Communication devices, communication methods, and programs

Abstract

This contributes to the rerouting of communication devices to the digital network when network connection devices fail. [Solution] The communication device according to this disclosure includes: a first data transmission / reception device for sending and receiving first communication data; a conversion device for mutually converting the first communication data and second communication data transmitted in a data communication line, and for sending and receiving the converted second communication data with the data communication line; a second data transmission / reception device for sending and receiving the second communication data transmitted in a data communication line; and a communication control device that, when a failure occurs in the second data transmission / reception device, performs communication control to send and receive the second communication data with the conversion device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Along with the replacement of PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) with digital networks such as the Internet, corporate VPN (Virtual Private Network), and mobile communication networks, the conversion of telephone communication lines and their peripheral devices to IP (Internet Protocol) is progressing. In order to adapt conventional analog telephones, ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) communication devices, and the like to digital networks, a communication processing device that performs mutual conversion between analog signals and digital data, conversion of data formats, and the like is required (provided that in Japan, part of ISDN services has already been terminated as of the filing date of the present application). Furthermore, in order to connect analog telephones and ISDN communication devices to a digital network via a communication processing device, network connection devices such as routers and hubs are often required.

[0003] When a network connection device such as a router fails and enters a disconnected state, not only analog telephones and ISDN communication devices but also IP communication devices compatible with packet switching in digital networks cannot connect to the digital network. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of connecting a communication device to a digital network by bypassing the failed network connection device when the network connection device fails.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Furthermore, each disclosure in the above prior art documents is incorporated into this document by reference. The following analysis was performed by the inventors.

[0006] It would be convenient if, in the event of a network connection device failure, a communication processing device such as one designed for analog telephones could be used to connect an IP communication device to a digital network.

[0007] In view of the above issues, the purpose of this disclosure is to use a device that connects circuit-switched communication equipment and IP communication equipment to a digital network, thereby contributing to the rerouting of communication equipment to the digital network in the event of a network connection device failure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the objectives of this disclosure, in the first perspective of this disclosure, a communication device is provided comprising: a first data transmission / reception device for sending and receiving first communication data; a conversion device for mutually converting the first communication data and second communication data transmitted over a data communication line, and for sending and receiving the converted second communication data with the data communication line; a second data transmission / reception device for sending and receiving second communication data transmitted over a data communication line; and a communication control device that, in the event of a failure in the second data transmission / reception device, controls communication to send and receive the second communication data with the conversion device.

[0009] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided which causes a communication control device to perform the following steps: sending and receiving first communication data; using a conversion device to mutually convert the first communication data and second communication data transmitted in a data communication line, and sending and receiving the converted second communication data with the data communication line; using a second data transmission / reception device to send and receive the second communication data transmitted in a data communication line; and, in the event of a failure in the second data transmission / reception device, to perform communication control to send and receive the second communication data with the conversion device.

[0010] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a program is provided that causes one or more processors of a communication control device to execute: a process for sending and receiving first communication data; a process for mutually converting the first communication data and second communication data transmitted over a data communication line using a conversion device, and sending and receiving the converted second communication data with the data communication line; a process for sending and receiving the second communication data transmitted over a data communication line using a second data transmission / reception device; and a process for performing communication control to send and receive the second communication data with the conversion device when a failure occurs in the second data transmission / reception device. This program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be non-transitory, such as semiconductor memory, hard disks, magnetic recording media, or optical recording media. This disclosure can be embodied as a computer program product. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] From each perspective of this disclosure, a device that connects circuit-switched communication equipment and IP communication equipment to a digital network can be used to facilitate a bypass connection of communication equipment to the digital network when the network connection device fails. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between a communication device from a first viewpoint and the communication system and network connection device described herein. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating one configuration of the communication system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B illustrates a scenario in the communication system shown in Figure 2A where the main unit's hub fails, resulting in a loss of communication. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A illustrates an example of the normal operation of a communication system when the hub is functioning correctly. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B illustrates an example of abnormal operation of a communication system when the hub is faulty. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C illustrates an example of how the communication system operates when the hub recovers from a failure. [Figure 3D] Figure 3D is a second diagram illustrating an example of how the communication system operates when the hub recovers from a failure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates one example of the hardware configuration of a computer that performs processing, such as a main unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. In each drawing, identical or corresponding elements are appropriately denoted by the same reference numeral, and identical or corresponding processes and communications are appropriately denoted by the same reference numeral. In addition, subscripts may be added to the reference numerals and information symbols of multiple possible components, but subscripts may be omitted when one of the multiple possible components is shown without being specified. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensions, quantities, and positional relationships of each element may differ from reality, and the positional relationships and numbers of elements may also differ between drawings. In addition, the connecting lines between blocks such as drawings referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows schematically indicate the flow of the main signals and data (information) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Also, in the following description, information and data are not strictly distinguished.

[0014] First, the relationship between the communication device from the first perspective and the communication system 1 and other components of this disclosure will be explained. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between the communication device from the first perspective (main unit 3) and the communication system 1 and network connection device 2 of this disclosure. The correspondence between the communication device from the first perspective (main unit 3) and the communication system 1 and network connection device 2 is as shown in Figure 1. In other words, the communication device from the first perspective (main unit 3) is encompassed by the network connection device 2, and the network connection device 2 is further encompassed by the communication system 1. The configurations of the communication system 1, network connection device 2, and main unit 3 will be described later with reference to Figure 2A and other figures.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating that the hub (HUB) 312 of the main apparatus 3 becomes out of service due to a failure in the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 2A. However, in the communication system 1, non-essential components among the components shown in FIG. 2A may be omitted, or components not shown in FIG. 2A may be added. As shown in FIG. 2A, the communication system 1 includes a network connection apparatus 2, a main apparatus 3, a wide area network 10 (WAN (Wide Area Network) / Internet) that transmits data via packet switching, a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) carrier server 12, and a data communication line 14.

[0016] The network connection apparatus 2 includes a router 200, a main apparatus 3, and communication apparatuses 202-1 to 202-i to 202-n (n is an integer of 1 or more). The main apparatus 3 includes a SIP module 300 (communication processing apparatus), an analog module 302, an ISDN module 304, a communication apparatus interface (communication apparatus IF (InterFace)) 306, a conversion module 308 (conversion apparatus), a communication control apparatus 310, a hub 312, and a personal computer (PC (Personal Computer)) 314.

[0017] Hereinafter, for the purpose of concretizing and clarifying the description, a case where the communication apparatuses 202-1 to 202-n are IP telephones will be taken as a specific example. Note that the communication apparatus 202 may be an analog telephone or a digital telephone. Further, when the hub 312 fails, communication between the communication apparatus (IP telephone) 202-1 and a communication destination (not shown) connected to the wide area network 10 can be achieved by bypassing either the analog module 302 or the ISDN module 304. In the following description, a case where such bypassing is performed by bypassing the ISDN module 304 will be taken as a specific example. The IP telephone is connected to a communication destination communication apparatus via a network through which data is transmitted by packet switching.

[0018] Next, each component of the communication system 1 will be described. The wide area network 10 is the Internet, 4G LTE and 5G mobile communication networks, or a corporate VPN, etc. Note that when the wide area network 10 is not suitable for ownership by an individual or a single company, such as the Internet, the communication system 1 does not need to include the wide area network 10. The SIP carrier server 11 provides a communication service based on the SIP protocol for realizing real-time communication on the Internet. The data communication line 14 is, for example, a wireless communication line or a wired communication line, connects the network connection device 2 to the wide area network 10, and bidirectionally transmits data between them.

[0019] The router 200 of the network connection device 2 connects the wide area network 10 and the network connection device 2 via the data communication line 14, and connects them such that data can be bidirectionally transmitted between them. Note that the router 200 can connect the wide area network 10 to a plurality of nodes that can serve as main bodies for information processing and information communication. Similarly, the hub 312 can also connect a plurality of communication devices and a plurality of modules. However, as a specific example, FIGS. 2A and 2B show a case where the router 200 connects only one node (the network connection device 2) to the wide area network 10, and as a specific example, a case where the hub 312 connects one router 200 to the SIP module 300 and the personal computer 314 is shown. Note that, as shown in FIG. 2B, communication between the router 200 connected via the hub 312 and the SIP module 300 is interrupted due to a failure of the hub 312 or other reasons.

[0020] In the main device 3, the personal computer 314 is connected to, for example, the hub 312, and is used by an operator of the main device 3 for inputting and outputting data to and from the main device 3, and for operating the main device 3 and the like. As described above, the hub 312 connects the router 200, the SIP module 300, and the personal computer 314 such that data can be mutually transmitted and received among them.

[0021] The communication control device 310 controls the connections between the communication device 202 and the SIP module 300, analog module 302, and ISDN module 304 via the communication device interface 306. More specifically, when the network is a SIP carrier server 12, the communication device interface 306 connects the communication device 202 and the SIP module 300. When the network is an analog network, the communication device interface 306 connects the communication device 202 and the analog module 302. When the network is an ISDN network, the communication device interface 306 connects the communication device 202 and the ISDN module 304.

[0022] Furthermore, if the hub 312 fails and communication between the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the router 200 via the SIP module 300 is interrupted, the communication control device 310 controls the communication device interface 306 to connect the communication device 202 (IP phone)-1 and the communication device interface 306. In addition, at this time, the communication control device 310 controls the ISDN module 304 to connect the communication device 202 (IP phone)-1 and the ISDN module 304 via the communication device interface 306. Similarly, at this time, the conversion module 308 is controlled to perform the same operation as the SIP module 300. Furthermore, the communication control device 310 checks the operating status of each component of the main unit 3 via signal lines (not shown). When a failure occurs in the hub 312 or other components, the communication control device 310 detects this failure.

[0023] The SIP module 300 functions as an interface device for the SIP carrier server 12, and connects the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the hub 312 via the communication device interface 306 to enable bidirectional data transmission and reception. Furthermore, the SIP module 300 provides the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 with a communication service based on the SIP protocol.

[0024] The analog module 302 functions as an interface device for an analog network (however, in this embodiment, it is not connected to an analog network). In other words, the analog module 302 connects to the communication device 202 and the conversion module 308 via the communication device interface 306, enabling bidirectional transmission and reception of analog voice data. Alternatively, data input from the communication device (IP phone) 202 via the communication device interface 306 may be passed directly to the conversion module 308 and output thereto. Furthermore, the analog module 302 provides the communication device 202 with a function that simulates the main unit 3 as if it were an analog telephone exchange (such as outputting a ringtone).

[0025] The ISDN module 304 functions as an interface device for the ISDN network and connects the communication device 202 and the conversion module 308 via the communication device interface 306 to enable bidirectional transmission and reception of ISDN-formatted data. In other words, the ISDN module 304 provides the communication device 202 with the function of simulating the main unit 3 as if it were an ISDN exchange. Furthermore, if the hub 312 fails and communication between the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the router 200 is interrupted, the ISDN module 304, in accordance with the control of the communication control device 310, outputs the data input from the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 via the communication device interface 306 to the conversion module 308.

[0026] The conversion module 308 converts data received from the communication device 202 via the communication device interface 306, analog module 302, and ISDN module 304 into a format suitable for transmission on the wide area network 10 (SIP carrier server 12), and outputs it to the wide area network 10 via the router 200. The conversion module 308 also converts data received from the wide area network 10 via the router 200 into a format suitable for the communication device 202, and outputs it to the communication device 202 via the communication device interface 306, analog module 302, and ISDN module 304. If the hub 312 fails and communication between the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the router 200 is interrupted, the conversion module 308, in accordance with the control of the communication control device 310, converts the data input from the ISDN module 304 and outputs it to the router 200.

[0027] Next, the operation of the communication system 1 will be explained separately for the following cases: when the hub 312 is operating normally, as shown in Figure 2A; when the hub 312 has failed and communication between the SIP module 300 and the router 200 is interrupted, as shown in Figure 2B; and when the hub 312 has recovered from the failure. Figure 3A is an example of the normal operation of the communication system 1 when the hub 312 is operating normally. Figure 3B is an example of the abnormal operation of the communication system 1 when the hub 312 has failed. Figure 3C is an example of the operation of the communication system 1 when the hub 312 has recovered from the failure.

[0028] First, the normal operation of communication system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 3A. As shown in Figure 3A, in S100, the communication control device 310 first controls the communication device interface 306 to connect the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the SIP module 300, as shown by the dotted line in the communication device interface 306 in Figure 2B. The SIP module (SIPM (SIP Module)) 300 sends a registration request for the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 to the hub (HUB) 312. In S102, the hub 312 sends the registration request received from the SIP module 300 to the router 200. In S104 and S106, the router 200 sends the registration request received from the hub 312 to the SIP carrier server 12 via the wide area network 10. In S108, the SIP carrier server 12 receives the registration request from the router 200 and performs the process of registering the communication device (IP phone) 202-1.

[0029] In S110 and S112, if the SIP carrier server 12 successfully registers the communication device (IP phone) 202-1, it sends a registration success message to the router 200 via the wide area network 10. In S114, the router 200 sends the registration success message received from the SIP carrier server 12 to the hub 312. In S116, the hub 312 sends the registration success message received from the router 200 to the SIP module 300. In S118, the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 becomes capable of data communication with the communication device to be communicated via the SIP module 300, the hub 312, the router 200, the wide area network 10, and the SIP carrier server 12.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figure 2B, the first operation of the communication system 1 when communication between the SIP module 300 and the router 200 is interrupted due to a failure in the hub 312 or the like will be explained. As shown in Figure 3B, first, the processes S100 to S118 shown in Figure 3A are performed, the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 is registered with the SIP carrier server 12, and data communication between the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the communication device to be communicated becomes possible.

[0031] After processing in S118, as shown in Figure 3B, a failure occurs in hub 312 in S120, and communication between SIP module 300 and router 200 is interrupted. In S122 and S124, even if SIP module 300 sends a registration request to hub 312, no response is received from hub 312 to SIP module 300 because hub 312 is failing. In S126, if registration success is not returned from SIP carrier server 12 to SIP module 300 within a predetermined time, SIP module 300 unregisters communication device (IP phone) 202-1. Due to the unregistration of communication device (IP phone) 202-1, communication via SIP module 300 of communication device (IP phone) 202-1 becomes impossible.

[0032] Next, we will explain the first operation of communication system 1 after the process in S120 shown in Figure 3B has been performed, following a failure in hub 312 or the like, as shown in Figure 2B, which disrupts communication between SIP module 300 and router 200. As shown in Figure 3C, first, in S120 shown in Figure 3B, a failure occurs in hub 312. In S140, SIP module 300 sends a connectivity check to hub 312. In S142, because hub 312 has failed, an unresponsive event occurs where hub 312 does not return a response to SIP module 300.

[0033] In S144, the communication control device 310 first controls the communication device interface 306 and connects the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the ISDN module 304 as shown by the dotted line in the communication device interface 306 in Figure 2B. Furthermore, the communication control device 310 controls the ISDN module 304 to operate the SIP module 300, and the ISDN module 304 sends a registration request to the conversion module 308. In S146, the communication control device 310 controls the conversion module 308, and the conversion module 308 sends the registration request received from the ISDN module 304 to the router 200. After the processing in S146, the processing in S104 to S112, which was explained with reference to Figure 3A, takes place.

[0034] In S148, the router 200 transmits the registration success message received from the SIP carrier server 12 via the wide area network 10 to the conversion module 308. In S150, the conversion module 308 transmits the registration success message received from the router 200 to the ISDN module 304. In S152, the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the ISDN module 304 are connected via the communication device interface 306, enabling communication between the communication device 202 (IP phone)-1 and the communication destination via the ISDN module 304, etc.

[0035] Next, as shown in Figure 2B, the process shown in Figure 3C is performed, enabling communication between the communication device 202 (IP phone)-1 and the communication destination via the ISDN module 304, etc. Furthermore, the operation of the communication system 1 when the hub 312 recovers from the failure will be explained. As shown in Figure 3D, after communication between the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the communication destination via the ISDN module 304, etc. is enabled in S152, and then in S160 the hub 312 recovers from the failure and becomes able to operate normally. When the hub 312 recovers, the processes S100 to S118 shown in Figure 3A are performed, and communication between the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the communication destination via the SIP module 300, etc. becomes possible.

[0036] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating one hardware configuration of a computer 8 that implements processing for the main unit 3 and other components. Each of the components of the main unit 3 and other components shown in Figures 2A and 2B can be implemented not only by dedicated hardware, dedicated hardware and its firmware, but also by the general-purpose computer 8 shown in Figure 4 executing one or more programs. As shown in Figure 4, the computer 8 comprises one or more processors 800 connected to each other via buses and signal lines to enable communication of data, information, and various signals, a main memory 802, an auxiliary memory 804, and a data input / output device 806. Note that the components of the computer 8 shown in Figure 4 are specific examples, and the computer 8 may include various other components such as output devices and input devices as appropriate.

[0037] In other words, Computer 8 is equipped with the components of a general-purpose computer capable of communicating with information processing devices and servers. Computer 8 runs an operating system (OS; not shown) that mediates between the hardware of Computer 8 and the programs it executes, such as Windows®, UNIX®, or TRON (The Real-time Operating system Nucleus). Programs that perform various functions of Computer 8 run on the OS. Note that Computer 8 does not necessarily have to be general-purpose; it may be for embedded systems.

[0038] The hardware operation of each component of computer 8 is described below. The processor 800 includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), or at least two combinations of one or more CPUs, one or more DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), and one or more GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). Note that an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) may be used instead of a CPU. The processor 800 executes instructions contained in one or more programs stored in at least one of the main memory 802 and the auxiliary memory 804. The main memory 802 includes storage devices such as one or more RAMs (Random Access Memory) and one or more ROMs (Read Only Memory), and temporarily stores one or more programs executed by computer 8, as well as information and data required for program execution.

[0039] The auxiliary storage device 804 includes, for example, a non-volatile computer-readable storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and flash memory, or one or more of these. The auxiliary storage device 804 stores the program executed by the computer 8 and the information and data required for its execution for the medium to long term. In addition, the nearest server location information and data and information required for various processes are stored in at least one of the main memory device 802 and the auxiliary storage device 804 before the computer 8 starts up. The data input / output device 806 inputs and outputs data (information) for processing between the network connection device 2 and the components of the main unit 3.

[0040] Furthermore, one or more programs stored in the non-volatile memory elements of the auxiliary storage device 804 of computer 8 and executed by the processor 800 may be provided as a program product recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In addition to one or more programs, such a program product may include information and data that are essential for the execution of one or more programs.

[0041] As explained above, even if a failure occurs in the hub 312 and communication between the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the wide area network 10 is interrupted, if the main unit 3 is equipped with an analog module 302 and an ISDN module 304, communication between the communication device (IP phone) 202-1 and the wide area network 10 will not be interrupted by utilizing these modules. For example, many PBXs (Private Branch eXchangers) that can operate as the main unit 3 are still equipped with an analog module 302 and an ISDN module 304, so according to this disclosure, it is possible to utilize such analog module 302 and ISDN module 304.

[0042] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: [Note 1] (See the first perspective above) [Note 2] The first communication data is transmitted via analog communication or ISDN communication via the communication device described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The aforementioned data communication line is the internet, as described in Appendix 1 or 2. [Note 4] The conversion device is a communication device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3 that transmits and receives the second communication data to and from a data communication line via a router. [Note 5] The communication control device is a communication device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, which, when the failure of the second data transmission / reception device is restored, performs communication control to transmit and receive the second communication data to and from the data communication line via the second data transmission / reception device. [Note 6] (See the second perspective above) [Note 7] (See the third perspective above) It goes without saying that any combination of the forms described in the appendices of this disclosure, or any combination of the elements described in each perspective and embodiment (including the non-selection of some elements), can be made from time to time by those skilled in the art, in accordance with the basic concepts of this disclosure.

[0043] Furthermore, each disclosure of the above-mentioned patent documents and other materials cited is incorporated into this publication by reference. Within the framework of this disclosure (including the claims), further modifications and adjustments to the embodiments or examples are possible based on their fundamental technical concept. Also, within the framework of this disclosure, various combinations or selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, this disclosure naturally includes various modifications and changes that a person skilled in the art could make in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concept. In particular, the numerical ranges described in this publication should be interpreted as specifically describing any numerical value or sub-range included within that range, even if not specifically noted. Furthermore, each disclosure of the above-mentioned cited documents is deemed to be included in the disclosures of this application, which may be used in part or in whole as part of this disclosure, in accordance with the spirit of this disclosure, as necessary. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 1. Communication System 10 Wide-area network 12 SIP Carrier Server 14. Data communication lines 2 Network connection devices 200 routers 202 Communication equipment 3 Main device 300 SIP modules 302 Analog Module 304 ISDN module 306 Communication device interface 308 Conversion Module 310 Communication control device 312 Hub 314 Personal Computers 8 Computers 800 processors 802 Main storage 804 Auxiliary storage 806 Data Input / Output Device

Claims

1. A data communication device, a first converter and a second converter, A communication interface connected between one or more data terminal devices and one or more analog terminal devices, the data communication device, the first converter and the second converter, Communication control device and Equipped with, The one or more data terminal devices input and output first data in digital format to and from the communication interface. The one or more analog terminal devices input and output analog signals in analog format to and from the communication interface. A communication device, The aforementioned data communication device is The first data input from one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface is output to the data communication line through which the first data is transmitted. The first data input from the data communication line is output to one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface. It is configured in such a way, The first conversion device is The system receives input from one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface, and converts second data, which is different from the first data, into the first data and outputs it to the data communication line. The first data input from the data communication line is converted into second data and output to one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface. It is configured in such a way, The second conversion device is The analog signals input from one or more analog terminal devices connected via the communication interface are converted into first data and output to the data communication line. The first data input from the data communication line is converted into an analog signal and output to one or more analog terminal devices connected via the communication interface. It is configured in such a way, The communication control device is When the data communication device is operating normally, the communication interface is controlled to connect the one or more data terminal devices with the data communication device. If a malfunction occurs in the operation of the data communication device, the communication interface is controlled to connect one or more data terminal devices to the first converter, and one or more analog terminal devices to the second converter. It is configured to Communication device.

2. The second data is data for ISDN. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned data communication line is the Internet. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The data communication device includes a hub The communication device according to claim 1.

5. A communication method performed in a communication device comprising a data communication device, a first converter and a second converter, one or more data terminal devices and one or more analog terminal devices, a communication interface connected between the data communication device, the first converter and the second converter, and a communication control device, wherein the one or more data terminal devices input and output first data in digital form to and from the communication interface, and the one or more analog terminal devices input and output analog signals in analog form to and from the communication interface, The aforementioned data communication device, The steps include outputting the first data, which has been input from one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface, to a data communication line through which the first data is transmitted, The steps include outputting the first data input from the data communication line to one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface, Make it run, The first conversion device, The steps include: converting second data, which is input from one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface and is different from the first data, into the first data and outputting it to the data communication line; The steps include converting the first data input from the data communication line into second data and outputting it to one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface. Make it run, The second conversion device, The steps include converting the analog signal input from one or more analog terminal devices connected via the communication interface into first data and outputting it to the data communication line, The steps include converting the first data input from the data communication line into an analog signal and outputting it to one or more analog terminal devices connected via the communication interface. Make it run, The aforementioned communication control device, When the data communication device is operating normally, the communication interface is controlled to connect the data communication device to one or more data terminal devices. When a malfunction occurs in the operation of the data communication device, the communication interface is controlled to connect one or more data terminal devices to the first converter, and one or more analog terminal devices to the second converter. Make it run Communication method.

6. A communication device comprising one or more processors, a memory electrically connected to the one or more processors, a data communication device, a first converter and a second converter, one or more data terminal devices and one or more analog terminal devices, a communication interface connected between the data communication device, the first converter and the second converter, and a communication control device, wherein the one or more data terminal devices input and output first data in digital form to and from the communication interface, and the one or more analog terminal devices input and output analog signals in analog form to and from the communication interface, wherein a program stored in the memory and executed by the one or more processors, In the aforementioned one or more processors, Controlling the aforementioned data communication device, A process for outputting the first data, which is input from one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface, to a data communication line through which the first data is transmitted, A process for outputting the first data input from the data communication line to one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface. Make it run, Controlling the first converter, A process of converting second data, which is different from the first data and is input from one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface, into the first data and outputting it to the data communication line, A process of converting the first data input from the data communication line into second data and outputting it to one or more data terminal devices connected via the communication interface. Make it run, Controlling the second converter, A process of converting the analog signal input from one or more analog terminal devices connected via the communication interface into first data and outputting it to the data communication line, A process of converting the first data input from the data communication line into an analog signal and outputting it to one or more analog terminal devices connected via the communication interface. Make it run, Controlling the aforementioned communication control device, When the data communication device is operating normally, the process involves controlling the communication interface to connect one or more data terminal devices with the data communication device. When a malfunction occurs in the operation of the data communication device, the communication interface is controlled to connect one or more data terminal devices to the first converter, and one or more analog terminal devices to the second converter. Make it run program.

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