wave wireless communication system related to each embodiment of the present invention will be described.

A millimeter-wave wireless communication system is a wireless communication system that performs high-speed data transmission using a millimeter-wave (60 GHz) band, in which radio waves are highly rectilinear and have a relatively narrow communication range. Here, the following description will be given assuming that the millimeter wave wireless communication system is a wireless communication system conforming to IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11ad. Note that IEEE802.11ad is an example of a millimeter-wave wireless communication system according to this embodiment.

(network configuration)
A millimeter-wave wireless communication system that conforms to IEEE802.11ad communicates using the millimeter-wave (60 GHz) band, which has a relatively narrow communication range with high straightness of radio waves, and uses a wide band of 2.16 GHz per channel. This enables high-speed data communication.

In addition, since the propagation loss of radio waves increases in the millimeter wave band, in order to increase the antenna gain in the millimeter wave wireless communication system, a beamforming technique is used in which radio waves are transmitted and received by narrowing the beam direction of the radio waves. Therefore, it is basically difficult for the communication unit of the millimeter wave wireless communication system to communicate with a plurality of communication devices at the same time.

Therefore, in the millimeter-wave wireless communication system, a communication protocol of the TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) method is used as the wireless multiplexing method instead of the CSMA/CA method used in the conventional wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system. be done.

In a millimeter wave wireless communication system, a coordinator device called AP (Access Point) forms a network cell called BSS (Basic Service Set) and manages time slots in the TDMA protocol.

1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining a millimeter wave wireless communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1(a) shows an example of a one-to-one network configuration in which an AP 110 forming a BSS 100, which is a network cell of a millimeter wave wireless communication system, and a STA (station) 120 communicate by millimeter wave wireless communication 130. showing. In the example of FIG. 1(a), the AP 110 manages time slots in the TDMA protocol and, for example, transmits beacon frames at predetermined time intervals.

FIG. 1(b) shows an example of a star-shaped network configuration in which an AP 110 forming a BSS 100 and a plurality of STAs 120-1 to 120-3 communicate with each other by millimeter wave wireless communication 130. FIG. In the example of FIG. 1B as well, the AP 110 manages the time slots in the TDMA protocol and, for example, transmits beacon frames at predetermined time intervals.

In IEEE802.11ad, in addition to the network configurations shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a PBSS (Personal Basic Service Set) 200 formed by a coordinator device called PCP and A network configuration called In PBSS200, STAs 120-1 to 120-3 can communicate with other STAs via PCP201, and can communicate with other STAs without PCP201.

(Time slot configuration)
FIG. 2(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of time slots according to one embodiment. FIG. 2(b) shows allocation of time slots in the TDMA protocol managed by AP 110. FIG. The time slot of the TDMA protocol managed by the AP 110 includes BHI (Beacon Header Interval) and DTI (Data Transfer Interval), as shown in FIG. 2(b).

BHI includes BTI (Beacon Transmission Interval), A-BFT (Association Beamforming Training), and ATI (Announcement Transmission Interval).

BTI is the period during which AP 110 transmits a beacon frame. A-BFT is the beamforming training period. ATI is a period for transmitting and receiving management information, control information, etc. between AP 110 and STAs 120-1 to 120-3.

DTI includes CBAP (Contention Based Access Period) and SP (Service Period).

CBAP is a contention period allocated for the AP 110 and a plurality of STAs 120 to contend and communicate. SP is a dedicated time period allocated for communication between AP 110 and one STA 120 .

The AP 110 transmits as many beacon frames as the number of antenna sectors, which are multiple beam patterns formed by the AP 110, in the BTI. On the other hand, STAs 120-1 to 120-3 receive all beacon frames transmitted from the AP by setting omnidirectional antennas or semi-omnidirectional antennas, and send information indicating the antenna sector with the best reception quality to AP 110. provide feedback. As a result, AP 110 can ascertain whether each STA 120-1 to 120-3 should communicate using the antenna sector.

(beamforming)
Here, as an example of beamforming technology, SLS (Sector Level Sweep) will be described only in outline.

There are two types of SLS: TXSS (Tx Sector Sweep) and RXSS (Rx Sector Sweep). TXSS is beamforming training for determining an antenna sector to be used for transmission, and RXSS is beamforming training for determining an antenna sector to be used for reception.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of beamforming according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, only four antenna sectors, sectors 1 to 4, are shown among the antenna sectors, which are multiple beam patterns formed by the AP 110, for ease of explanation.

In TXSS, AP 110 forms BSS 300 by switching each sector (sectors 1 to 4) of multiple beam patterns 303 from antenna 301 and sequentially transmitting predetermined packets. On the other hand, STA 120 sets antenna 302 to an omnidirectional antenna or a semi-omnidirectional antenna, receives packets transmitted from AP 110 , and feeds back information indicating the antenna sector with the best reception quality to AP 110 .

In RXSS, a beamforming training sequence in the opposite direction to TXSS is executed, and when TXSS and RXSS are completed, radio waves can be transmitted and received between AP 110 and STA 120 by millimeter wave wireless communication.

<System configuration>
Next, the configuration of the communication system according to this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system 400 includes, for example, multiple hopping nodes 401-1 to 401-5, one or more edge nodes 402-1 to 402-7, and a communication management device 403. In the following description, "hopping node 401" is used when indicating an arbitrary hopping node among the plurality of hopping nodes 401-1 to 401-5. Also, when indicating an arbitrary edge node among the one or more edge nodes 402-1 to 402-7, "edge node 402" is used.

A hopping node (first communication device) 401 includes a first communication unit that functions as an AP for millimeter wave wireless communication, a second communication unit that functions as an STA for millimeter wave wireless communication, and a wireless LAN that performs wireless LAN communication. and a communication unit. Note that millimeter wave wireless communication is an example of wireless communication that performs multi-hop communication using radio waves having directivity. Also, wireless LAN communication is an example of second wireless communication having a wider communication range than first wireless communication.

A plurality of hopping nodes 401-1 to 401-5 form different sub-networks (BSS) in millimeter wave wireless communication using the first communication unit. For example, in FIG. 4, hopping node 401-1 forms subnetwork 406-1 and hopping node 401-2 forms subnetwork 406-2. Hopping node 401-3 forms subnetwork 406-3, and other hopping nodes similarly form subnetwork.

Also, the hopping node 401 can connect to a sub-network formed by other hopping nodes using the second communication unit. In the example of FIG. 4, hopping node 401-2 uses a second communication unit (STA) to connect subnetwork 406-1 formed by the first communication unit (AP) of hopping node 401-1 to a millimeter network. It can be connected by wave wireless communication. Also, the hopping node 401-1 is connected to the subnetwork 406-3 formed by the first communication unit (AP) of the hopping node 401-3 by millimeter wave wireless communication through the second communication unit (STA). be able to. Similarly, the hopping node 401-3 connects to the sub-network formed by the first communication unit (AP) of the hopping node 401-4 by millimeter wave wireless communication through the second communication unit (STA). can be done.

Furthermore, the plurality of hopping nodes 401-1 to 401-5 are included in the same wireless LAN network 407 as the communication management device 403, and can perform wireless LAN communication with the communication management device 403 using a wireless LAN communication unit. . The access point for wireless LAN communication may be the communication management device 403, or may use another access point. Here, the following description is given assuming that the communication management apparatus 403 has the function of a wireless LAN access point.

An edge node (second communication device) 402 includes a third communication unit that functions as an STA for millimeter-wave wireless communication, and performs communication that connects to one of the plurality of sub-networks formed by the edge node 402. It is a device. In the example of FIG. 4, edge nodes 402-1 to 402-3 use a third communication unit (STA) to connect subnetwork 406- formed by the first communication unit (AP) of hopping node 401-1. connected to 1.

Preferably, the edge node 402 further has a wireless LAN communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication. For example, the dashed line 404 in FIG. 4 indicates the connection relationship between devices through wireless LAN communication, and it is indicated that the edge node 402-6 can communicate with the communication management device 403 through wireless LAN communication. . Similarly, multiple hopping nodes 401-1 to 401-5 are shown to be able to communicate with the communication management device 403 via wireless LAN communication.

It is desirable that other edge nodes 402 can also communicate with the communication management device 403 via wireless LAN communication, but this is not essential.

In the above configuration, each hopping node 401 uses a second communication unit (STA) to collect information of peripheral communication devices through millimeter wave wireless communication, and transmits the collected information to the communication management device through wireless LAN communication. 403.

A communication management device (third communication device) 403 uses information received from each hopping node 401 via wireless LAN communication, for example, as indicated by a solid line 405 in FIG. Manage connections. Further, when multi-hop communication by millimeter wave wireless communication is performed, the communication management device 403 determines the communication route of the content data (data) based on the connection relationship between the devices, and the hopping node 401 on the communication route, An instruction regarding a communication path is transmitted by wireless LAN communication.

The hopping node 401 transfers the content data received by millimeter wave wireless communication to another communication device by millimeter wave wireless communication based on the communication path instruction notified by wireless LAN communication from the communication management device 403 .

At this time, the hopping node 401 transfers the content data by using two millimeter wave wireless communication units, the first communication unit (AP) and the second communication unit (STA). delay time required for

<Hardware configuration>
(Hardware configuration of hopping node)
FIG. 5A shows an example of the hardware configuration of the hopping node 401. FIG. The hopping node 401 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 511, a RAM (Read Only Memory) 512, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 513, a storage unit 514, a wireless LAN communication device 515, a millimeter wave wireless communication device 516-1, 516-2, lamp 517, bus 518 and the like.

The CPU 511 is an arithmetic unit that implements each function of the hopping node 401 by reading programs and data stored in the ROM 513 and the storage unit 514 onto the RAM 512 and executing processing. A RAM 512 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 511 and the like. A ROM 513 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

The storage unit 514 is, for example, a storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash ROM, and stores an OS (Operating System), application programs, various data, and the like.

The wireless LAN communication device 515 is, for example, a wireless communication device for performing wireless LAN communication conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac. Control) section, communication control section, etc.

The millimeter wave wireless communication devices 516-1 and 516-2 are, for example, wireless communication devices for performing millimeter wave wireless communication conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11ad. Including the control unit, etc.

The lamp 517 is, for example, a light-emitting element for displaying the operating state of the hopping node 401 by changing color, lighting/blinking, or the like. A bus 518 is connected to each component described above and transmits address signals, data signals, various control signals, and the like.

(Hardware configuration of edge node)
FIG. 5B shows an example of the hardware configuration of the edge node 402. As shown in FIG. The edge node 402 has, for example, a CPU 521, a RAM 522, a ROM 523, a storage unit 524, a wireless LAN communication device 525, a millimeter wave wireless communication device 526, a display device 527, an input device 528, a bus 529, and the like. Of these, the configuration of the CPU 521, RAM 522, ROM 523, storage unit 524, wireless LAN communication device 525, millimeter wave wireless communication device 526, bus 529, etc. is the same as the configuration of each unit described in the hopping node 401, so description thereof will be omitted here. omitted.

The display device 527 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display that displays a display screen. The input device 528 is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard that receives user input operations.

Note that the configuration of the edge node 402 shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the edge node 402 may not have the wireless LAN communication device 525 .

(Hardware configuration of communication management device)
The communication management device 403 has, for example, the same hardware configuration as the hopping node 401 shown in FIG. 5(a). For example, one of the hopping nodes 401 is activated as the communication management device 403 when there is no communication management device 403 nearby. In this case, the communication management device 403 may perform multi-hop communication as one of the hopping nodes 401, or may function as a dedicated communication management device 403. FIG.

As another example, the communication management device 403 has the hardware configuration of a computer including, for example, a CPU 511, a RAM 512, a ROM 513, a storage section 514, a wireless LAN communication device 515, and a bus 518 shown in FIG. 5(a). In this case, the communication management device 403 functions as a dedicated communication management device 403 .

<Functional configuration>
Next, the functional configuration of each communication device will be described.

(Functional configuration of hopping node)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a hopping node according to the first embodiment; A hopping node (first communication device) 401 has a wireless LAN communication unit 601, a millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602, a millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603, a storage unit 604, and the like. The hopping node 401 also includes a communication link state measurement unit 611, an information collection unit 612, a data transfer unit 613, a disconnection determination unit 614, an edge node management unit 615, an information transfer unit 616, a cache processing unit 617, and the like. Furthermore, the hopping node 401 has an information transmitting unit 621, an information receiving unit 622, a registration requesting unit 623, and the like.

The wireless LAN communication unit (fifth communication unit) 601 is realized by, for example, a program or the like executed by the wireless LAN communication device 515 in FIG. 5A and the CPU 511 in FIG. 5A. The wireless LAN communication unit 601 connects the hopping node 401 to the wireless LAN network 407 and performs wireless LAN communication with the communication management device 403 .

The millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 is realized by, for example, programs executed by the millimeter wave wireless communication device 516-1 in FIG. 5(a) and the CPU 511 in FIG. 5(a). A millimeter-wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 functions as an AP (access point) for millimeter-wave wireless communication and forms a sub-network for millimeter-wave wireless communication. Also, a millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 transmits and receives data to and from millimeter wave wireless communication STAs connected to the formed sub-network. Note that the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 is an example of a first communication unit.

The millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603 is implemented by, for example, programs executed by the millimeter wave wireless communication device 516-2 in FIG. 5(a) and the CPU 511 in FIG. 5(a). A millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603 functions as a millimeter wave wireless communication STA (station) and connects to a millimeter wave wireless communication sub-network formed by other hopping nodes. A millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603 transmits and receives data to and from another hopping node 401 forming a subnetwork by millimeter wave wireless communication. Note that the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603 is an example of a second communication unit.

The storage unit 604 is implemented by, for example, programs executed by the RAM 512, the storage unit 514, and the CPU 511 of FIG. functions as a buffer for storing Further, the storage unit 604 stores various information such as access point information notified from the communication management device 403 and information on the edge node 402 connected to the subnetwork formed by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602. .

The communication link state measuring unit 611 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 511 in FIG. 5(a). The communication link state measurement unit 611 measures the communication link state of the hopping node 401 and the edge node 402 that can communicate with the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 and the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603, for example. The communication link status includes information such as received signal strength, throughput value, packet loss rate, and the like.

The information collecting unit 612 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 511 in FIG. to collect information.

For example, the information collecting unit 612 uses the communication link state measuring unit 611 to acquire information such as identification information (hopping node numbers, etc.) of other hopping nodes around the hopping node 401 and information such as communication link states. Also, the information collecting unit 612 uses the communication link state measuring unit 611 to acquire information such as identification information of edge nodes around the hopping node 401 and communication link state.

The information collected by the information collection unit 612 is transmitted to the communication management device 403 by the information transmission unit 621 via wireless LAN communication, for example.

The data transfer unit 613 is implemented by, for example, a program or the like executed by the CPU 511 in FIG. 5(a). The data transfer unit 613 transfers the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication (first wireless communication) to another by the millimeter wave wireless communication based on the instruction regarding the communication path notified from the communication management device 403 by the wireless LAN communication. communication device.

Preferably, when the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603 receives content data, the data transfer unit 613 uses the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 to transfer the received content data to another communication device (hopping). node 401 and edge node 402).

Further, when the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 receives the content data, the data transfer unit 613 uses the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603 or the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 to Transfer content data to another communication device.

The disconnect determination unit 614 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 511 in FIG.

When the disconnection determination unit 614 determines that the millimeter wave wireless communication has been disconnected, the hopping node 401 sends a disconnection notification including the scanning result of scanning other communication devices in the vicinity by the millimeter wave wireless communication to the communication management device 403. Notice. Also, the hopping node 401 connects to another hopping node 401 notified from the communication management device 403 by millimeter wave wireless communication.

The edge node management unit 615 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 511 in FIG. For example, the edge node management unit 615 registers the edge node 402 connected to the subnetwork formed by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 in the hopping node 401 and notifies the registered edge node 402 of the IP address and the like. .

The information transfer unit 616 is implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 511 in FIG.

For example, in response to a request from the edge node 402, the information transfer unit 616 transfers information received from the edge node 402 by millimeter wave wireless communication to the communication management device 403 by wireless LAN communication. In response to a request from the communication management device 403, the information transfer unit 616 transfers information received from the communication management device 403 via wireless LAN communication to the edge node 402 via millimeter wave wireless communication. As a result, the edge node 402 can communicate with the communication management device 403 via the information transfer unit 616 even if it does not have the wireless LAN communication device 525, for example.

The cache processing unit 617 performs cache processing to temporarily store and manage part or all of the content data received by the hopping node 401 through the first wireless communication in the storage unit 604 . In addition, the cache processing unit 617 stores cache data (part of content data) stored in the storage unit 604 in response to a request from another communication device connected via the first wireless communication or the second wireless communication. part or all) to the requesting communication device.

The information transmission unit 621 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 511 in FIG. For example, the information transmitting unit 621 transmits information on nearby wireless communication terminals collected by the information collecting unit 612, a disconnection notification indicating that millimeter wave wireless communication has been disconnected, etc., to the communication management apparatus 403 via wireless LAN communication. .

The information receiving unit 622 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 511 in FIG. For example, the information receiving unit 622 receives control information such as an instruction regarding a communication path notified from the communication management device 403 via wireless LAN communication.

The registration request unit 623 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 511 in FIG. 5(a). The registration requesting unit 623 transmits a registration request to the communication system 400 including the information of the wireless communication terminals in the vicinity collected by the information collecting unit 612 by wireless LAN communication, for example, at the time of activation.

(Functional configuration of edge node)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an edge node according to one embodiment; The edge node 402 has a millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 701, a data transmission unit 702, a data reception unit 703, a display control unit 704, an operation reception unit 705, a storage unit 706, and the like.

Preferably, the edge node 402 has a wireless LAN communication unit 711, an information transmission unit 712, an information reception unit 713, and the like.

A millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 701 is implemented by, for example, a program or the like executed by the millimeter wave wireless communication device 526 in FIG. 5B and the CPU 521 in FIG. and connect to the mmWave wireless subnetwork. Note that the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 701 is an example of a third communication unit that performs millimeter wave wireless communication (first wireless communication).

The data transmission unit 702 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 521 in FIG. Transmit by millimeter wave wireless communication.

The data receiving unit 703 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 521 in FIG.

The display control unit 704 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 521 in FIG.
displays an image or the like based on the image data received by .

The operation reception unit 705 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 521 shown in FIG. 5B, and receives user's input operation and the like to the input device 528 shown in FIG. 5B.

The storage unit 706 stores content data received by the data receiving unit 703, for example.

The wireless LAN communication unit 711 is realized by, for example, a program or the like executed by the wireless LAN communication device 525 in FIG. 5B and the CPU 521 in FIG. I do.

The information transmission unit 712 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 521 in FIG. For example, the edge node 402 uses the information transmitting unit 712 to transmit request information or the like requesting transmission of data by multi-hop communication to the communication management device 403 .

The information receiving unit 713 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 521 in FIG. do.

(Functional configuration of communication management device)
A communication management device (third communication device) 403 includes a wireless LAN communication unit 801, an information acquisition unit 802, a communication path management unit 803, a control information transmission unit 804, a hopping node management unit 805, an edge node management unit 806, and a storage. 807 and the like.

A wireless LAN communication unit (fourth communication unit) 801 is realized by a program executed by a CPU included in the communication management device 403, a wireless LAN device, and the like. communicate.

An information acquisition unit (acquisition unit) 802 is realized by a program executed by the CPU provided in the communication management device 403, and acquires information from the plurality of hopping nodes 401 by wireless LAN communication.

For example, the information acquisition unit 802 transmits a scan request requesting acquisition of information to the plurality of hopping nodes 401 at predetermined time intervals (regularly) through wireless LAN communication, and the plurality of hopping nodes 401 transmits the scan request to the plurality of hopping nodes 401. Acquire information on the peripheral communication devices to be used.

The communication path management unit 803 is realized by a program executed by the CPU provided in the communication management device 403, and based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 802 through wireless LAN communication, a communication route for transferring content data through multi-hop communication. to manage.

For example, the communication path management unit 803 uses the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 802 to identify (or determine) the connection relationship between devices by millimeter wave wireless communication, as indicated by the solid line 405 in FIG. Based on the (or determined) connection relationship, a communication route for multi-hop communication is determined.

The control information transmission unit 804 is realized by a program executed by the CPU included in the communication management device 403, and transmits control information to the hopping node 401 or the like by wireless LAN communication.

The hopping node management unit 805 is realized by a program executed by the CPU included in the communication management device 403, and manages information of the hopping node 401 registered in the communication system 400 based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 802. do.

Preferably, the hopping node management unit 805 can set the number of other hopping nodes 401 and the number of edge nodes 402 connectable to the subnetwork formed by each hopping node 401 . Also, the hopping node management unit 805 controls the number of hopping nodes 401 and edge nodes 402 connected to the subnetwork formed by each hopping node 401 so as not to exceed a set number.

The edge node management unit 806 is realized by a program executed by the CPU included in the communication management device 403 and manages information of the edge node 402 included in the communication system 400 based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 802 .

The storage unit 807 is implemented by a program executed by the CPU included in the communication management device 403, a storage unit, a RAM, and the like. The storage unit 807 stores various information such as communication paths managed by the communication path management unit 803 and information acquired by the information acquisition unit 802, for example.

[First embodiment]
(network configuration)
9 and 10 are diagrams showing examples of network configurations according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the network configuration of the communication system 400 when content data is transmitted from the source edge node 402 to other edge nodes 402b to 402g and hopping nodes 401a to 401e.

In FIG. 9, each hopping node 401a to 401e uses a millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 to form a millimeter wave wireless communication sub-network. A solid line between communication devices (hopping node 401, edge node 402) indicates an example of a communication route of multi-hop communication by millimeter wave wireless communication.

In the communication system 400 as shown in FIG. 9, the communication management device 403 performs, for example, the following management.

The communication management device 403 instructs the hopping node 401 to be connected to each hopping node 401 by wireless LAN communication based on the scanning result of the millimeter wave wireless communication transmitted from each hopping node 401 by wireless LAN communication. As a result, the communication management device 403 forms, for example, a communication path for multi-hop communication with a tree structure as indicated by solid lines in FIG.

Preferably, at this time, communication management device 403 instructs each hopping node 401 which channel to use so that adjacent hopping nodes 401 do not use the same frequency channel on the communication path of multi-hop communication. As a result, for example, the influence of radio wave interference between hopping nodes 401 can be reduced.

Also, the communication management device 403 adjusts the number of other hopping nodes 401 and the number of edge nodes 402 connected to the subnetwork formed by each hopping node 401 .

A millimeter-wave wireless communication subnetwork formed by the hopping nodes 401 has a smaller number of connectable communication devices (hopping nodes 401 and edge nodes 402) than a subnetwork such as a wireless LAN. Therefore, for example, if the number of edge nodes 402 connected to one hopping node 401 is large, the number of other hopping nodes 401 to which the hopping node 401 can be connected is reduced, and the flexibility of communication routes may be reduced.

Therefore, the communication management device 403 can set the number of edge nodes connectable to each hopping node 401 and the number of other hopping nodes 401 by, for example, an administrator's operation. Note that the hopping node management unit 805 distinguishes between the hopping node 401 and the edge node 402 by, for example, the MAC address or IP address of the hopping node 401 included in the scan result or the like transmitted from each hopping node 401. can be done.

For example, the administrator or the like sets the number of all communication devices connectable to the hopping node 401 to "8", the number of the hopping node 401 to "3", and the number of the edge node 402 to "5". do. This setting information is notified from the communication management device 403 to each hopping node 401 by wireless LAN communication, and each hopping node 401 is configured so that the number of hopping nodes 401 and edge nodes 402 connected to itself does not exceed the upper limit. to control. For example, when the hopping node 401 accepts a connection request from another edge node 402 while the number of connected edge nodes 402 is "5", the hopping node 401 rejects the other edge node 402's connection.

In the network configuration shown in FIG. 9, when the source edge node 402a transmits content data to another communication device, the source edge node 402a transmits the content data to the communication management device 403 via wireless LAN communication. Send a request to send.

When the communication management device 403 receives a transmission request from the source edge node 402a, the communication management device 403 determines a communication route for multi-hop communication as indicated by solid lines in FIG. 9 and a data transmission direction indicated by arrows in FIG. In addition, the communication management device 403 notifies each of the hopping nodes 401a to 401e of the transfer destination of the content data and instructs the source edge node 402a of the content data destination hopping node 401 by wireless LAN communication.

As a result, the content data transmitted from the source edge node 402a is, for example, sequentially transferred in the data transmission direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. sent.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a network configuration in which content data is transmitted from the source edge node 402e to other communication devices (the edge node 402 and the hopping node 401). In this case as well, the communication management device 403 determines the communication route and data transmission direction of the multi-hop communication in response to the transmission request from the source edge node 402e, and sends the content to each hopping node 401a to 401e. Indicate where to transfer data. As a result, the content data transmitted from the source edge node 402e is sequentially transferred in the data transmission direction shown in FIG. sent.

<Process flow>
Next, the flow of processing of the communication control method according to this embodiment will be described.

(Data transmission process 1)
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (1) illustrating an example of data transmission processing according to the first embodiment. This processing shows an example of the processing of the communication system 400 when content data is transmitted from the source edge node 402a to another communication device in the network configuration shown in FIG.

At the start of the processing shown in FIG. 11, the communication management device 403 has already notified each hopping node 401 of the transfer destination of the content data using wireless LAN communication. It is assumed that the destination of the content data has already been notified.

In step S<b>1101 , the source edge node 402 a transmits content data to the destination hopping node 401 a notified by the communication management device 403 .

In step S1102, the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 of the hopping node 401a receives content data from the source edge node 402, and the cache processing unit 617 caches (temporarily stores) the received content data in the storage unit 604. save.

By caching the received content data by the cache processing unit 617, the hopping node 401, for example, even if the communication with the communication device of the transfer destination is interrupted, when the communication is reconnected, the content data can be delivered to the transfer destination. It can be transferred to a communication device.

Also, the hopping node 401 may have a function of providing cached content data to an edge node 402 that is additionally connected. Each hopping node 401 does not have an IP routing function because it has such a function that data needs to be processed in the application layer.

Furthermore, the cache processing unit 617 has a function of providing or deleting content data cached in the storage unit 604 in response to a request from another communication device. For example, the cache processing unit 617 has a function of providing cached content data or deleting content data in response to requests from other hopping nodes 401, edge nodes 402, and the like via wireless LAN communication.

For example, when selecting the hopping node 401 to be selected, the edge node 402 acquires information on content data cached by each hopping node 401 and connects to the hopping node 401 that caches the content data to be acquired. . As a result, the edge node 402 can acquire desired content data when connected to the hopping node 401 .

In addition, if the cached content data is, for example, materials for a paperless meeting, data leakage can be prevented by deleting the cached content data according to the end time of the meeting, user operation, etc. can be done.

Preferably, the cache processing unit 617 receives TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) data by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 or the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603. Cache the data retrieved.

Further, it is desirable that the manager, user, or the like can set whether or not the cache processing unit 617 performs cache processing.

In step S1103, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401a transfers the content data received by millimeter wave wireless communication to the hopping node 401b by millimeter wave wireless communication.

In the example of FIG. 9, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401a transfers the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 to the hopping node 401b using the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603. do.

In this way, each hopping node 401 transfers the content data received by one millimeter wave wireless communication unit to the other hopping node 401 using the other millimeter wave wireless communication unit, thereby minimizing the delay required for transfer. can save time.

In step S<b>1104 , the cache processing unit 617 of the hopping node 401 b caches the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 in the storage unit 604 .

In steps S1105 and S1106, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401b uses the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603 to transfer the received content data to the hopping node 401c and the edge nodes 402b to 402d.

When transferring the content data to one or more hopping nodes 401 and one or more edge nodes 402 , the data transfer unit 613 transfers the content data preferentially to the one or more hopping nodes 401 . As a result, for example, in FIG. 11, the content data transfer process to the edge node 402 by the hopping node 401b and the content data process in the hopping node 401c can be executed in parallel.

For example, in step S1105, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401b uses the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603 to transfer the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 to the hopping node 401c. do.

At step 1106, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401b uses the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 to sequentially transmit the content data to the edge nodes 402b, 402c, and 402d.

As another example, the data transfer processing in step S1105 and the data transfer processing in step S1106 may be executed in parallel using two millimeter wave wireless communication units.

In step S1107, the cache processing unit 617 of the hopping node 401c caches the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 in the storage unit 604. FIG.

In step S1108, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401c uses the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) 603 to transfer the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 to the hopping node 401d.

In step S<b>1109 , the cache processing unit 617 of the hopping node 401 d caches the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 in the storage unit 604 .

In step S1110, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401d uses the millimeter wave radio communication unit (STA) 603 to transfer the content data received by the millimeter wave radio communication unit (AP) 602 to the hopping node 401e.

In step S1111, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401d uses the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 to sequentially transmit the content data to the edge nodes 402e and 402f.

In step S<b>1112 , the cache processing unit 617 of the hopping node 401 e caches the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 in the storage unit 604 .

In step S1113, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401d uses the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 to transmit the content data to the edge node 402g.

Through the above processing, the content data transmitted from the source edge node 402a is transmitted to each of the hopping nodes 401a to 401e and the edge nodes 402b to 402g included in the communication system 400. FIG.

(Data transmission process 2)
FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram (2) showing an example of data transmission processing according to the first embodiment. This process shows an example of the process when the hopping node 401e fails to transfer the content data to the edge node 402g in step S1113 of the data transmission process shown in FIG.

Among the processes shown in FIG. 12, the processes in steps S1101 to S1112 are the same as the processes shown in FIG. 11, so here the differences from the processes shown in FIG. 11 will be mainly described.

In step S1113, the hopping node 401e fails to transmit the content data to the edge node 402g because, for example, millimeter wave wireless communication with the edge node 402g is temporarily disconnected.

In this case, for example, in step S1201, when the edge node 402g reconnects to the hopping node 401e by millimeter wave wireless communication, the processes of steps S1202 and S1203 are executed.

In step S1202, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401e confirms unsent content data among the content data cached by the cache processing unit 617 with the edge node 402g.

In step S1203, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401e transmits untransmitted content data among the content data cached by the cache processing unit 617 to the edge node 402g.

Note that the above processing is an example, and the hopping node 401 sends the content data cached by the cache processing unit 617 to the edge node 402 in response to a request from the edge node 402 connected to the own device by millimeter wave wireless communication. may be provided to

[Second embodiment]
In the second embodiment, an example of processing when the content data transferred by the hopping node 401 to the edge node 402 is a file in a predetermined format containing a plurality of pieces of image data that can be divided and used will be described.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the hopping node 401 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the hopping node 401 according to the second embodiment has a data converter 1301 in addition to the functional configuration of the hopping node 401 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Note that the functional configurations of the edge node 402 and the communication management device 403 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The data conversion unit 1301 is implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 511 in FIG. do the conversion.

For example, if the content data is a file in a predetermined format that can be divided and browsed by the user (for example, a file such as PDF or PowerPoint), the data conversion unit 1301 converts the file into image data for each page. .

After transferring the content data to the other hopping nodes 401 , the data transfer unit 613 transfers the image data converted by the data conversion unit 1301 to each edge node 402 in sequence.

As a result, the user using the edge node 402 can receive the image data of each page in sequence without waiting for the reception of all the content data, so that display and browsing can be started more quickly. Other functional configurations may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

<Process flow>
Next, the flow of processing of the communication control method according to the second embodiment will be described.

(data transmission processing)
FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of data transmission processing according to the second embodiment. This processing shows an example of the processing of the communication system 400 when transmitting a file in the above-described predetermined format from the source edge node 402a to another communication device in the network configuration shown in FIG.

At the start of the processing shown in FIG. 14, the communication management device 403 has already notified each hopping node 401 of the transfer destination of the content data using wireless LAN communication. It is assumed that the destination of the content data has already been notified.

In step S<b>1401 , the source edge node 402 a transmits content data to the destination hopping node 401 a notified by the communication management device 403 .

In step S1402, the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 of the hopping node 401a receives content data from the source edge node 402, and the cache processing unit 617 caches (temporarily stores) the received content data in the storage unit 604. save.

In step S1403, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401a transfers the content data received by millimeter wave wireless communication to the hopping node 401b by millimeter wave wireless communication.

In step S<b>1404 , the cache processing unit 617 of the hopping node 401 b caches the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 in the storage unit 604 .

In step S1405, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401b uses the millimeter wave radio communication unit (STA) 603 to transfer the content data received by the millimeter wave radio communication unit (AP) 602 to the hopping node 401c.

Here, if the content data is a file of a predetermined format containing a plurality of image data that can be divided and used, the hopping node 401b executes the processes of steps S1406 and S1407. On the other hand, if the content data is not a file of the predetermined format, the hopping node 401b executes the process of step S1106 in FIG. 11, for example.

In step S1406, the data conversion unit 1301 of the hopping node 401b sequentially converts content data, which is a file of a predetermined format containing multiple image data that can be divided and used, into multiple image data.

In step S1407, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401b sequentially transmits the image data converted by the data conversion unit 1301 to the edge nodes 402b, 402c, and 402d.

Preferably, the data transfer unit 613 sequentially transfers the image data to the edge nodes 402b, 402c, and 402d each time one piece of image data is generated by the data conversion unit 1301. FIG.

In step S1408, the cache processing unit 617 of the hopping node 401c caches the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 in the storage unit 604. FIG.

In step S1409, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401c uses the millimeter wave radio communication unit (STA) 603 to transfer the content data received by the millimeter wave radio communication unit (AP) 602 to the hopping node 401d.

In step S1410, the cache processing unit 617 of the hopping node 401d caches the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 in the storage unit 604. FIG.

In step S1411, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401d uses the millimeter wave radio communication unit (STA) 603 to transfer the content data received by the millimeter wave radio communication unit (AP) 602 to the hopping node 401e.

In step S1412, the data conversion unit 1301 of the hopping node 401d sequentially converts content data, which is a file of a predetermined format containing multiple image data that can be divided and used, into multiple image data.

In step S1413, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401d sequentially transmits the image data converted by the data conversion unit 1301 to the edge nodes 402e and 402f.

In step S<b>1414 , the cache processing unit 617 of the hopping node 401 e caches the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602 in the storage unit 604 .

In step S1415, the data conversion unit 1301 of the hopping node 401g sequentially converts the content data, which is a file of a predetermined format containing a plurality of image data that can be divided and used, into a plurality of image data.

In step S1416, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401g sequentially transmits the image data converted by the data conversion unit 1301 to the edge node 402g.

With the above processing, users using the edge nodes 402b to 402g can receive the image data of each page sequentially without waiting for all the content data to be received. Become.

[Third embodiment]
In the third embodiment, processing for distributing stream data (for example, screen mirroring data, etc.) from the source edge node 402a to other communication devices (hopping nodes 401a to 401e, edge nodes 402b to 402g) An example of

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a hopping node according to the third embodiment; As shown in FIG. 15, the hopping node 401 according to the third embodiment has an address translation unit 1501 in addition to the functional configuration of the hopping node 401 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Note that the functional configurations of the edge node 402 and the communication management device 403 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The address conversion unit 1501 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 511 in FIG. 6(a). When the destination IP address of the content data is a multicast address or broadcast address, the address conversion unit 1501 converts the destination MAC address of the content data into the MAC address of the destination communication device.

Generally, a multicast address (MAC address, IP address) or a broadcast address is used for transmitting stream data, but since millimeter-wave wireless radio waves have strong directivity, broadcast and multicast cannot be used.

Therefore, when the destination IP address of content data is a multicast address or broadcast address, the address conversion unit 1501 converts the destination MAC address to the MAC address of the hopping node 401 or edge node 402 of the transfer destination. As a result, the hopping node 401 can transmit the content data to each of the hopping node 401 and the edge node 402 of the forwarding destination.

However, at this time, the address translation unit 1501 does not translate the destination IP address and maintains the IP multicast address (or broadcast address). As a result, for example, different types of stream data such as video and audio can be distributed all at once by selectively using IP multicast addresses. In addition, this makes it possible to inform the transfer destination communication device that the content data is being transmitted by multicast or broadcast .

<Process flow>
(Transfer processing of hopping nodes)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of hopping node transfer processing according to the third embodiment.

In step S1601, when the hopping node 401 receives content data by millimeter wave wireless communication, it executes the processing from step S1602.

In step S1602, the address conversion unit 1501 of the hopping node 401 confirms the destination IP address of the content data.

In step S1603, if the destination IP address of the content data is a multicast address or broadcast address, the address conversion unit 1501 causes the process to proceed to step S1604. On the other hand, if the destination IP address of the content data is neither a multicast address nor a broadcast address, the address converter 1501 causes the process to proceed to step S1607.

At step S1604, the address conversion unit 1501 acquires the MAC address of the transfer destination communication device (hopping node 401 or edge node 402). For example, the hopping node 401 acquires the MAC address of the other communication device and stores it in the storage unit 604 when another communication device is connected to the subnetwork formed by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602. Keep As a result, the address conversion unit 1501 can acquire the MAC address of the transfer destination communication device from the storage unit 604 .

In step S1605, the address conversion unit 1501 converts the destination MAC address of the content data to be transmitted to each communication device of the transfer destination into the MAC address of each communication device.

In step S1606, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401 transmits the content data whose MAC address has been converted by the address conversion unit 1501 to each transfer destination communication device (the hopping node 401 and the edge node 402).

(data transmission processing)
FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of data transmission processing according to the third embodiment. This process is similar to the process of the communication system 400 in the network configuration shown in FIG. shows an example.

At the start of the processing shown in FIG. 17, the communication management device 403 has already notified each hopping node 401 of the transfer destination of the content data using wireless LAN communication. It is assumed that the destination of the content data has already been notified.

In step S<b>1701 , the source edge node 402 a transmits content data to the destination hopping node 401 a notified by the communication management device 403 . Here, as an example, it is assumed that the source edge node 402a multicasts stream data such as video data and audio data to other communication devices (hopping nodes 401a to 401e and edge nodes 402b to 402g). to explain.

In step S1702, the address conversion unit 1501 of the hopping node 401a performs address conversion processing shown in steps S1602 to S1605 in FIG. As a result, the destination MAC address of the content data is changed to the MAC address of the transfer destination hopping node 401b.

When transferring stream data such as video data and audio data, the hopping node 401a does not need to perform cache processing.

In step S1703, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401a transmits the content data whose destination MAC address has been converted by the address conversion unit 1501 to the hopping node 401b.

In step S1702, the address conversion unit 1501 of the hopping node 401a performs the above-described address conversion processing on the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602. FIG.

As a result, the destination MAC address of the content data transmitted to the hopping node 401c is changed to the MAC address of the hopping node 401c. Also, the destination MAC addresses of the content data transmitted to the edge nodes 402b, 402c, and 402d are converted to the MAC addresses of the edge nodes 402b, 402c, and 402d, respectively.

In step S1705, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401b transmits the content data whose destination MAC address has been converted by the address conversion unit 1501 to the hopping node 401c.

In step S1706, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401b sequentially transmits the content data whose destination MAC address has been converted by the address conversion unit 1501 to the edge nodes 402b, 402c, and 402d.

In step S1707, the address conversion unit 1501 of the hopping node 401c performs the above-described address conversion processing on the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602. FIG.

In step S1708, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401c transmits the content data whose destination MAC address has been converted by the address conversion unit 1501 to the hopping node 401d.

In step S1709, the address conversion unit 1501 of the hopping node 401d performs the above-described address conversion processing on the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602. FIG.

In step S1710, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401d transmits the content data whose destination MAC address has been converted by the address conversion unit 1501 to the hopping node 401e.

In step S1711, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401d sequentially transmits the content data whose destination MAC address has been converted by the address conversion unit 1501 to the edge nodes 402e and 402f.

In step S1712, the address conversion unit 1501 of the hopping node 401e performs the above-described address conversion processing on the content data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) 602. FIG.

In step S1713, the data transfer unit 613 of the hopping node 401e transmits the content data whose destination MAC address has been converted by the address conversion unit 1501 to the edge node 402g.

Through the above processing, stream data such as video data and audio data can be distributed from the source edge node 402a to other communication devices (hopping nodes 401a to 401e and edge nodes 402b to 402g).

[supplement]
It should be noted that the first to third embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

For example, when content data received by millimeter wave wireless communication is TCP data, the hopping node 401 caches and manages the received content data in the storage unit 604 . Furthermore, when the received content data is a file of a predetermined format containing a plurality of image data that can be divided and used, the hopping node 401 converts the content data to be transmitted to the edge node 402 into a plurality of image data. , to edge node 402 .

On the other hand, when the received content data is UDP data and the destination IP address is a multicast address or broadcast address, the hopping node 401 converts the destination MAC address of the content data to a unicast address.

By the above processing, the first to third embodiments can be combined and executed.

As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, content data can be shared in real time among a plurality of communication devices in the communication system 400 that performs multi-hop communication using radio waves having directivity. .

Note that the content data is an example of data transmitted by the communication system 400 through multi-hop communication. Data transmitted by the communication system 400 through multi-hop communication may be data other than content data, such as control data, management data, and test data.

400 communication system 401 hopping node (first communication device)
402 edge node (second communication device)
403 communication management device (third communication device)
601 wireless LAN communication unit (fifth communication unit)
602 millimeter wave wireless communication unit (AP) (first communication unit)
603 millimeter wave radio communication unit (STA) (second communication unit)
604 storage unit 613 data transfer unit 617 cache processing unit 701 millimeter wave wireless communication unit (STA) (third communication unit)
801 wireless LAN communication unit (fourth communication unit)
1301 data converter 1501 address converter

JP 2008-172283 A

Claims (10)

A communication system including a plurality of hopping nodes and one or more edge nodes ,
The hopping node is
a first communication unit that functions as an access point for millimeter wave wireless communication and forms a subnetwork for millimeter wave wireless communication ;
a second communication unit that functions as a station for the millimeter wave wireless communication and connects to the subnetwork formed by other hopping nodes ;
a data transfer unit that transfers the data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication to a transfer destination node out of the hopping node and the edge node by the millimeter wave wireless communication;
an address conversion unit that converts a destination MAC address of the data to a MAC address of the transfer destination node when the destination IP address of the data is a multicast address or a broadcast address;
has
The edge node functions as a station for the millimeter wave wireless communication and has a third communication unit that connects to the subnetwork formed by the hopping nodes.
communication system. The data transfer unit
transferring the data to the transfer destination node using the first communication unit when the data is received by the second communication unit;
2. The communication according to claim 1, wherein when said data is received by said first communication unit, said data is transferred to said transfer destination node using said first communication unit and said second communication unit. system. The communication system is
A communication management device comprising a fourth communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication with a wider communication range than the millimeter wave wireless communication, and managing a communication route of multi-hop communication using the wireless LAN communication,
The hopping node is
A fifth communication unit that performs the wireless LAN communication ,
wherein the data transfer unit transfers the data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication to the transfer destination node based on the instruction regarding the communication path notified by the communication management device by the wireless LAN communication. Item 3. The communication system according to item 1 or 2. 4. The hopping node according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when the data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication is TCP data, the hopping node has a cache processing unit that temporarily stores and manages the data in a storage unit. 1. A communication system according to claim 1. 5. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein, in response to a request from another node , said cache processing unit provides said data stored in said storage unit to said other node as a request source. The hopping node is
When the data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication is a file in a predetermined format containing a plurality of image data that can be divided and used, the data to be transferred to the edge node is converted into the plurality of image data. has a data converter that
6. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein said data transfer unit sequentially transmits said plurality of image data converted by said data conversion unit to said edge node . 7. The number of edge nodes or other hopping nodes connectable to the sub-network formed by the first communication unit of the hopping node can be set. or a communication system according to claim 1. A hopping node of a communication system comprising a plurality of hopping nodes and one or more edge nodes connected to a subnetwork formed by the hopping nodes,
a first communication unit that functions as an access point for millimeter wave wireless communication and forms the subnetwork for the millimeter wave wireless communication ;
a second communication unit that functions as a station for the millimeter wave wireless communication and connects to the subnetwork formed by other hopping nodes ;
a data transfer unit that transfers the data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication to a transfer destination node out of the hopping node and the edge node by the millimeter wave wireless communication;
an address conversion unit that converts a destination MAC address of the data to a MAC address of the transfer destination node when the destination IP address of the data is a multicast address or a broadcast address;
, a hopping node . In a communication system including a plurality of hopping nodes and one or more edge nodes connected to a subnetwork formed by the hopping nodes,
The hopping node is
a first communication process that functions as an access point for millimeter wave wireless communication and forms the sub-network for the millimeter wave wireless communication ;
a second communication process that functions as a station for the millimeter wave wireless communication and connects to the subnetwork formed by other hopping nodes ;
a data transfer process of transferring the data received by the millimeter wave wireless communication to a transfer destination node out of the hopping node and the edge node by the millimeter wave wireless communication;
If the destination IP address of the data is a multicast address or a broadcast address, converting the destination MAC address of the data to the MAC address of the transfer destination node ;
communication control method. A program for causing a hopping node to execute the communication control method according to claim 9.

Images