WO2006075368A1

WO2006075368A1 - Communication system, communication apparatus and communication method

Info

Publication number: WO2006075368A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/000279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yasuhiro Shibuya; Yoshihiro Gounai
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 2005-01-13
Filing date: 2005-01-13
Publication date: 2006-07-20

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication system or the like comprising a plurality of communication apparatuses that are sequentially connected via a wireless or wired communication line and that use their respective firmwares stored therein to operate. The present invention facilitates the updating of those firmwares. The version number information of the firmwares stored in communication apparatuses adjacent to a local communication apparatus is acquired from those adjacent communication apparatuses, while the version number information of the firmware stored in the local communication apparatus is also acquired. Then, the firmware version numbers of the adjacent communication apparatuses are compared with the firmware version number of the local communication apparatus, and if they are not identical, the firmware having the latest one of those version numbers is forwarded between the local communication apparatus and the adjacent communication apparatuses.

Description

Specification

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION DEVICE, AND COMMUNICATION METHOD

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system comprising a plurality of communication devices that are sequentially connected via wireless or wired communication lines and that operate using firmware stored therein, and communication that constitutes the communication system. Apparatus and communication method in communication system thereof

In particular, digital multi-radio devices installed as outdoor devices with radio frequencies mainly in the range of 4 GHz to 38 GHz, such as microwaves, quasi-millimeter waves, and millimeter wave bands, and communication systems including the digital multi-radio devices, And a communication method in the communication system.

Background art

In recent years, due to the explosive market expansion of mobile radio, demand for access radio that connects mobile communication networks and backbone communication networks has increased, and the use of multiple radio equipment has also changed from trunk systems to access communications. Have achieved. Under such usage conditions, it is common that the wireless device itself is not installed indoors but adjacent to a base station or installed outdoors. With such explosive growth in demand, maintenance of wireless devices and the like has become increasingly important.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an installation example of a conventional outdoor-type multiplex radio apparatus. This shows the installation of two outdoor radio units (ODUs) 100A and 100B installed outdoors.

[0004] Here, one ODU100A is installed on a steel tower with a height of, for example, several tens to 100m, and the other ODU100B is installed on the roof of a building with a height of 20 floors or more, for example. For example, microwave communication is performed between these two ODUs 100A and 100B. Here, typically two ODU100A, 100B are shown. These ODU100A, 100B are connected to, for example, an IDU (InDoor Unit), and another ODU is connected via the IDU. ODU100A, 100B, etc. are connected to the ODU, and the ODU performs wireless communication with another ODU. They are connected one after another via an intervening wired communication line.

[0005] Alternatively, for example, the ODU100B does not perform wireless communication only with the ODUIOOA. The ODU100B performs wireless communication with the ODU100A and uses a wireless line different from the wireless line between the ODUIOOA and another ODU. However, it may be configured to perform wireless communication. Alternatively, a plurality of ODUIOOA, 100B,... May be sequentially connected by such a configuration or a mixture of such a configuration and the above-described configuration including the IDU.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one ODU (here, representatively ODU100). Since this ODU 100 is an outdoor device, a sealed casing 101 is adopted, and is installed in the sealed casing 101, and is connected to an IDU (not shown) via a main signal interface.

[0007] The ODU 100 includes a control firmware mounting unit 102 on which control firmware for controlling the ODU 100 is mounted. Here, the firmware is used as a generic term for software executed in this ODU to control this ODU, data referred to in this ODU or used for setting in this ODU.

[0008] The control firmware installed in the control firmware installation unit 102 may be required to be updated due to the addition or change of functions due to customer requests or complaint processing. When updating such firmware, the ODU is installed in the sealed casing 101, so the firmware cannot be updated as it is, and the ODU100 is removed from the steel tower (see Fig. 1). It is necessary to update the firmware after opening the case, seal it in the case again, and install it again on the steel tower. This work is extremely difficult. This work is required for the number of installed ODUIOOA, 100B, ... (see Fig. 1) that make up one system. Therefore, in the case of a large-scale system with many installed ODUs, the entire firmware update The amount of work is enormous.

[0009] In order to improve the problem that the amount of work becomes enormous, control lines indicated by broken lines in FIG. It is possible to send in. In this way, the firmware can be updated without removing the steel tower or opening the sealed enclosure. [0010] However, even in this case, in the case of a large system, it is necessary to perform firmware update work for each of a large number of ODUs, and the work is still very different.

[0011] In order to further reduce this workload, a method for maintaining the maintenance target station (ODU) from a remote location, that is, a method for sending a correction command and correction firmware from the remote location to the maintenance target station is proposed. (See Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-5167

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0012] In the case of the method proposed in Patent Document 1 above, it is possible to update the remote geopower firmware, and a significant reduction in the amount of work is expected.

[0013] However, in the case of this proposed method, it is necessary for the base station performing maintenance to grasp all of the maintenance stations and to send the corrected firmware to all the maintenance stations. In the case of a communication system, there is a problem that labor is still required.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system in which firmware can be extremely easily updated, a communication apparatus suitable for constructing the communication system, and a communication method in the communication system.

Means for solving the problem

[0015] The communication system of the present invention that achieves the above object is a communication system comprising a plurality of communication devices that are sequentially connected via a communication line and that operate using firmware stored in each.

Each of the plurality of communication devices

An adjacent version number acquisition unit that acquires the version information of the first firmware stored in the adjacent communication device from the adjacent communication device;

The self-version acquisition unit that acquires the version information of the second firmware stored in the communication device that is itself, and the version number and self-version of the first firmware acquired by the adjacent version acquisition unit A version number comparison unit that compares the version number of the second firmware acquired by the acquisition unit; When the version comparison unit determines that the firmware versions of both firmware do not match

And a firmware transfer unit that transfers a new version of the first firmware and the second firmware between the adjacent communication devices.

[0016] The communication system of the present invention acquires the version information of the firmware of the adjacent communication device and the version information of the firmware of the communication device that is itself, respectively, for each of the plurality of communication devices constituting the communication system. The version information of both firmware is compared and the new firmware is transferred. According to this communication system, for example, the control line as shown in FIG. As soon as the firmware is updated for one communication device among the multiple communication systems that make up the system, the updated firmware will be spread throughout the entire communication system.

[0017] Here, in the communication system of the present invention, each of the plurality of communication devices operates from the nonvolatile memory storing the firmware and the nonvolatile memory according to the firmware at startup. Volatile memory that receives the firmware transfer for execution,

Preferably, the firmware transfer unit stores the firmware in the non-volatile memory when the firmware of the adjacent communication device is transferred.

[0018] With such a configuration, it is possible to update the firmware without interrupting the execution of the currently operating firmware.

[0019] Further, the communication device of the present invention that achieves the above object constitutes a communication system as a plurality of communication devices that are sequentially connected via a communication line and operate using firmware stored in each. In one communication device,

A self version acquisition unit that acquires version information of the second firmware stored in the communication device that is itself; A version comparison unit that compares the version number of the first firmware acquired by the adjacent version number acquisition unit with the version number of the second firmware acquired by the self version acquisition unit;

When it is determined by the version comparison unit that the versions of both firmware do not match, the new firmware of the first firmware and the second firmware of the first firmware and the adjacent communication device And a firmware transfer unit for transferring the image data.

[0020] Here, also in the communication device of the present invention, the non-volatile memory for storing the firmware and the non-volatile memory receive the transfer of the firmware for operation execution according to the firmware at the time of startup. With volatile memory,

[0021] Further, the communication method of the present invention that achieves the above-described object provides communication in a communication system comprising a plurality of communication devices that are sequentially connected via a communication line and that operate using firmware stored in each. In the method

The version information of the first firmware stored in the adjacent communication device is acquired from the adjacent communication device, and the version information of the second firmware stored in the communication device that is itself is acquired. ,

Compare the obtained firmware versions of both firmware,

If the firmware version numbers of both firmware do not match, the new firmware of the firmware version of both firmware is transferred to the adjacent communication device.

The invention's effect

As described above, according to the present invention, the firmware of the entire communication system can be easily updated.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an installation example of a conventional outdoor multiplex radio apparatus.

[Fig. 2] A schematic diagram of one ODU. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of an ODU which is a communication apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing program version number comparison and program execution processing.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a radio control unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation at startup of the wireless control unit.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing firmware propagation in a two-hop wireless communication system.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing firmware propagation in a two-hop wireless communication system.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing firmware propagation in a two-hop wireless communication system.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing firmware propagation in a two-hop wireless communication system.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing firmware propagation in a two-hop wireless communication system.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which an IDU is used instead of a PC.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of an ODU that is a communication device as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows one ODU among a plurality of ODUs installed as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

The ODU 200 shown here includes a main signal processing unit 210, a radio control unit 220, and a radio monitoring control unit 230.

[0028] The main signal processing unit 210 performs modulation / demodulation processing of the main signal for performing wireless communication with, for example, a microwave communication partner station, and IDU (not shown) via the main signal interface. I am in charge of sending and receiving signals to and from.

[0029] In addition to the main signal, the main signal processing unit 210 performs various operations with the partner station for wireless communication. An auxiliary signal used for various purposes is also transmitted and received. Here, the auxiliary signal received from radio monitoring control unit 230 is transmitted to the counterpart station, and the auxiliary signal received from the counterpart station is notified to radio monitoring control unit 230.

[0030] A program that is an example of firmware according to the present invention is installed in the radio control unit 220. A radio control signal is sent to the main signal processing unit 210 according to the program, and is performed by the main signal processing unit 210. Control various signal processing. Version information representing the version number of the program is attached to the program installed in the radio control unit 220.

[0031] Further, the wireless monitoring control unit 230 is connected to a display unit or an operation unit (not shown) via a user interface (UI), generates an auxiliary signal in response to a user instruction, and generates a main signal processing unit. Processing related to the auxiliary signal is performed, such as displaying information to be notified to the user on the display unit based on the auxiliary signal sent to 210 or received from the main signal processing unit 210.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing program version number comparison and program transfer processing.

In the wireless monitoring control unit 230 shown in FIG. 3, as according to the present invention, processing according to this flow chart is performed.

[0034] Here, first, using the auxiliary signal, the communication partner station power of the main signal processing unit 210 also receives the version number information of the program installed in the partner station (step S1 in FIG. 4), Also, the version number information of the program stored in the wireless control unit 220 is received from the wireless control unit 220 (step S2 in FIG. 4), and the two are compared (step S3 in FIG. 4). If the version numbers of the two programs do not match (step 4), a new (new version) program of these two programs is transferred to and from the other station (step S5). In other words, in this transfer, if the program of the partner station is a newer (upgraded) program than the program installed in its own radio control unit 220, an auxiliary signal is used. Then, the program installed in the partner station is received from the partner station via the main signal processing unit 210, and the program received from the partner station is sent to the radio control unit 220. On the other hand, rather than the program installed in the other station If the program installed in the radio control unit 220 is newer, the program installed in the radio control unit 220 is received from the radio control unit 220 and is put on an auxiliary signal. The program is sent to the main signal processing unit 210, and the main signal processing unit 210 transmits the program on the auxiliary signal to the partner station.

[0035] Such new transmission is sequentially performed between the ODUs connected in sequence, and therefore, if the program is updated for one ODU, the updated program is sequentially transmitted over the entire communication system. It will propagate sequentially.

[0036] Here, for example, an old (old version) program is installed in the program transfer between one ODU200 typically shown in FIG. 3 and the communication partner station of this ODU200. ODU can take the initiative to send a program transfer request to an ODU that has a new version of the program (new version) installed, or a new version of the version (new) Version) program is installed! ODU takes the initiative and is equipped with a version of the old-fashioned (old version) program and can send the new version of the old-fashioned (new version) program to the ODU. What version of Xinjiang (new version) program can be transferred in sequence? ! /.

[0037] In addition, in the above, another ODU is connected by wire via the main signal interface that explains the comparison of program versions and program transfer with the other station of wireless communication! When speaking, program version comparison and program transfer are performed in the same manner as described above with the ODU existing through the main signal interface.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the radio control unit shown by one block in FIG.

[0039] Radio control unit 220 is an interface that controls input / output (IZO) between EEPROM 221 that is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, RAM 222 that is a volatile memory, and main signal processing unit 210 (see FIG. 3). 223 and CPU 224 for executing programs (software) are also configured.

[0040] The program and its version information are initially installed in EEPROM 221 and are The program in the EEPROM 221 is transferred to the RAM 222 when the power is turned off and on after the power is turned off, and the CPU 224 decodes the instruction described in the program in the RAM 222 and executes the process according to that instruction. To do.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation at the time of starting the wireless control unit.

[0042] A program is transferred from the EEPROM 221 shown in FIG. 5 to the RAM 222 (step S11), and the CPU 224 starts an operation based on the program transferred to the RAM 222 (step S12), and the main signal processing unit 210 (see FIG. 5). 3) (Step S13).

As described above, the CPU 224 shown in FIG. 5 does not execute the program installed in the EEPROM 221 as it is, but the program installed in the EEPROM 222 is transferred to the RAM 222 at the start-up, and the CPU 224 The program transferred to the RAM 222 and stored in the RAM 222 is executed. On the other hand, when the radio monitoring control unit 230 writes a new version (new or version) program to the radio control unit 220, the radio monitoring control unit 230 writes the program in the EEPROM 221 and the radio control unit 220 also reads the program. To read the program loaded in EEPROM222. Note that the writing and reading of the program are not limited to being performed directly between the EEPROM 221 and the wireless monitoring control unit 230, and the transfer itself may involve the CPU 224.

[0044] Even if a program stored in EEPROM 221 is rewritten with a new version of the program, the program does not immediately affect the operation of wireless controller 220, and EEPROM 221 After the program is transferred from the RAM to the RAM, the operation of the wireless control unit 220 is affected.

[0045] As described above, there are a large number of ODUs in the communication system, and it is possible to grasp the whole of all ODUs! New version) program, the new version (new version) program will gradually spread in the communication system, and eventually all ODU programs that make up the communication system will be rewritten to the new version program. The new version of the program will be reflected at the next startup.

In the above description, the program executed by the wireless control unit 220 has been described as an example of the firmware according to the present invention. The firmware according to the present invention is limited to the program. However, it may be data that affects the operation of the ODU or a combination of a program and data.

FIG. 7 to FIG. 11 are schematic diagrams showing firmware propagation in a wireless communication system having a two-hop configuration (2 hops: two wireless lines are interposed).

[0048] Here, four ODU200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D power S are shown, ODU200A and ODU200B, and ODU200C and ODU200D are connected by each wireless line, and between ODU2 OOB and ODU200C is wired It is connected with the line. In addition, each of the ODUs 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D is provided with memory 221A, 221B, 221C, and 221D for storing firmware. These memories 221A, 221B, 221C, and 221D are memories corresponding to the nonvolatile EEPROM 221 in the example shown in FIG. (01) and (02) written in the block indicating each memory 221A, 221B, 221C, 221D represent the version number of the firmware stored in the memory. Here, (01 (02) is an improved version of the firmware (new version).

[0049] Initially, as shown in Figure 7, all ODA200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D memories 221 A, 221B, 221C, and 221D had the old version (old version) (01) of firmware installed. Shall.

[0050] Here, it is assumed that a control line extends to each ODU200A, 200B, 200C, 200D so that firmware can be written by connecting a personal computer or the like to the outside (see FIG. 2). ).

Here, as shown in FIG. 8, a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “P Cj”) 301 is connected to one ODU200A, and a new version number (new version) is created using the PC 301. (02) Writing firmware will cause firmware version mismatch between ODU200A and ODU200B.After this mismatch is detected, ODU200A and other ODU200B will receive multiplexed auxiliary power that also has radio signal power. After the transfer is completed, the ODU200B stores the newly transferred firmware in the memory 221 B, which is a rewritable nonvolatile memory.Figure 9 shows the firmware transfer to the ODU200B. Indicates the completed state. [0052] This time, there is a discrepancy in the firmware version between ODU200B and ODU200C. As described above, this section is connected by a wired connection in the wireless section so that auxiliary signals can be transmitted and received. Even in this wired section, the number of versions can be confirmed by transmitting and receiving the auxiliary signals. Is done. Again, after a discrepancy is detected, firmware transfer is started from the ODU200B to the ODU200C by an auxiliary signal sent and received by wire. After this transfer is completed, in the ODU 200C, the newly transferred firmware is stored in the memory 221C, which is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. Figure 10 shows the state where the firmware transfer to the ODU200C has been completed.

[0053] This time, there is a discrepancy in firmware version between ODU200C and ODU200D. In this case as well, after the mismatch of the version numbers is detected, the firmware is transferred from the ODU 200C to the ODU 200D and stored in the memory 221D.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which a new version (02) of firmware is stored in all the ODUs from the ODU 200A to the ODU 200D constituting this communication system. In the example shown here, PC 302 confirms that new firmware has been stored in all ODAs, and then reboots (restarts) all ODAs. As a result, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the operation based on the new version of firmware is started.

[0055] In this example, as shown in Fig. 8, the example of writing the updated firmware using the PC 301 has been described. However, the first firmware update to one ODA is performed by storing the firmware installed in the ODA. For example, any non-volatile storage medium may be replaced in the form of software or software.

FIG. 12 is a diagram in which an IDU (InDoor Unit) is used instead of the PC.

In the example shown here, IDU 303 is connected to ODU200D. In the case of a system in which an IDU is connected in this way, the firmware can be written or confirmed in the IDU instead of the PC, and the firmware can be written or confirmed using the IDU.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] In a communication system consisting of a plurality of communication devices that are operated sequentially using firmware stored in each of them, sequentially connected via a communication line,

Each of the plurality of communication devices

An adjacent version number acquisition unit for acquiring version information of the first firmware stored in the adjacent communication device from an adjacent communication device;

A self version acquisition unit that acquires version information of the second firmware stored in the communication device that is itself;

A version number comparison unit for comparing the version number of the first firmware acquired by the adjacent version number acquisition unit and the version number of the second firmware acquired by the self-version number acquisition unit; and the version number comparison If it is determined that the version numbers of both firmware do not match, the new firmware version of the first firmware and the second firmware between the adjacent communication devices. A communication system comprising: a firmware transfer unit for transferring

[2] A non-volatile memory in which each of the plurality of communication devices stores firmware, and a volatile memory that receives the transfer of the firmware from the non-volatile memory for operation execution according to the firmware at startup And

The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the firmware transfer unit stores the firmware in the non-volatile memory when the firmware of the adjacent communication device receives the transfer of the firmware.

[3] In one communication device that constitutes a communication system consisting of a plurality of communication devices that are sequentially connected via communication lines and that operate using firmware stored in each.

The version number of the first firmware acquired by the adjacent version number acquisition unit and the self-version number A version comparison unit that compares the version number of the second firmware acquired by the acquisition unit, and the version comparison unit determines that the version numbers of both firmwares do not match, A communication apparatus comprising: a firmware transfer unit configured to transfer a new version of the first firmware and the second firmware between the first firmware and the communication apparatus.

[4] A nonvolatile memory for storing firmware, and a volatile memory that receives the firmware from the nonvolatile memory for operation execution according to the firmware at startup.

The communication device, wherein the firmware transfer unit stores the firmware in the non-volatile memory when receiving the transfer of adjacent communication device power firmware.

[5] In a communication method in a communication system comprising a plurality of communication devices that are sequentially connected via a communication line and operate using firmware stored in each, the communication method from the adjacent communication device to the adjacent communication device Acquires the stored version information of the first firmware, and also acquires the version information of the second firmware stored in its own communication device,

Compare the obtained firmware versions of both firmware,

A communication method characterized in that, when the firmware version numbers of both firmware do not match, a new firmware version of the firmware of both the firmware is transferred to an adjacent communication device.