Transmitting apparatus, transmitting method, relay apparatus, relay apparatus control method, receiving apparatus, receiving apparatus control method, and network system

Abstract

The present invention enables reduction of power consumption during communication between devices over a network. A transmitting device sends a signal containing, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal to a relay device (switch / router) of the next stage. The relay device activates the circuitry on the path in a standby state based on the wake-up signal and the path information. The relay devices on the path are activated in succession, and the main data signal is finally received by a receiving device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present technology relates to a transmission device, a transmission method, a relay device control method, a relay method, a reception device, a reception device control method, and a network system, and more particularly, to a transmission device or the like that allows reduction of power consumed by communication between devices over a network. BACKGROUND

[0002] Data transmission networks such as optical networks are known. Such a network includes a plurality of switches / routers. Such a switch / router functions as a relay device and has a routing function. In a case where data is transmitted from a certain device (transmission device) to another device (reception device), the data is transmitted through a predetermined number of switches / routers on a path.

[0003] In this case, it is enough that only the predetermined number of switches / routers on the path are in an active state, and other switches / routers can be in a standby state, without any problem. For example, Patent Literature 1 proposes a communication device or the like that is capable of reducing power consumption by controlling an operation state including a standby state and an active state based on a detection result of an optical signal.

[0004] LIST OF CITATIONS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: WO 2017 / 057152 A SUMMARY

[0007] Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present technology is to allow reduction of power consumed by communication between devices over a network.

[0009] Solution to Problem

[0010] According to a concept of the present technology, there is provided a transmission device including:

[0011] a signal output unit that outputs, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and main data signals; and

[0012] a signal transmitter that transmits the signals output from the signal output unit.

[0013] In the present technology, the signal output unit outputs, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and main data signals. Then, the signal transmitter transmits the signals output from the signal output unit.

[0014] As described above, in the present technology, the wake-up signal, the route information, and the main data signal are transmitted in this order. Thus, the relay devices on the route can be sequentially activated, and eventually the reception device can receive the main data signal, which allows a reduction in power consumed by the relay devices and the reception device for device-to-device communication through the network.

[0015] Note that, in the present technology, for example, the signal output unit can output the wake-up signal for a period longer than an inactive period of intermittent operation of reception determination made by a device that receives a signal transmitted from the signal transmitter, and start outputting the route information after a lapse of a predetermined fixed period from the end of the output of the wake-up signal.

[0016] In this case, by outputting the wake-up signal for a period longer than an inactive period of intermittent operation of reception determination made by a device that receives a signal transmitted from the signal transmitter, the device that receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter can reliably receive the wake-up signal even if the device makes reception determination in an intermittent manner in order to reduce power consumption.

[0017] Further, in this case, by starting outputting the route information after a lapse of a predetermined fixed period from the end of the output of the wake-up signal, the device that receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter can receive the route information in a case where a circuit necessary for processing to receive the route information is activated.

[0018] Further, in the present technology, for example, the signal output unit can stop outputting the wake-up signal based on a reception notification transmitted from a device that receives a signal transmitted from the signal processor after starting outputting the wake-up signal, and then start outputting the route information.

[0019] In this case, by stopping outputting the wake-up signal based on a reception notification transmitted from a device that receives a signal transmitted from the signal processor after starting outputting the wake-up signal, the device that receives the signal transmitted from the signal processor can reliably receive the wake-up signal. Further, in this case, by starting outputting the route information based on the reception notification after a lapse of a predetermined fixed period from the end of the output of the wake-up signal, the device that receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter can receive the route information in a case where a circuit necessary for processing to receive the route information is activated.

[0020] Further, in the present technology, for example, the signal output unit can start outputting the main data signal after a lapse of a predetermined fixed period from the end of the output of the route information. This case allows the device that receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter to receive the main data signal in a case where a necessary circuit on the route is activated based on the route information.

[0021] Further, in the present technology, for example, the signal output unit can start outputting the main data signal based on a readiness notification transmitted from a device that receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter after the output of the path information ends. This case allows the device that receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter to receive the main data signal in a case where the necessary circuit on the path is reliably activated based on the path information.

[0022] Further, according to another concept of the present technology, there is provided a relay device including:

[0023] a signal receiver including a receiver that receives a wake-up signal and path information in order, and a reception processor that processes a signal output from the receiver;

[0024] a plurality of signal transmitters;

[0025] a routing unit that selectively transmits a signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver to a target signal transmitter that is any one of the plurality of signal transmitters;

[0026] a signal reception determination unit that determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received based on a signal output from the receiver of the signal receiver;

[0027] a path selector that selects a path based on the path information included in a signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver; and

[0028] a controller that controls to activate the reception processor and the path selector of the signal receiver based on a determination result made by the signal reception determination unit that the wake-up signal has been received, causes a circuit of the routing unit corresponding to the path selected by the path selector and the target signal transmitter to enter an active state from a standby state based on the path, and causes the target signal transmitter that has entered the active state to output the wake-up signal and the path information in order.

[0029] In the present technology, a signal receiver receives and processes a wake-up signal and path information in order. A routing unit selectively transmits a signal output from a reception processor of the signal receiver to a target signal transmitter that is any one of a plurality of signal transmitters. A signal reception determination unit determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received based on a signal output from a receiver of the signal receiver. A path selector selects a path based on path information included in a signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver.

[0030] Then, the controller controls to activate the reception processor and the path selector of the signal receiver based on a determination result that the wake-up signal has been received made by the signal reception determination unit. The controller also controls to activate the circuit of the path change unit and the target signal transmitter corresponding to the path based on the path selected by the path selector. The controller also controls to cause the target signal transmitter thus activated to transmit the wake-up signal and the path information in order.

[0031] As described above, in the present technology, the wake-up signal and the path information are received in order, and the reception processor and the path selector of the signal receiver are activated based on a determination result that the wake-up signal has been received, the circuit of the path change unit and the target signal transmitter corresponding to the path are activated based on the path selected by the path selector, and the target signal transmitter thus activated outputs the wake-up signal and the path information in order. Thus, it is possible to activate the relay devices on the path in succession, which allows reduction of power consumed by the relay devices for device-to-device communication through the network

[0032] Note that, in the present technology, for example, the path selector can select one path indicated by the path information. Thus, one path, for example, the shortest path connecting the transmitting device and the receiving device, can be selected.

[0033] Further, in the present technology, for example, the path selector can select a plurality of paths from among shorter paths among a plurality of paths up to the receiving device determined based on information about the receiving device contained in the path information. Thus, a plurality of shorter paths can be set as paths connecting the transmitting device and the receiving device, and the best path for the receiving device can be selected and used from among these paths.

[0034] Further, in the present technology, for example, the path selector can use a possible transfer rate and / or a latency of a subsequent relay device as determination information, and select a plurality of paths from among a plurality of paths up to the receiving device determined based on information about the receiving device contained in the path information. Thus, a plurality of paths that place importance on the possible transfer rate or the latency can be set as paths connecting the transmitting device and the receiving device, and the best path for the receiving device can be selected and used from among these paths.

[0035] In this case, for example, the path selector can selectively use the possible transfer rate or the latency as the determination information in a manner depending on what kind of application the main data signal transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device relates to. Thus, when a plurality of paths are set, the paths that place importance on the possible transfer rate or the latency can be set in a manner depending on the application.

[0036] Further, in the present technology, for example, when the wake-up signal and the path information are transmitted in sequence, the target signal transmitter that enters an active state based on the path selected by the path selector can add, to the path information, information about a relay device to which the target signal transmitter belongs, and information about a communicable speed and a latency of the relay device. This allows the receiving device to use the information about the communicable speed or the latency of the relay device constituting the path to select a path from among a plurality of paths set by sequentially transmitting the wake-up signal and the path information.

[0037] Further, in the present technology, for example, the target signal transmitter can output the wake-up signal for a period longer than an inactive period of intermittent operation of reception determination made by a device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter, and start outputting the path information after a predetermined fixed period elapses from the end of the output of the wake-up signal.

[0038] In this case, by outputting the wake-up signal for a period longer than an inactive period of intermittent operation of reception determination made by a device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter, the device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter can reliably receive the wake-up signal even if the device makes reception determination in an intermittent manner in order to reduce power consumption.

[0039] Further, in this case, by starting outputting the path information after a predetermined fixed period elapses from the end of the output of the wake-up signal, the device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter can receive the path information in a case where a circuit necessary for processing to receive the path information is activated.

[0040] Further, in the present technology, for example, the target signal transmitter can stop outputting the wake-up signal based on a reception notification transmitted from a device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter after starting outputting the wake-up signal, and then start outputting the path information.

[0041] In this case, by stopping outputting the wake-up signal based on a reception notification transmitted from a device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter after starting outputting the wake-up signal, the device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter can reliably receive the wake-up signal. Further, in this case, by starting outputting the path information based on the reception notification after the end of the output of the wake-up signal, the device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter can receive the path information in a case where a circuit necessary for processing to receive the path information is activated.

[0042] Further, in the present technology, for example, the target signal transmitter can start outputting the main data signal included in the signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver after the output of the path information ends. This case enables the device receiving the signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter to receive the main data signal in a case where the necessary circuit on the path is activated based on the path information.

[0043] Further, in the present technology, for example, the target signal transmitter can start outputting the main data signal included in the signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver based on the readiness notification transmitted from the device receiving the signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter after the output of the path information ends. This case enables the device receiving the signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter to receive the main data signal in a case where the necessary circuit on the path is reliably activated based on the path information.

[0044] Further, in the present technology, for example, a storage device temporarily storing the main data signal included in the signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver can be provided. In a case where the main data signal is received from the device transmitting the signal to the receiver of the signal receiver before the circuit of the path change unit corresponding to the path selected by the path selector and the target signal transmitter are activated based on the path, the main data signal can be temporarily stored in the storage device, and after the circuit of the path change unit corresponding to the path selected by the path selector and the target signal transmitter are activated, the target signal transmitter can transmit the wake-up signal, the path information, and the main data signal in order.

[0045] Further, in the present technology, for example, a notification transmitter can be provided, which transmits a reception notification to the device transmitting the signal to the receiver of the signal receiver after the circuit is activated based on the determination result that the wake-up signal has been received made by the signal reception determination unit and the reception processor of the signal receiver and the path selector are activated. In this case, the device transmitting the signal to the receiver of the signal receiver can know the timing suitable for starting the output of the path information.

[0046] Further, in the present technology, for example, a notification transmitter can be provided, which transmits a readiness notification to the device transmitting the signal to the receiver of the signal receiver after the circuit is activated based on the path selected by the path selector and the circuit of the path change unit corresponding to the path and the target signal transmitter are activated. In this case, the device transmitting the signal to the receiver of the signal receiver can know the timing suitable for starting the output of the main data signal.

[0047] Further, in the present technology, for example, the controller can cause the circuit portions corresponding to the predetermined number of paths selected by the path selector to enter the active state from the standby state, then keep the circuit portions corresponding to the paths identified as in use in the active state, and cause the circuit portions corresponding to the paths identified as not in use to return from the active state to the standby state. This allows the relay device to reduce useless power consumption.

[0048] In this case, for example, the controller can identify as in use the path through which the return signal is transmitted from the reception device, and identify as not in use the path through which the return signal is not transmitted from the reception device for a certain period of time. This configuration provides the advantage that the reception device does not need to transmit the return signal for the path not in use.

[0049] Further, in this case, for example, the controller can identify as in use the path through which the return signal containing information indicating in use is transmitted from the reception device, and identify as not in use the path through which the return signal containing information indicating not in use is transmitted from the reception device. This allows more correct identification and processing of the path in use and the path not in use.

[0050] Further, in this case, for example, the controller can identify as in use the path through which the return signal is transmitted from the reception device and corresponding to the path indicated by the in use path information contained in the return signal, and identify as not in use the path through which the return signal is transmitted from the reception device and not corresponding to the path indicated by the in use path information contained in the return signal. This configuration allows the reception device to transmit the same return signal without distinguishing between the path in use and the path not in use.

[0051] Further, according to another concept of the present technology, there is provided a reception device including:

[0052] a signal receiver including a receiver that receives a wake-up signal and a main data signal in order, and a reception processor that processes a signal output from the receiver;

[0053] a signal processor that processes the main data signal contained in the signal output from the signal receiver;

[0054] a signal reception determination unit that determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received, based on a signal output from the receiver of the signal receiver; and

[0055] a controller that controls to activate the reception processor and the signal processor of the signal receiver based on a determination result of having received the wake-up signal made by the signal reception determination unit.

[0056] In the present technology, a wake-up signal and a main data signal are sequentially received and processed by a signal receiver. A signal processor processes a main data signal contained in a signal output from the signal receiver. A signal reception determination unit determines whether or not a wake-up signal has been received based on a signal output from a receiver of the signal receiver. Then, a controller controls to activate a reception processor and a signal processor of the signal receiver based on a determination result of having received the wake-up signal made by the signal reception determination unit.

[0057] As described above, in the present technology, a wake-up signal and a main data signal are sequentially received, and a reception processor and a signal processor of a signal receiver are activated based on a determination result of having received the wake-up signal. Thus, for inter-device communication over a network, power consumed by a receiving device can be reduced.

[0058] Note that, in the present technology, for example, a notification transmitter that transmits a ready notification to a device that transmits a signal to the signal receiver after a circuit is activated as a result of the reception processor and the signal processor of the signal processor being activated based on a determination result of having received the wake-up signal made by the signal reception determination unit can also be provided. In this case, the device that transmits a signal to the receiver of the signal receiver can know a timing suitable for starting output of a main data signal.

[0059] Further, in the present technology, for example, a path selector that selects any one of a plurality of paths through which the reception processor of the signal receiver receives the wake-up signal when the reception processor receives the wake-up signal through the plurality of paths for establishing a connection with a transmitting device, and the controller can also control a transmission process of transmitting a return signal for keeping each circuit portion constituting the selected path in an active state and returning each circuit portion constituting a non-selected path from the active state to a standby state through some or all of the plurality of paths. Thus, an optimal path can be selected from a plurality of paths for communication, and power consumption that is not used on a network can be reduced by returning each circuit portion constituting a non-selected path from the active state to the standby state.

[0060] In this case, for example, the controller can select any one of the plurality of paths based on information on the communicable speed and / or latency of a predetermined number of relay units constituting the path, which is contained in the path information received by the receiver of the signal receiver after the wake-up signal. Thus, it is possible to easily select a path from among the plurality of paths that places importance on the communicable speed or latency.

[0061] Further, in this case, for example, in the transmission processing, the return signal can be transmitted through the selected path. This configuration provides the advantage that it is not necessary to transmit the return signal through a path that is not used for selection.

[0062] Further, in this case, for example, in the transmission processing, the return signal containing information indicating the in-use path can be transmitted through the selected path, and the return signal containing information indicating the non-use path can be transmitted through the non-selected path. This configuration enables each relay device constituting the plurality of paths to correctly recognize and process the in-use path and the non-use path.

[0063] Further, in this case, for example, in the transmission processing, the return signal including the in-use path information can be transmitted through the plurality of paths. This configuration enables the same return signal to be transmitted without distinguishing between the in-use path and the non-use path.

[0064] Further, according to another concept of the present technology, there is provided a network system including a transmission device, a reception device, and a predetermined number of relay devices interposed between the transmission device and the reception device, and a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal are sequentially transmitted from the transmission device, and necessary circuits on a path from the transmission device to the reception device are successively activated to enable the reception device to receive the main data signal.

[0065] In the present technology, a network system includes a transmission device, a reception device, and a predetermined number of relay devices interposed between the transmission device and the reception device. Then, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal are sequentially transmitted from the transmission device, and necessary circuits on a path up to the reception device are successively activated to enable the reception device to receive the main data signal. The relay devices can be switches / routers, for example.

[0066] As described above, in the present technology, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal are sequentially transmitted from a transmission device, and necessary circuits on a path from the transmission device to a reception device are successively activated to enable the reception device to receive the main data signal. Thus, it is possible to reduce power consumed by inter-device communication through a network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0067] Figure 1is a diagram illustrating an example of an optical network system.

[0068] Figure 2 is a diagram for illustrating an example of a manner in which a restriction on the amount of data that can be communicated can be reduced.

[0069] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an optical network system.

[0070] Figure 4 is a diagram for illustrating how an optical network system operates in the case where a wavelength division multiplexing manner is applied.

[0071] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system in which a transmitting-side device and a receiving-side device are connected via a network.

[0072] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of each transmitting-side device and a switch / router connected to the device in the case where a time division multiplexing manner is applied as in the related art.

[0073] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of each device and a switch / router connected to the device in the case where a new network system is applied.

[0074] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a transmitting-side device and a switch / router connected to the transmitting-side device as a relay device in the case where a new network system as a first embodiment is applied.

[0075] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a more specific example of a configuration of a transmitting-side device and a switch / router.

[0076] Figure 10 is a timing chart for illustrating how a transmitting-side device and a switch / router operate.

[0077] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a receiving-side device and a switch / router connected to the receiving-side device as a relay device in the case where a new network system as a first embodiment is applied.

[0078] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a more specific example of a configuration of a receiving-side device and a switch / router.

[0079] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a transmitting-side device and a switch / router as a second embodiment.

[0080] Figure 14is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a sending-side device and a switch / router as a relay device connected to the sending-side device in a case where the new network system according to the third embodiment is applied.

[0081] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a more specific configuration example of the sending-side device and the switch / router.

[0082] Figure 16 is a timing chart for explaining how the sending-side device and the switch / router operate.

[0083] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a receiving-side device and a switch / router as a relay device connected to the receiving-side device in a case where the new network system according to the third embodiment is applied.

[0084] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating a more specific configuration example of the receiving-side device and the switch / router.

[0085] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a sending-side device and a switch / router as a relay device connected to the sending-side device in a case where the new network system according to the fourth embodiment is applied.

[0086] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating a more specific configuration example of the sending-side device and the switch / router.

[0087] Figure 21 is a timing chart for explaining how the sending-side device and the switch / router operate.

[0088] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a receiving-side device and a switch / router as a relay device connected to the receiving-side device in a case where the new network system according to the fourth embodiment is applied.

[0089] Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process of selecting one path from among a plurality of paths.

[0090] Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating a more specific configuration example of the receiving-side device and the switch / router. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present application (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be explained. Note that the explanation will be made in the following order.

[0092] 1. First Embodiment

[0093] 2. Second Embodiment

[0094] 3. Third Embodiment

[0095] 4. Fourth Embodiment

[0096] 5. Modified Example

[0097] <1. First Embodiment>

[0098] "Explanation of Related Art"

[0099] First, the technology related to the present technology will be explained. For example, consider a current network access network such as a passive optical network (PON). As illustrated in Figure 1 (a), the use of an optical splitter allows communication between an optical line terminal (OLT) located at the base station side and a plurality of optical network units (ONUs) located at the user side. The OLT is connected to the optical splitter through one optical fiber, and the optical splitter splits the light to allow the OLT to be connected to each user.

[0100] In the case of uplink transmission as illustrated in Figure 1 (a), data (D1, D2, D3 in the example illustrated in the drawing) output from each ONU located at the user side is multiplexed by the optical splitter. In order to avoid repetition, the data transmission timing and the data transmission amount are controlled between the ONUs to allow multiplexing in the time axis direction. In the case of downlink transmission as illustrated in Figure 1 (b), data (i.e., in the example illustrated in the drawing, data in which D1, D2, D3 are multiplexed in the time axis direction) output from the OLT is commonly transmitted to each ONU located at the user side through the optical splitter. At this time, each ONU located at the user side extracts only data addressed to the ONU itself. Note that the uplink transmission and the downlink transmission are different from each other in the optical signal wavelength, so the uplink transmission and the downlink transmission can be performed without interference even if the data overlap in the time axis.

[0101] As described above, in the current network access network, the connection between each user side device and the network is superimposed (time division multiplexed) in the time axis direction to avoid collision with a large number of devices, so the amount of data that can be communicated is limited.

[0102] Research has been conducted to reduce the above-described limitation on the amount of data that can be communicated. Figure 2 Examples of a way capable of reducing the limitation on the amount of data that can be communicated are illustrated. Figure 2 (a) illustrates a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) way in which each piece of data is superimposed on each of a plurality of wavelengths respectively by using the characteristic that light does not interfere when the wavelengths are different, to allow a plurality of pieces of data to be communicated through one optical fiber, thereby increasing the amount of data that can be communicated.

[0103] Figure 2 (b) illustrates a polarization division multiplexing (PDM) scheme in which by using the characteristics of a light having a component that vertically oscillates on one side and a component that horizontally oscillates on one side and the two components do not interfere with each other, each piece of data is superimposed on each of the two components to allow two pieces of data to communicate through one optical fiber, thereby increasing the amount of data that can be communicated.

[0104] Figure 2 (c) illustrates a space division multiplexing (SDM) scheme in which a plurality of cores are provided in one optical fiber to allow a plurality of pieces of data to communicate without physical interference, thereby increasing the amount of data that can be communicated. Note that a combination of the above-described schemes allows further increase in the amount of data that can be communicated.

[0105] As described above, a plurality of pieces of data can be superimposed on one optical fiber without interfering with each other. For example, in the case where the wavelength division multiplexing scheme is applied, as illustrated in Figure 3 , light having a plurality of wavelengths from the ONUs can be bundled into one bundle by a beam splitter and transmitted to the OLT side. That is, this eliminates the need for time division multiplexing, and thus each wavelength can be used as a dedicated line for communication between the ONUs and the OLT. Note that in the case where the multi-core optical fiber is combined with the wavelength division multiplexing scheme and the space division multiplexing scheme, an increase in the number of cores allows further increase in the bandwidth.

[0106] Figure 4 An example of how communication between the OLT located on the base station side and a plurality of ONUs located on the user side is performed is illustrated, for example, in the case where the wavelength division multiplexing scheme is applied. In the case of the uplink transmission illustrated in Figure 4 (a), data (D1, D2, D3 in the example illustrated) output from each ONU located on the user side has a different wavelength, and thus even if the data is bundled into a bundle by a beam splitter, it can be transmitted to the OLT through one optical fiber without interfering with each other. This allows each user-side device to transmit data without worrying about collision with other devices, and there is no time limit. This is equally applicable to the downlink transmission as illustrated in Figure 4 (b).

[0107] Note that Figure 4 an example in which the wavelength division multiplexing scheme is applied is illustrated, but this is equally applicable to the case where the polarization division multiplexing scheme or the space division multiplexing scheme is applied, and also to the case where a combination of such schemes is applied.

[0108] In a case where a system using the above-described wavelength division multiplexing method, polarization division multiplexing method, space division multiplexing method, or a combination of such methods (hereinafter referred to as "new network system") is implemented, as a connection between devices through a network, a topology similar to Figure 5 the network system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0109] When each switch / router selects a path, generally, the higher the layer, the more each signal is bundled into a bundle (i.e., time-division multiplexed and transmitted), but if the new network system is applied, the number of paths that can be used as dedicated lines increases dramatically, thereby reducing the necessity of time-division multiplexing, and in an extreme case, even on a network, devices can be connected to each other using dedicated lines similar to P2P connections.

[0110] Figure 6 An example of the configuration of the transmitting-side device 1, transmitting-side device 2,..., and transmitting-side device N and the switch / router to which each device is connected in a case where a time-division multiplexing method is applied as in the related art is illustrated. In this case, the switch / router only needs to include one receiver, a processor located downstream of the receiver determines the destination of each data, and a controller routes and transmits the data.

[0111] Figure 7 An example of the configuration of the transmitting-side device 1, transmitting-side device 2,..., and transmitting-side device N and the switch / router to which each device is connected in a case where the new network system is applied is illustrated. In this case, the line connected to each device needs to accommodate one-to-one transmission / reception, and the switch / router includes a receiver and a processor for each device, which increases the circuit size. This will result in an increase in power consumption, thereby requiring a solution to such a problem.

[0112] "Example of the configuration of a transmitting-side device and a switch / router connected to the transmitting-side device"

[0113] Figure 8 An example of the configuration of a transmitting-side device (transmitting device) and a switch / router as a relay device connected to the transmitting-side device in a case where the new network system as the first embodiment is applied is illustrated. This configuration example corresponds to the transmitting-side device, the switch / router constituting a medium-scale network, and the switch / router constituting a large-scale network surrounded by a dashed line box P in the network system illustrated in FIG. 1. Figure 5

[0114] In a case where the new network system is applied, the number of paths that can be used as dedicated lines increases dramatically, thereby reducing the necessity of time-division multiplexing, and in an extreme case, even on a network, devices can be connected to each other using dedicated lines similar to P2P connections. Figure 8 ​In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 1, N devices 100-1, 100-2,..., and 100-N are transmission-side devices belonging to different users. Each device includes a signal transmitter 101 that transmits an optical signal. Here, the optical signal output from the signal transmitter 101 includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal.

[0115] Further, in Figure 8 In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 1, N devices 100-1, 100-2,..., and 100-N are transmission-side devices belonging to different users. Each device includes a signal transmitter 101 that transmits an optical signal. Here, the optical signal output from the signal transmitter 101 includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal.

[0116] The controller 201 controls how each component of the switch / router 200 operates. The signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N respectively receive an optical signal transmitted from a corresponding one of the devices 100-1, 100-2,..., and 100-N. The signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N respectively select a path based on the path information included in the signal received by a corresponding one of the signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N. The signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N respectively function as path selectors. Here, the path information is, for example, information about a path, such as the shortest path, connecting a transmission device (transmission-side device) and a reception device (reception-side device).

[0117] The path change unit 204 transmits, under the control of the controller 201, the main data signal included in the signal received by a corresponding one of the signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N to the signal transmitter corresponding to the path selected by each of the signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N. The signal transmitters 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N respectively transmit an optical signal including the main data signal transmitted from the path change unit 204. Here, the optical signal output from each of the signal transmitters 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal.

[0118] The switch / router 200 activates, under the control of the controller 201, the corresponding reception processor and the corresponding signal processor that performs path selection, based on the determination that each of the signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N has received the wake-up signal. Further, the switch / router 200 activates, under the control of the controller 201, the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path selected by each of the signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N, based on the path. By controlling the activation of each component in this way, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0119] Further, in the example configuration illustrated in Figure 8 , the switch / router 300 is a switch / router that constitutes a large-scale network. The switch / router 300 includes a controller 301, N signal receivers 302-1, 302-2,..., and 302-N, N signal processors 303-1, 303-2,..., and 303-N, a path change unit 304, and N signal transmitters 305-1, 305-2,..., and 305-N.

[0120] The switch / router 300 is similar in configuration to the above-described switch / router 200, and thus a detailed explanation of the switch / router 300 will be omitted. Note that the signal receivers 302-1, 302-2,..., and 302-N respectively receive optical signals transmitted from other switch / routers that constitute a medium-scale network or a large-scale network.

[0121] In the example configuration illustrated in Figure 8 , for example, a signal transmitted from the device 100-1 is received by the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200, and is transmitted from the signal transmitter 205-2 of the switch / router 200 to the switch / router 300. The signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 205-2 of the switch / router 200 is then received by the signal receiver 302-2 of the switch / router 300, and is transmitted from the signal transmitter 305-N of the switch / router 300 to a subsequent device.

[0122] Figure 9 A more specific example configuration of the device 100-1 and the switch / router 200 illustrated in Figure 8 will be explained. Note that the devices 100-2 to 100-N are not illustrated, but are similar in configuration to the device 100-1. In Figure 9 , the components corresponding to the components illustrated in Figure 8 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed explanation of these components will be appropriately omitted.

[0123] The device 100-1 includes, in addition to the above-described signal transmitter 101, a controller 102 and a signal output unit 103. The controller 102 controls how each component of the device 100-1 operates. The signal output unit 103 outputs a signal to be transmitted to the switch / router 200. The signal includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal.

[0124] The signal transmitter 101 transmits an optical signal as described above. The signal transmitter 101 includes a LINK unit 101a, a PHY unit 101b, and a light emitting element 101c. The LINK unit 101a and the PHY unit 101b perform transmission processing on a signal output from the signal output unit 103. The LINK unit 101a and the PHY unit 101b constitute a transmission processor.

[0125] Here, the PHY and the LINK correspond to layer 1 and layer 2, respectively, of a layered model for a communication network. Layer 1 is responsible for physical transmission and reception of a digital signal, and layer 2 is responsible for transfer of information data such as identification of a communication entity. Note that the present technology is not limited to such a PHY / LINK.

[0126] The light emitting element 101c converts a signal output from the PHY unit 101b from an electrical signal to an optical signal, and transmits the optical signal to the switch / router 200. The light emitting element 101c functions as a transmitter.

[0127] The signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200 receives an optical signal transmitted from the device 100-1 as described above. The signal receiver 202-1 includes a light receiving element 202-1a, a PHY unit 202-1b, a LINK unit 202-1c, and a signal reception determination unit 202-1d. The light receiving element 202-1a receives an optical signal transmitted from the device 100-1, and converts the optical signal to an electrical signal. The light receiving element 202-1a functions as a receiver.

[0128] The PHY unit 202-1b and the LINK unit 202-1c perform reception processing on a signal output from the light receiving element 202-1a, and transmit the signal to the signal processor 203-1. The PHY unit 202-1b and the LINK unit 202-1c constitute a reception processor. The signal reception determination unit 202-1d determines, based on a signal output from the light receiving element 202-1a, whether a wake-up signal has been received, and transmits a determination result to the controller 201. The controller 201, based on the determination result that a wake-up signal has been received, activates the reception processor (PHY unit, LINK unit) of the signal receiver 202-1 and the signal processor 203-1 in a standby state, to cause the reception processor and the signal processor 203-1 to enter an active state.

[0129] The thus activated signal processor 203-1 selects a path based on the path information immediately after the wake-up signal from the signal output from the signal receiver 202-1, and transmits the selection result to the controller 201. The controller 201 activates the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) in the standby state and corresponding to the path based on the path selected by the signal processor 203-1, to bring the circuit and the signal transmitter into the active state.

[0130] Thus, the main data signal immediately after the path information from the signal output from the signal receiver 202-1 is transmitted to the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path, and is transmitted as an optical signal from the target signal transmitter to the subsequent device. Note that in this case, the signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter to the subsequent device contains the wake-up signal and the path information in this order before the main data signal, so as to activate the necessary circuit of the subsequent device.

[0131] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the signal receivers 202-2 to 202-N of the switch / router 200 are similar in configuration to the signal receiver 202-1.

[0132] Further, the signal transmitter 205-1 of the switch / router 200 includes a LINK unit 205- la, a PHY unit 205- lb, and a light emitting element 205- lc. The LINK unit 205- la and the PHY unit 205- lb perform transmission processing on the transmission signal. The LINK unit 205- la and the PHY unit 205- lb constitute a transmission processor.

[0133] Here, the transmission signal includes the main data signal transmitted via the path change unit 204, and contains the wake-up signal and the path information in this order before the main data signal, so as to activate the necessary circuit of the subsequent device.

[0134] The light emitting element 205- lc converts the transmission signal output from the PHY unit 205- lb from an electric signal to an optical signal, and transmits the optical signal to the subsequent device. The light emitting element 205- lc functions as a transmitter.

[0135] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the signal transmitters 205-2 to 205-N of the switch / router 200 are also similar in configuration to the signal transmitter 205-1.

[0136] Figure 10 is a timing chart for explaining how the device 100-1 and the switch / router (here, Figure 9 is a timing chart for explaining how the device 100-1 and the switch / router (here,

[0137] Figure 10(a) Illustrates the transmission signal from the device 100-1 to the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200. The transmission signal includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal.

[0138] Figure 10 (b) Illustrates how the signal reception determination unit 202-1d operates in the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200 that receives the transmission signal from the device 100-1. Here, the signal reception determination unit 202-1d operates in an intermittent manner so as to reduce power consumption. The transmission period Tl of the wake-up signal included in the transmission signal from the device 100-1 is set longer than the inactive period of the intermittent operation of the signal reception determination unit 202-1d.

[0139] Figure 10 (c) Illustrates how the reception processor (PHY unit 202-1b, LINK unit 202-1c) and the signal processor 203-1 of the signal receiver 202-1 operate. The reception processor (PHY unit 202-1b, LINK unit 202-1c) and the signal processor 203-1 are activated at the timing tl at which the signal reception determination unit 202-1d detects the reception of the wake-up signal under the control of the controller 201.

[0140] The period T2 between the wake-up signal and the path information included in the transmission signal from the above-described device 100-1 (i.e., the standby period from the end of the transmission of the wake-up signal to the start of the transmission of the path information) is set to a constant period set in advance so as to allow time to activate the reception processor (PHY unit 202-1b, LINK unit 202-1c) and the signal processor 203-1 to start up the circuits.

[0141] Figure 10 (d) Illustrates how the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path determined by the signal processor 203-1 based on the path information operate. The circuit of the path change unit 204 and the target signal transmitter are activated at the timing t2 at which the signal processor 203-1 determines the path under the control of the controller 201.

[0142] The period T3 between the path information and the main data signal included in the transmission signal from the device 100-1 (i.e., the standby period from the end of the transmission of the path information to the start of the transmission of the main data signal) is set to a predetermined period set in advance so as to allow time to activate the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the target signal transmitter to start up the circuits.

[0143] Note that the above period T3 can include a period in which all necessary circuits on the path up to the receiving-side device are activated and started. In this case, the switch / router 200 transmits the wake-up signal and the path information to the subsequent switch / router, and this transmission to the subsequent switch / router is sequentially performed, and the necessary circuits on the path are successively started, so as to eventually enable the transmitting-side device and the receiving-side device to exchange data.

[0144] Further, although Figure 10 The explanation of how the transmitting-side device and the switch / router operate is also applicable to a certain switch / router and a subsequent switch / router connected to the certain switch / router. Thus, for example, the relationship between the wake-up signal, the path information, and the main data signal transmitted from each of the signal transmitters 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N of the switch / router 200 to the corresponding subsequent switch / router is also similar to the relationship between the wake-up signal, the path information, and the main data signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 101 of the transmitting-side device (see Figure 10 a).

[0145] "Configuration Example of Receiving-Side Device and Switches / Routers Connected to Receiving-Side Device"

[0146] Figure 11 The configuration example of the receiving-side device (receiving device) and the switch / router serving as a relay device connected to the receiving-side device in the case where the new network system according to the first embodiment is applied is explained. The configuration example corresponds to the configuration of the switch / router constituting a large-scale network, the switch / router constituting a medium-scale network, and the receiving-side device, which are enclosed by the dashed line frame Q in the network system illustrated in Figure 5

[0147] In the configuration example illustrated in Figure 11 In the configuration example illustrated in

[0148] The switch / router 400 is similar in configuration to the above-described switch / router 200 illustrated in Figure 8 in which the detailed explanation of the switch / router 400 will be omitted. Note that the signal receivers 402-1, 402-2,..., and 402-N respectively receive optical signals transmitted from other switch / routers constituting a medium-scale network or a large-scale network. ​

[0149] Further, in the configuration example illustrated in Figure 11 the switch / router 500 is a switch / router that constitutes a medium-scale network. The switch / router 500 includes a controller 501, N signal receivers 502-1, 502-2,..., and 502-N, N signal processors 503-1, 503-2,..., and 503-N, a path change unit 504, and N signal transmitters 505-1, 505-2,..., and 505-N.

[0150] The switch / router 500 is similar in configuration to the above-described switch / router 200 illustrated in Figure 8 therefore a detailed description of the switch / router 500 will be omitted. Note that the signal receivers 502-1, 502-2,..., and 502-N respectively receive optical signals transmitted from other switch / routers that constitute a medium-scale network or a large-scale network.

[0151] The optical signals transmitted from each of the signal output units 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N of the above-described switch / router 200 illustrated in Figure 8 include a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal in that order, but the subsequent device of each of the signal transmitters 505-1, 505-2,..., and 505-N is a reception-side device, and thus the optical signals include a wake-up signal and a main data signal in that order, but do not include path information. Note that the path information can be included immediately after the wake-up signal.

[0152] Further, in the configuration example illustrated in Figure 11 The N devices 600-1, 600-2,..., and 600-N are reception-side devices belonging to different users. Each device includes a signal receiver 601 that receives an optical signal. The devices 600-1, 600-2,..., and 600-N respectively receive optical signals transmitted from corresponding ones of the signal transmitters 505-1, 505-2,..., and 505-N of the switch / router 500, and perform reception processing on the main data signal included in the thus-received signal, such as recording processing or display processing in the case where the main data signal is video data.

[0153] In the configuration example illustrated in Figure 11In the example configuration illustrated in the diagram, for example, a signal received by the signal receiver 402-1 of the switch / router 400 is transmitted from the signal transmitter 405-2 of the switch / router 400 to the switch / router 500. The signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 405-2 of the switch / router 400 is then received by the signal receiver 502-2 of the switch / router 500, and transmitted from the signal transmitter 505-N of the switch / router 500 to the device 600-N.

[0154] Figure 12 A more specific example of the configuration of the switch / router 500 and the device 600-N is illustrated. Note that the devices 600-1 to 600-(N-1) are not illustrated, but are similar in configuration to the device 600-N.

[0155] The signal receiver 502-1 of the switch / router 500 receives an optical signal transmitted from another switch / router that configures a medium-scale network or a large-scale network. The optical signal includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal (see Figure 10 (a)).

[0156] The signal receiver 502-1 includes a light-receiving element 502-1a, a PHY unit 502-1b, a LINK unit 502-1c, and a signal reception determination unit 502-1d. The light-receiving element 502-1a receives a transmitted optical signal and converts the optical signal to an electrical signal. The light-receiving element 502-1a functions as a receiver. The PHY unit 502-1b and the LINK unit 502-1c perform reception processing on a signal output from the light-receiving element 502-1a, and transmit the signal to the signal processor 503-1. The PHY unit 502-1b and the LINK unit 502-1c configure a reception processor.

[0157] The signal reception determination unit 502-1d determines whether or not a wake-up signal has been received, based on a signal output from the light-receiving element 502-1a, and transmits the determination result to the controller 501. The controller 501 activates the PHY unit 502-1b, the LINK unit 502-1c, and the signal processor 503-1 of the signal receiver 502-1 that is in a standby state, based on the determination result that a wake-up signal has been received.

[0158] The signal processor 503-1 thus activated selects a path based on the path information immediately after the wake-up signal in the signal output from the signal receiver 502-1, and transmits the selection result to the controller 501. The controller 501 activates the circuit of the path change unit 504 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) that correspond to the path selected by the signal processor 503-1, based on the path.

[0159] Thus, the main data signal immediately after the path information in the signal output from the signal receiver 502-1 is transmitted to the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path, and is transmitted as an optical signal from the target signal transmitter to the subsequent device. Note that in this case, the signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter to the subsequent device includes a wake-up signal before the main data signal, in order to activate necessary circuitry of the subsequent device.

[0160] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the signal receivers 502-2 to 502-N of the switch / router 500 are similar in configuration to the signal receiver 502-1.

[0161] Further, the signal transmitter 505-1 of the switch / router 500 includes a LINK unit 505-1a, a PHY unit 505-1b, and a light emitting element 505-1c. The LINK unit 505-1a and the PHY unit 505-1b perform transmission processing on a transmission signal. The LINK unit 505-1a and the PHY unit 505-1b constitute a transmission processor.

[0162] Here, the transmission signal includes a main data signal transmitted via the path changing unit 504, and includes a wake-up signal and path information before the main data signal, in order to activate necessary circuitry of a subsequent receiving side device.

[0163] The light emitting element 505-1c converts the transmission signal output from the PHY unit 505-1b from an electric signal to an optical signal, and transmits the optical signal to a subsequent device.

[0164] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the signal transmitters 505-2 to 505-N of the switch / router 500 are also similar in configuration to the signal transmitter 505-1.

[0165] In addition to the above-described signal receiver 601, the device 600-N includes a controller 602 and a signal processor 603. The controller 602 controls how each component of the device 600-N operates. The signal processor 603 performs reception processing on a main data signal received as described above. The signal receiver 601 transmits an optical signal as described above. The signal receiver 601 includes a light receiving element 601a, a PHY unit 601b, a LINK unit 601c, and a signal reception determination unit 601d.

[0166] The light receiving element 601a receives a transmitted optical signal, and converts the optical signal to an electric signal. The light receiving element 601a functions as a receiver. The PHY unit 601b and the LINK unit 601c perform reception processing on a signal output from the light receiving element 601a, and transmit the signal to the signal processor 603. The PHY unit 601b and the LINK unit 601c constitute a reception processor.

[0167] The signal reception determination unit 601d determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received on the basis of the signal output from the light-receiving element 601a, and transmits the determination result to the controller 602. The controller 602 activates the PHY unit 601b, the LINK unit 601c, and the signal processor 603 of the signal receiver 601 in the standby state on the basis of the determination result that the wake-up signal has been received.

[0168] The signal processor 603 performs reception processing of the main data signal contained in the signal received by the signal receiver 601, for example, recording processing or display processing in the case where the main data signal is video data.

[0169] As described above, the transmission-side device constituting the network system sequentially transmits the wake-up signal, the path information, and the main data signal. Thus, the relay devices on the path can be activated successively, and the reception device can finally receive the main data signal, which allows reduction of power consumed by the relay devices and the reception device for the inter-device communication through the network.

[0170] Further, each relay device (switch / router) constituting the network system sequentially receives the wake-up signal, the path information, and the main data signal, activates the reception processor of the signal receiver and the signal processor (path selector) on the basis of the determination result that the wake-up signal has been received, activates the circuit of the path change unit corresponding to the path determined by the signal processor on the basis of the path, and activates the target signal transmitter, and sequentially outputs the wake-up signal, the path information, and the main data signal from the activated target signal transmitter. Thus, the relay devices on the path can be activated successively, which allows reduction of power consumed by the relay devices for the inter-device communication through the network.

[0171] Further, the reception-side device constituting the network system sequentially receives the wake-up signal and the main data signal, and activates the reception processor of the signal receiver and the signal processor on the basis of the determination result that the wake-up signal has been received. Thus, for the inter-device communication through the network, it is possible to reduce power consumed by the reception device.

[0172] <2. Second Embodiment>

[0173] In the above-described first embodiment, the time period T3 between the path information and the main data signal contained in the transmission signal from each of the transmission-side devices 100-1, 100-2,..., and 100-N can include a period until the switch of the reception-side device is activated.

[0174] However, another configuration can be conceived in which the transmitting-side devices 100-1, 100-2,..., and 100-N respectively select a path based on the path information in the subsequent switch / router 200, and start transmitting the main data signal before activating the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the target signal transmitter corresponding to the path.

[0175] Figure 13 A configuration example of a transmitting-side device (transmitting device) and a switch / router as a relay device connected to the transmitting-side device in a case where a new network system as a second embodiment is applied is illustrated. In Figure 13 corresponding to the components illustrated in Figure 9 corresponding to the components illustrated in will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of these components will be appropriately omitted. In the switch / router 200, memories 208-1, 208-2,..., and 208-N respectively functioning as storage devices for temporarily storing the main data signal are provided downstream of the signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N, respectively.

[0176] The main data signal contained in the signal output from each of the signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N is stored in the corresponding memory of the memories 208-1, 208-2,..., and 208-N via the corresponding signal processor of the signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N. Then, after the circuit of the path change unit corresponding to the path selected based on the path information and the target signal transmitter are activated, the main data signal stored in each of the memories 208-1, 208-2,..., and 208-N is read and transmitted to the target signal transmitter in which the wake-up signal and the path information are added to the main data signal, and then transmitted to the subsequent switch / router.

[0177] <3. Third Embodiment>

[0178] In the above-described first embodiment, the transmitting-side devices 100-1, 100-2,..., and 100-N are configured to wait for a period of time between the end of transmission of the wake-up signal and the start of transmission of the path information, in order to leave time to activate the reception processors (PHY units 202-1b, LINK units 202-1c) of the signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N and the signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N in the switch / router 200 (see the period T2 illustrated in Figure 10

[0179] ​Further, similarly in the above-described embodiment, the transmitting-side devices 100-1, 100-2,..., and 100-N can add a period until the switch of the receiving-side device is activated to a period from the end of transmission of the path information to the start of transmission of the main data signal (see Figure 10 the period T3 illustrated in FIG. 12).

[0180] In this case, a configuration in which the switch / router 200 notifies the transmitting-side devices 100-1, 100-2,..., and 100-N that the necessary circuit has been activated to make transmission of the path information and the main data signal possible can be conceivable. This is equally applicable to the switch / router-to-switch / router communication and the switch / router-to-receiving-side device communication.

[0181] "Configuration Example of Transmitting-Side Device and Switch / Router Connected to Transmitting-Side Device"

[0182] Figure 14 A configuration example of a transmitting-side device (transmitting device) and a switch / router as a relay device connected to the transmitting-side device in a case where a new network system according to a third embodiment is applied is illustrated. The configuration example corresponds to the transmitting-side device, the switch / router constituting a medium-scale network, and the switch / router constituting a large-scale network surrounded by a dashed line frame P in the network system illustrated in Figure 5 Figure 14 Figure 8 Components corresponding to those illustrated in

[0183] In the configuration example illustrated in Figure 14 In the configuration example illustrated in

[0184] After the signal transmitter 101 starts transmitting the wake-up signal, the receiver 104 receives a reception notification transmitted from the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router 200. In this case, the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router 200 transmits the reception notification after the signal receiver receives the wake-up signal, and the reception processor and the signal processor of the signal receiver are activated. After the receiver 104 receives the reception notification, the signal transmitter 101 stops transmission of the wake-up signal, and starts transmitting the path information.

[0185] ​​Further, after the signal transmitter 101 stops the transmission of the path information, the receiver 104 receives a reception notification transmitted from the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router 200. In this case, the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router 200 transmits the reception notification after the corresponding signal receiver receives the wake-up signal and the reception processor of the signal processor and the corresponding signal processor are activated. The signal transmitter corresponding to each of the receivers 207-1, 207-2,..., and 207-N stops the transmission of the wake-up signal after the receiver receives the reception notification, and starts the transmission of the path information.

[0186] Further, after the signal transmitter 101 stops the transmission of the path information, the receiver 104 receives a reception notification transmitted from the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router 200. In this case, the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router 200 transmits the reception notification after the corresponding signal receiver receives the wake-up signal and the reception processor of the signal processor and the corresponding signal processor are activated. The signal transmitter corresponding to each of the receivers 207-1, 207-2,..., and 207-N stops the transmission of the wake-up signal after the receiver receives the reception notification, and starts the transmission of the path information. Figure 14 In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 2, the switch / router 200 is a switch / router that constitutes a medium-scale network. The switch / router 200 includes a controller 201, N signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N, N signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N, a path change unit 204, N signal transmitters 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N, N transmitters 206-1, 206-2,..., and 206-N corresponding to the signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N, respectively, and N receivers 207-1, 207-2,..., and 207-N corresponding to the signal receivers 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N, respectively.

[0187] The transmitters 206-1, 206-2,..., and 206-N respectively transmit a reception notification to the corresponding transmitting-side device after the corresponding signal receiver receives the wake-up signal and the circuit of the path change unit and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path selected by the corresponding signal processor based on the path information are activated. Further, the transmitters 206-1, 206-2,..., and 206-N respectively transmit a reception notification to the corresponding transmitting-side device after the corresponding signal processor selects a path based on the path information and the circuit of the path change unit and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path are activated.

[0188] The receivers 207-1, 207-2,..., and 207-N respectively receive a reception notification transmitted from the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router after the corresponding signal transmitter starts the transmission of the wake-up signal. In this case, the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router transmits the reception notification after the corresponding signal receiver receives the wake-up signal and the reception processor of the signal processor and the corresponding signal processor are activated. The signal transmitter corresponding to each of the receivers 207-1, 207-2,..., and 207-N stops the transmission of the wake-up signal after the receiver receives the reception notification, and starts the transmission of the path information.

[0189] Further, after the corresponding one of the signal transmitters 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N stops transmission of the path information, the receivers 207-1, 207-2,..., and 207-N receive a ready notification transmitted from the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router, respectively. In this case, the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router transmits the ready notification after the corresponding signal processor selects a path based on the path information, and the circuit of the path change unit 304 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path are activated. The signal transmitter corresponding to each of the receivers 207-1, 207-2,..., and 207-N starts transmission of the main data signal after the receiver receives the reception notification.

[0190] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the remaining part of the switch / router 200 is similar in constitution to the switch / router 200 illustrated in Figure 8

[0191] Further, in the constitutional example illustrated in Figure 14 the switch / router 300 is a switch / router that constitutes a large-scale network. The switch / router 300 includes a controller 301, N number of signal receivers 302-1, 302-2,..., and 302-N, N number of signal processors 303-1, 303-2,..., and 303-N, a path change unit 304, N number of signal transmitters 305-1, 305-2,..., and 305-N, N number of transmitters 306-1, 306-2,..., and 306-N corresponding to the signal receivers 302-1, 302-2,..., and 302-N, respectively, and N number of receivers 307-1, 307-2,..., and 307-N corresponding to the signal receivers 305-1, 305-2,..., and 305-N, respectively. The switch / router 300 is similar in constitution to the above-described switch / router 200, and thus detailed explanation of the switch / router 300 will be omitted.

[0192] Figure 15 The more specific constitutional example of the device 100-1 and the switch / router 200 illustrated in Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 9 Figure 14 Components corresponding to the components illustrated in

[0193] ​​​​In addition to the above-described signal transmitter 101 and receiver 104, the device 100-1 includes a controller 102 and a signal output unit 103. The controller 102 controls how each component of the device 101-1 operates. The signal output unit 103 outputs a signal to be transmitted to the switch / router 200. The signal includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal.

[0194] The signal transmitter 101 transmits an optical signal as described above. The signal transmitter 101 includes a LINK unit 101a, a PHY unit 101b, and a light emitting element 101c. The LINK unit 101a and the PHY unit 101b perform transmission processing on the signal output from the signal output unit 103. The LINK unit 101a and the PHY unit 101b constitute a transmission processor.

[0195] The light emitting element 101c converts the signal output from the PHY unit 101b from an electrical signal to an optical signal, and transmits the optical signal to the switch / router 200. The light emitting element 101c functions as a transmitter.

[0196] After the signal transmitter 101 starts transmitting the wake-up signal to the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200, the receiver 104 receives a reception notification transmitted from the transmitter 206-1 corresponding to the signal receiver 202-1. In this case, the transmitter 206-1 transmits the reception notification after the signal receiver 202-1 receives the wake-up signal, the reception processor (PHY unit, LINK unit) of the signal receiver 202-1, and the signal processor 203-1 are activated, and the circuit is started.

[0197] The receiver 104 notifies the controller 102 that the reception notification has been received. The controller 102 controls the signal output unit 103 to stop the output of the wake-up signal and start the output of the path information based on the notification. This causes the signal transmitter 101 to stop the transmission of the wake-up signal and start the transmission of the path information.

[0198] Further, after the signal transmitter 101 stops transmitting the path information to the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200, the receiver 104 receives a readiness notification transmitted from the transmitter 206-1 corresponding to the signal receiver 202-1. In this case, the transmitter 206-1 transmits the readiness notification after the signal processor 203-1 selects a path based on the path information, and the circuit of the path change unit 204 corresponding to the path and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) are activated.

[0199] The receiver 104 notifies the controller 102 that the readiness notification has been received. The controller 102 controls the signal output unit 103 to start the output of the main data signal based on the notification. This causes the signal transmitter 101 to start the transmission of the main data signal.

[0200] The signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200 receives the optical signal transmitted from the device 100-1 as described above. The signal receiver 202-1 includes a light-receiving element 202-1a, a PHY unit 202-1b, a LINK unit 202-1c, and a signal reception determination unit 202-1d. The light-receiving element 202-1a receives the optical signal transmitted from the device 100-1 and converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The light-receiving element 202-1a functions as a receiver.

[0201] The PHY unit 202-1b and the LINK unit 202-1c perform reception processing on the signal output from the light-receiving element 202-1a and transmit the signal to the signal processor 203-1. The PHY unit 202-1b and the LINK unit 202-1c constitute a reception processor. The signal reception determination unit 202-1d determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received on the basis of the signal output from the light-receiving element 202-1a and transmits the determination result to the controller 201.

[0202] The controller 201 activates the reception processor (PHY unit, LINK unit) of the signal receiver 202-1 and the signal processor 203-1 in the standby state on the basis of the determination result that the wake-up signal has been received, so as to bring the reception processor and the signal processor 203-1 into an active state. Further, after the reception processor (PHY unit, LINK unit) and the signal processor 203-1 are activated and the circuit is started, the controller 201 controls the transmitter 206-1 corresponding to the signal receiver 202-1 to transmit a reception notification to the receiver 104 of the device 100-1.

[0203] Further, the signal processor 203-1 thus activated selects a path on the basis of the path information immediately after the wake-up signal in the signal output from the signal receiver 202-1 and transmits the selection result to the controller 201. The controller 201 activates the circuit of the path change unit 204 in the standby state and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path on the basis of the path selected by the signal processor 203-1, so as to bring the circuit and the signal transmitter into an active state.

[0204] Thus, the main data signal immediately after the path information in the signal output from the signal receiver 202-1 is transmitted to the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path and transmitted as an optical signal from the target signal transmitter to the subsequent device. Note that, in this case, the signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter to the subsequent device contains the wake-up signal and the path information in this order before the main data signal, so as to activate the necessary circuit of the subsequent device.

[0205] Further, after the circuit of the path change unit 204 corresponding to the path and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) are activated to start the circuit, the controller 201 controls the transmitter 206-1 corresponding to the signal receiver 202-1 to transmit the ready notification to the receiver 104 of the device 100-1.

[0206] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the signal receivers 202-2 to 202-N of the switch / router 200 are similar in configuration to the signal receiver 202-1, and the transmitters 206-2 to 206-N are similar in configuration to the transmitter 206-1.

[0207] Further, the signal transmitter 205-1 of the switch / router 200 includes a LINK unit 205-1a, a PHY unit 205-1b, and a light emitting element 205-1c. The LINK unit 205-1a and the PHY unit 205-1b perform transmission processing on the transmission signal. The LINK unit 205-1a and the PHY unit 205-1b constitute a transmission processor.

[0208] The light emitting element 205-1c converts the transmission signal output from the PHY unit 205-1b from an electric signal to an optical signal, and transmits the optical signal to a subsequent device. The light emitting element 205-1c functions as a transmitter. Here, the transmission signal includes a main data signal transmitted via the path change unit 204, and includes a wake-up signal and path information in order before the main data signal in order to activate necessary circuits of the subsequent device.

[0209] After the signal transmitter 205-1 starts transmission of the wake-up signal, the receiver 207-1 receives a reception notification transmitted from the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router. In this case, the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router transmits the reception notification after the corresponding signal receiver receives the wake-up signal, and the reception processor of the signal receiver and the corresponding signal processor are activated.

[0210] The receiver 207-1 notifies the controller 201 that the reception notification has been received. The controller 201 controls the signal transmitter 205-1 to stop transmission of the wake-up signal and to start transmission of the path information based on the notification.

[0211] Further, after the signal transmitter 205-1 stops transmission of the path information, the receiver 207-1 receives a ready notification transmitted from the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router. In this case, the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router transmits the ready notification after the signal processor selects a path based on the path information, and the circuit of the path change unit corresponding to the path and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) are activated.

[0212] The receiver 207-1 notifies the controller 201 that the ready notification has been received. The controller 201 controls the signal transmitter 205-1 to start transmitting the main data signal based on the notification.

[0213] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the signal transmitters 205-2 to 205-N of the switch / router 200 are similar in configuration to the signal transmitter 205-1, and the receivers 207-2 to 207-N are similar in configuration to the receiver 207-1.

[0214] Figure 16 is a timing chart for explaining how the device 100-1 and the switch / router (here, Figure 15 is a timing chart for explaining how the device 100-1 and the switch / router (here,

[0215] Figure 16 (a) illustrates a transmission signal transmitted from the device 100-1 to the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200. The transmission signal includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal.

[0216] Figure 16 (b) illustrates how the signal reception determination unit 202-1d of the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200 that receives the transmission signal from the device 100-1 operates. Here, the signal reception determination unit 202-1d operates in an intermittent manner so as to reduce power consumption.

[0217] Figure 16 (d) illustrates how the reception processor (the PHY unit 202-1b, the LINK unit 202-1c) of the signal receiver 202-1 and the signal processor 203-1 operate. The reception processor (the PHY unit 202-1b, the LINK unit 202-1c) and the signal processor 203-1 are activated at a timing tl at which the signal reception determination unit 202-1d detects reception of the wake-up signal under the control of the controller 201.

[0218] Figure 16 (e) illustrates how the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the signal transmitter (the target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path selected by the signal processor 203-1 based on the path information operate. The circuit of the path change unit 204 and the target signal transmitter are activated at a timing t2 at which the signal processor 203-1 selects the path under the control of the controller 201.

[0219] Figure 16(c) Illustration of how the transmitter 206-1 corresponding to the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200 is notified. After the timing tl at which the reception processor (PHY unit 202-1b, LINK unit 202-1c) and the circuit of the signal processor 203-1 are activated upon detection of the reception of the wake-up signal by the signal reception determination unit 202-1d is activated (i.e., after the passage of the circuit activation period T4 from the timing tl), the transmitter 206-1 transmits a reception notification to the receiver 104 of the device 100-1.

[0220] As described above, the transmission of the reception notification to the receiver 104 of the device 100-1 causes the receiver 104 to notify the controller 102 that the reception notification has been received. The controller 102 controls the signal output unit 103 to stop the output of the wake-up signal and to start the output of the path information based on this notification. This causes the signal transmitter 101 to stop the transmission of the wake-up signal and to start the transmission of the path information.

[0221] Further, after the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the circuit of the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path selected based on the path information are activated at the timing t2 are activated (i.e., after the passage of the circuit activation period T5 from the timing t2), the transmitter 206-1 transmits a readiness notification to the receiver 104 of the device 100-1.

[0222] As described above, the transmission of the readiness notification to the receiver 104 of the device 100-1 causes the receiver 104 to notify the controller 102 that the readiness notification has been received. The controller 102 controls the signal output unit 103 to start the output of the main data signal based on this notification. This causes the signal transmitter 101 to start the transmission of the main data signal.

[0223] Note that the above-mentioned period T5 can include a period in which all necessary circuits on the path up to the receiving-side device are activated and activated. In this case, the switch / router 200 transmits the wake-up signal and the path information to the subsequent switch / router, this transmission to the subsequent switch / router is performed sequentially, the necessary circuits on the path are activated sequentially, and the readiness notification is received as feedback from the last switch / router, so that the transmitting-side device 100-1 detects that all the circuits on the path have been activated and can transmit the main data signal.

[0224] Further, although Figure 16The illustration explains how the transmitting-side device and the switch / router operate, but this is equally applicable to a certain switch / router and a subsequent switch / router connected to the certain switch / router. Thus, for example, the relationship between the wake-up signal, the path information, and the main data signal transmitted from each of the signal transmitters 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N of the switch / router 200 to the corresponding subsequent switch / router is also similar to the relationship between the wake-up signal, the path information, and the main data signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 101 of the transmitting-side device (see Figure 16 (a).

[0225] "Configuration Example of Receiving-Side Device and Switches / Routers Connected to Receiving-Side Device"

[0226] Figure 17 The illustration explains a configuration example of a receiving-side device (receiving device) and switches / routers as relay devices connected to the receiving-side device in the case where the new network system according to the third embodiment is applied. The configuration example corresponds to the configuration of the switches / routers constituting a large-scale network, the switches / routers constituting a medium-scale network, and the receiving-side device, which are enclosed by the dashed line frame Q in the network system illustrated in Figure 5 Figure 17 Figure 11 Components corresponding to the components illustrated in

[0227] In the configuration example illustrated in Figure 17 In the configuration example illustrated in

[0228] The switch / router 400 is similar in configuration to the above-described switch / router 200 illustrated in Figure 14 Thus, a detailed explanation of the switch / router 400 will be omitted. Note that the signal receivers 402-1, 402-2,..., and 402-N respectively receive optical signals transmitted from other switches / routers constituting a medium-scale network or a large-scale network. ​​

[0229] Further, in the configuration example illustrated in Figure 17 The switch / router 500 is a switch / router that constitutes a medium-scale network. The switch / router 500 includes a controller 501, N signal receivers 502-1, 502-2,..., and 502-N, N signal processors 503-1, 503-2,..., and 503-N, a path change unit 504, N signal transmitters 505-1, 505-2,..., and 505-N, N transmitters 506-1, 506-2,..., and 506-N corresponding to the signal receivers 502-1, 502-2,..., and 502-N, respectively, and N receivers 507-1, 507-2,..., and 507-N corresponding to the signal receivers 505-1, 505-2,..., and 505-N, respectively.

[0230] The switch / router 500 is similar in configuration to the above-described switch / router 200 illustrated in Figure 14 from the signal transmitters 505-1, 505-2,..., and 505-N, and thus the detailed description of the switch / router 500 will be omitted. Note that the signal receivers 502-1, 502-2,..., and 502-N receive optical signals transmitted from other switch / routers that constitute a medium-scale network or a large-scale network, respectively.

[0231] The optical signals transmitted from each of the signal output units 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N of the above-described switch / router 200 illustrated in Figure 14 include a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal in that order, but the subsequent devices of each of the signal transmitters 505-1, 505-2,..., and 505-N are receiving-side devices, and thus the optical signals include a wake-up signal and a main data signal in that order, but do not include path information.

[0232] Further, in the configuration example illustrated in Figure 17 The N devices 600-1, 600-2,..., and 600-N are receiving-side devices belonging to different users. Each device includes a signal receiver 601 that receives an optical signal and a transmitter 604 that transmits a notification to the corresponding receiver of the switch / router 500.

[0233] Each device receives the optical signal transmitted from the corresponding signal transmitter of the switch / router 500, and performs reception processing on the main data signal contained in the thus-received signal, for example, recording processing or display processing in the case where the main data signal is video data. After the signal receiver 601 receives the wake-up signal, and the reception processor included in the signal receiver 601 and the signal processor that performs reception processing on the received main data signal are activated to activate the circuit, the transmitter 604 transmits a ready notification to the corresponding receiver of the switch / router 500.

[0234] Figure 18 A more specific example of the configuration of the switch / router 500 and the device 600-N is illustrated. Note that the devices 600-1 to 600-(N-1) are not shown, but are similar in configuration to the device 600-N. In the Figure 18 corresponding to the components illustrated in Figure 12 and Figure 17 components corresponding to the components illustrated in the above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of these components will be appropriately omitted.

[0235] In addition to the above-described signal receiver 601 and transmitter 604, the device 600-N includes a controller 602 and a signal processor 603. The controller 602 controls how each component of the device 600-N operates. The signal receiver 601 receives the optical signal as described above. The signal processor 603 performs reception processing on the main data signal received as described above.

[0236] The light-receiving element 601a of the signal receiver 601 receives the optical signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 500-N of the switch / router 505. The optical signal includes, in order, the wake-up signal and the main data signal.

[0237] The signal reception determination unit 601d determines whether the wake-up signal has been received on the basis of the signal output from the light-receiving element 601a, and transmits the determination result to the controller 602. The controller 602 activates the reception processor (PHY unit 601b, LINK unit 601c) of the signal receiver 601 in the standby state and the signal processor 603 on the basis of the determination result that the wake-up signal has been received.

[0238] As described above, after the reception processor (PHY unit 601b, LINK unit 601c) of the signal receiver 601 and the signal processor 603 are activated to activate the circuit on the basis of the reception of the wake-up signal, the transmitter 604 transmits a ready notification to the receiver 507-N of the switch / router 500 under the control of the controller 602.

[0239] The receiver 507-N of the switch / router 500 notifies the controller 501 that the ready notification has been received. The controller 501 controls the signal transmitter 505-N to stop transmission of the wake-up signal based on the notification, and starts transmission of the main data signal.

[0240] As described above, at the start of transmission of the main data signal from the signal transmitter 505-N to the signal receiver 601 of the device 600-N, the reception processor (PHY unit 601b, LINK unit 601c) and the signal processor 603 of the signal receiver 601 are activated, and the circuits are operating. This enables the device 600-N to properly receive and process the main data signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 505-N.

[0241] <4. Fourth Embodiment>

[0242] In the first to third embodiments described above, based on the path information output from the transmitting-side device after the wake-up signal, only one path, for example, the shortest path, connecting the transmitting-side device and the receiving-side device is made active. However, it is conceivable that depending on the capacity of the switch / router, different paths have better performance (communicable speed or latency). In this case, by making a plurality of paths active for comparison at the time of establishing the connection between the transmitting-side device and the receiving-side device (path building phase), the best path can be determined.

[0243] "Configuration Example of Transmitting-Side Device and Switch / Router Connected to Transmitting-Side Device"

[0244] Figure 19 A configuration example of the transmitting-side device (transmitting device) in the case where the new network system according to the fourth embodiment is applied, and the switch / router as a relay device connected to the transmitting-side device will be illustrated. The configuration example corresponds to the transmitting-side device, the switch / router constituting a medium-scale network, and the switch / router constituting a large-scale network surrounded by the dotted line frame P in the network system illustrated in Figure 5 Figure 19 Figure 8 Components corresponding to the components illustrated in

[0245] In Figure 19 ​​In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 6, the N devices 100-1, 100-2,..., and 100-N are transmission-side devices belonging to different users. Each device includes a signal transmitter 101 that transmits an optical signal and a receiver 104. Here, the optical signal output from the signal transmitter 101 includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal. The path information includes information about a receiving-side device, rather than information about a path connecting a transmission-side device and a receiving-side device as in the first to third embodiments.

[0246] After the wake-up signal and the path information are transmitted, the receiver 104 receives a ready notification from the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router 200. After the switch / router 200 receives a return signal transmitted from the receiving-side device through a path that becomes active based on the path information, the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router 200 transmits a ready notification to the receiver 104. Thus, in the data transmission phase, the signal transmitter 101 starts transmitting the main data signal after the receiver 104 receives the ready notification.

[0247] Further, in Figure 19 In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 6, the switch / router 200 is a switch / router that constitutes a medium-scale network. The switch / router 200 includes a controller 201, N signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N, N signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N, a path change unit 204, N signal transmitters 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N, N transmitters 206-1, 206-2,..., and 206-N corresponding to the signal receivers 202-1, 202-2,..., and 202-N, respectively, and N receivers 207-1, 207-2,..., and 207-N corresponding to the signal receivers 205-1, 205-2,..., and 205-N, respectively.

[0248] After the corresponding signal receiver receives the wake-up signal, the reception processor of the corresponding signal receiver and the signal processor are activated to activate the circuit, the corresponding signal receiver receives the path information (information about a receiving-side device), a plurality of paths are selected based on the path information, and the circuit of the path change unit corresponding to the selected path and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) are activated to activate the circuit, when the receiver corresponding to the activated target signal transmitter receives a return signal from the receiving-side device, the transmitters 206-1, 206-2,..., and 206-N transmit a ready notification to the corresponding transmission-side device, respectively.

[0249] Here, the signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N select the paths based on the information about the receiving-side device included in the path information, for example, by the following first method or second method, respectively.

[0250] "First Method"

[0251] The signal processor determines a plurality of paths up to the receiving-side device using the information about the receiving-side device included in the path information. Then, the signal processor selects a plurality of paths from among the shorter paths among the plurality of paths.

[0252] "Second Method"

[0253] The signal processor determines a plurality of paths up to the receiving-side device using the information about the receiving-side device included in the path information. Then, the signal processor selects a plurality of paths from among the plurality of paths by using the communicable speed and / or the latency of the subsequent switch / router as the determination information.

[0254] In this case, the communicable speed or the latency can be selectively used as the determination information in a manner depending on what kind of application the main data signal transmitted from the transmitting-side device to the receiving-side device is related to. For example, in the case where the main data signal is related to a moving image reproduction application, the communicable speed is important, and thus the communicable speed is used as the determination information. Further, for example, in the case where the main data signal is related to a game application, the latency is important, and thus the latency is used as the determination information.

[0255] For example, in the case where the communicable speed is used as the determination information, the signal processor selects all the paths in which the communicable speed of the subsequent switch / router is higher than or equal to a threshold value, a plurality of paths having a higher communicable speed, or a plurality of paths having a lower communicable speed selected from the paths having a communicable speed higher than or equal to a threshold value in order to avoid excessive performance. Further, for example, in the case where the latency is used as the determination information, the signal processor selects all the paths in which the subsequent switch / router has a latency less than or equal to a threshold value, or a plurality of paths having a lower latency.

[0256] Further, for example, in the case where both the communicable speed and the latency are used as the determination information, the signal processor selects all or some of the paths in which the subsequent switch / router has a communicable speed higher than or equal to a certain threshold value and a latency less than or equal to a threshold value.

[0257] Under the control of the controller 201, the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to each of the plurality of paths selected by the signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N are activated to start the circuit, thereby changing from the standby state to the active state. Then, the target signal transmitter that has entered the active state transmits the wake-up signal and the path information to the subsequent switch / router.

[0258] In this case, the target signal transmitter adds information about its own switch / router and information about the communicable speed and the latency of its own switch / router to the path information to be transmitted. Here, in the case where the path is selected by the first method as described above, the path information to be transmitted corresponds to information about the path from the transmitting-side device to the receiving-side device. Further, in the case where the path is selected by the second method as described above, the path information to be transmitted includes information from the transmitting-side device to the receiving-side device.

[0259] The receivers 207-1, 207-2,..., and 207-N respectively receive the return signal from the receiving-side device that is appropriately transmitted from the corresponding transmitter of the subsequent switch / router after the corresponding signal transmitter stops the transmission of the path information.

[0260] The controller 201 causes the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) that have entered the active state from the standby state as described above, corresponding to the path selected by each of the signal processors 203-1, 203-2,..., and 203-N, to remain in the active state, the circuit portion corresponding to the path identified as in use, and causes the circuit portion corresponding to the path identified as not in use to return from the active state to the standby state.

[0261] The controller 201 identifies whether the path is in use or not in use as follows in the mode in which the return signal is transmitted from the receiving-side device on the plurality of active paths.

[0262] "Identification in the case of the first mode"

[0263] In the first mode, the return signal is transmitted from the receiving-side device through the path selected from the plurality of active paths. In this case, the controller 201 identifies the path through which the return signal is transmitted from the receiving device as in use, and identifies the path through which the return signal is not transmitted from the receiving device for a certain period of time as not in use.

[0264] "Identification in the case of the second mode"

[0265] In the second mode, the receiving device sends a return signal containing information indicating that it is in use via a path selected from multiple active paths, and sends a return signal containing information indicating that it is not in use via an unselected path. In this case, the controller 201 identifies the path through which it sends the return signal containing information indicating that it is in use as the path through which it sends the return signal containing information indicating that it is not in use as the path through which it sends the return signal containing information indicating that it is not in use.

[0266] "Identification in the Third Mode Case"

[0267] In the third mode, the receiving device sends a return signal containing information about the path in use through multiple active paths. In this case, the controller 201 identifies the path through which the return signal is sent from the receiving device and corresponds to the path indicated by the information about the path in use contained in the return signal as being in use, and identifies the path through which the return signal is sent from the receiving device and does not correspond to the path indicated by the information about the path in use contained in the return signal as being unused.

[0268] Although detailed descriptions will be omitted, the remainder of the switch / router 200 is structurally similar to... Figure 8 The switch / router 200 is shown in the diagram.

[0269] In addition, Figure 19 In the example shown in the diagram, switches / routers 300-1 and 300-2 constitute a large-scale network. Switches / routers 300-1 and 300-2 respectively include a controller 301, signal receivers 302-1, ..., 302-M, ..., signal processors 303-1, ..., 303-M, ..., path changing unit 304, signal transmitters 305-1, ..., 305-M, ..., transmitters 306-1, ..., 306-M, ... corresponding to signal receivers 302-1, ..., 302-M, ..., and receivers 307-1, ..., 307-M, ... corresponding to signal receivers 305-1, ..., 305-M, ..., respectively.

[0270] Switches / routers 300-1 and 300-2 are similar in configuration to the aforementioned switch / router 200.

[0271] The signal processors 303-1,..., 303-M,..., respectively select a path based on the path information received after the wake-up signal by the corresponding signal receiver 302-1,..., 302-M,.... Here, in the case where the information about the path up to the receiving-side device is included as the path information, one path is selected based on the path information. On the other hand, in the case where the information about the receiving-side device is included as the path information, a plurality of paths are selected based on the first method or the second method described above. Note that, in the case where the path up to the receiving-side device is only one, only this one path is selected.

[0272] The controller 301 causes the circuit of the path change unit 204 corresponding to the path selected by the signal processors 303-1,..., 303-M,..., and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) to enter the active state from the standby state based on the path. Then, the target signal transmitter in the active state transmits the wake-up signal and the path information to the subsequent switch / router.

[0273] The path information to be transmitted corresponds to the information about the receiving-side device in the case where one path is selected based on the information about the path up to the receiving-side device, and the path is selected by the first method described above based on the information about the receiving-side device, and corresponds to the information about the receiving-side device in the case where the path is selected by the second method described above based on the information about the receiving-side device.

[0274] In this case, the target signal transmitter adds the information about its own switch / router and the information about the communicable speed and the latency of its own switch / router to the path information to be transmitted. Note that, in this case, the target signal transmitter adds the information about the transmitting-side device and the other switches / routers already included in the path information received by the signal receivers 302-1,..., 302-M,..., and the information about the communicable speed and the latency of each switch / router as they are.

[0275] The receivers 307-1,..., 307-M,..., respectively receive the return signal of the receiving-side device appropriately transmitted from the corresponding transmitter of the subsequent switch / router after the transmission of the path information by the corresponding signal transmitter 305-1,..., 305-M,....

[0276] The controller 301 causes the circuit of the path change unit and the circuit portion of the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path selected for each of the signal processors 303-1,..., 303-M,... to remain in the active state from the standby state into the active state of the path change unit 204 as described above, the circuit portion corresponding to the path identified as in use, and causes the circuit portion corresponding to the path identified as not in use to return from the active state to the standby state.

[0277] When the circuit of the path change unit and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path selected for the corresponding signal processor are activated to start the circuit, and then the receiver corresponding to the activated target signal transmitter receives a return signal from the receiving-side device, the transmitters 306-1,..., 306-M,... transmit a ready notification to the preceding switch / router, respectively.

[0278] Figure 20 Fig. 2 illustrates Figure 19 A more specific example of the configuration of the device 100-1 and the switch / router 200 is illustrated. Note that the devices 100-2 to 100-N are not illustrated, but are similar in configuration to the device 100-1. In Figure 20 In Figure 9 and Figure 19 Components corresponding to the components illustrated in Fig. 2 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of these components will be appropriately omitted.

[0279] In addition to the signal transmitter 101 and the receiver 104 described above, the device 100-1 includes a controller 102 and a signal output unit 103. The controller 102 controls how each component of the device 101-1 operates. The signal output unit 103 outputs a signal to be transmitted to the switch / router 200. The signal includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal.

[0280] The signal transmitter 101 transmits an optical signal as described above. The signal transmitter 101 includes a LINK unit 101a, a PHY unit 101b, and a light emitting element 101c. The LINK unit 101a and the PHY unit 101b perform transmission processing on the signal output from the signal output unit 103. The LINK unit 101a and the PHY unit 101b constitute a transmission processor.

[0281] The light emitting element 101c converts the signal output from the PHY unit 101b from an electrical signal to an optical signal, and transmits the optical signal to the switch / router 200. The light emitting element 101c functions as a transmitter.

[0282] After the signal transmitter 101 starts transmitting the wake-up signal and the path information to the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200, the receiver 104 receives the ready notification transmitted from the transmitter 206-1 corresponding to the signal receiver 202-1. In this case, when the circuit of the path change unit 204 corresponding to the path selected by the signal processor 203-1 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) are activated to start the circuit, and then the receiver corresponding to the activated target signal transmitter receives the return signal from the receiving-side device, the transmitter 206-1 transmits the ready notification under the control of the controller 201.

[0283] The receiver 104 notifies the controller 102 that the ready notification has been received. The controller 102 controls the signal output unit 103 to start outputting the main data signal based on the notification. This causes the signal transmitter 101 to start transmitting the main data signal.

[0284] The signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200 receives the optical signal transmitted from the device 100-1 as described above. The signal receiver 202-1 includes a light-receiving element 202-1a, a PHY unit 202-1b, a LINK unit 202-1c, and a signal reception determination unit 202-1d. The light-receiving element 202-1a receives the optical signal transmitted from the device 100-1 and converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The light-receiving element 202-1a functions as a receiver.

[0285] The PHY unit 202-1b and the LINK unit 202-1c perform reception processing on the signal output from the light-receiving element 202-1a and transmit the signal to the signal processor 203-1. The PHY unit 202-1b and the LINK unit 202-1c constitute a reception processor. The signal reception determination unit 202-1d determines whether the wake-up signal has been received based on the signal output from the light-receiving element 202-1a and transmits the determination result to the controller 201.

[0286] The controller 201 activates the reception processor (PHY unit, LINK unit) of the signal receiver 202-1 and the signal processor 203-1 based on the determination result that the wake-up signal has been received, to cause the reception processor and the signal processor 203-1 to enter the active state from the standby state.

[0287] In addition, the signal processor 203-1 activated in this way selects a plurality of paths based on the path information immediately after the wake-up signal in the signal output from the signal receiver 202-1 and transmits the selection result to the controller 201. The controller 201 activates the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to each path based on the path selected by the signal processor 203-1, to cause the circuit and the signal transmitter to enter the active state from the standby state.

[0288] Further, when the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to each of the paths selected by the signal processor 203-1 are brought into an active state, and then the receiver corresponding to the target signal transmitter receives a return signal from the receiving-side device from the subsequent switch / router, the controller 201 controls the transmitter 206-1 corresponding to the signal receiver 202-1 to transmit a ready notification to the receiver 104 of the device 100-1.

[0289] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the signal receivers 202-2 to 202-N of the switch / router 200 are similar in configuration to the signal receiver 202-1, and the transmitters 206-2 to 206-N are similar in configuration to the transmitter 206-1.

[0290] Further, the signal transmitter 205-1 of the switch / router 200 includes a LINK unit 205-1a, a PHY unit 205-1b, and a light emitting element 205-1c. The LINK unit 205-1a and the PHY unit 205-1b perform transmission processing on a transmission signal. The LINK unit 205-1a and the PHY unit 205-1b constitute a transmission processor.

[0291] The light emitting element 205-1c converts a transmission signal output from the PHY unit 205-1b from an electric signal to an optical signal, and transmits the optical signal to a subsequent device. The light emitting element 205-1c functions as a transmitter. Here, in the path construction phase, the transmission signal contains a wake-up signal and path information in order, and in the subsequent data transmission phase, contains a main data signal.

[0292] In the path construction phase, the receiver 207-1 appropriately receives a return signal from the receiving-side device transmitted from the corresponding transmitter of the switch / router after the signal transmitter 205-1 transmits a wake-up signal and path information. The receiver 207-1 notifies the controller 201 that the return signal has been received. The controller 201 controls the corresponding transmitter to transmit a ready notification to the corresponding device based on the notification.

[0293] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the signal transmitters 205-2 to 205-N of the switch / router 200 are similar in configuration to the signal transmitter 205-1, and the receivers 207-2 to 207-N are similar in configuration to the receiver 207-1.

[0294] Note that, in the path construction phase, the signal processor 203-1 of the switch / router 200 Figure 19 and Figure 20In this case, the thick arrows indicate examples of signal flow in the path construction phase. In this case, the signals directed toward the receiving-side device are the wake-up signal and the path information, and the signal directed toward the transmitting-side device is the return signal from the receiving-side device.

[0295] For example, in Figure 19 In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 10, the wake-up signal and the path information transmitted from the device 100-1 are received by the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200, and the wake-up signal and the path information output from each of the signal transmitters 205-1, 205-2 of the switch / router 200 are transmitted to the corresponding signal receivers 302-1, 302-2 of the signal receivers 302-1, 302-2 of the switch / router 300-1, 300-2.

[0296] Then, the wake-up signal and the path information output from the signal transmitter 305-1 of the switch / router 300-1 are transmitted to the subsequent device. In addition, the wake-up signal and the path information output from each of the signal transmitters 305-1, 305-M of the switch / router 300-2 are transmitted to the subsequent device.

[0297] In addition, the return signal from the receiving-side device is transmitted to the transmitting-side device 100-1 in the direction opposite to the above-described transmission path.

[0298] Figure 21 is a timing chart for explaining how the transmitting-side device and the switch / router (here, Figure 20 In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 10, the wake-up signal and the path information transmitted from the device 100-1 are received by the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200, and the wake-up signal and the path information output from each of the signal transmitters 205-1, 205-2 of the switch / router 200 are transmitted to the corresponding signal receivers 302-1, 302-2 of the signal receivers 302-1, 302-2 of the switch / router 300-1, 300-2.

[0299] Figure 21 (a) illustrates a transmission signal transmitted from the device 100-1 to the signal processor 202-1 of the switch / router 200. The transmission signal includes, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal.

[0300] Figure 21 (b) illustrates how the signal reception determination unit 202-1d operates in the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200 that receives the transmission signal from the device 100-1. Here, the signal reception determination unit 202-1d operates in an intermittent manner in order to reduce power consumption.

[0301] Figure 21(c) Illustration of how the reception processor (PHY unit 202-1b, LINK unit 202-1c) and the signal processor 203-1 of the signal receiver 202-1 operate. The reception processor (PHY unit 202-1b, LINK unit 202-1c) and the signal processor 203-1 are activated at a timing tl at which the signal reception determination unit 202-1d detects reception of the wake-up signal under the control of the controller 201.

[0302] Figure 21 (e) Illustration of how the circuit of the path change unit 204 and the signal transmitter (target signal transmitter) corresponding to the path selected by the signal processor 203-1 based on the path information operate. The circuit of the path change unit 204 and the target signal transmitter are activated at a timing t2 at which the signal processor 203-1 selects the path under the control of the controller 201.

[0303] Figure 21 (d) Illustration of how the transmitter 206-1 corresponding to the signal receiver 202-1 of the switch / router 200 performs the ready notification. The transmitter 206-1 transmits the ready notification to the receiver 104 of the device 100-1 under the control of the controller 201 at a timing t3 at which the receiver corresponding to the target signal transmitter receives a return signal from the receiving-side device transmitted from the subsequent switch / router after the target signal transmitter corresponding to the path selected by the signal processor 203-1 enters the active state. The device 100-1 starts transmitting the main data signal at this timing t3.

[0304] Further, although Figure 21 The illustration of how the transmitting-side device and the switch / router connected to the transmitting-side device operate is also applicable to a certain switch / router and a subsequent switch / router connected to the certain switch / router. Note that the main data signal is transmitted from the transmitting-side device to the receiving-side device only through the path that has been determined to be in use and remains in the active state.

[0305] "Configuration example of the receiving-side device and the switch / router connected to the receiving-side device"

[0306] Figure 22 The configuration example corresponds to the configuration of the switch / router that constitutes the large-scale network, the switch / router that constitutes the medium-scale network, and the receiving-side device surrounded by the dashed line frame Q in the network system illustrated in Figure 5 In Figure 22 corresponding to Figure 11Components corresponding to those illustrated in the middle drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of these components will be omitted as appropriate.

[0307] In Figure 22 The switching / routing devices 400-1, 400-2 are each a switching / routing device that constitutes a large-scale network in the configuration example illustrated in the middle drawing. The switching / routing devices 400-1, 400-2 each include a controller 401, signal receivers 402-1,..., 402-M,..., signal processors 403-1,..., 403-M,..., a path change unit 404, signal transmitters 405-1,..., 405-M,..., transmitters 406-1,..., 406-M,..., and receivers 407-1,..., 407-M,..., respectively corresponding to the signal receivers 402-1,..., 402-M,..., the signal transmitters 405-1,..., 405-M,..., and the signal receivers 405-1,..., 405-M,..., respectively.

[0308] Each of the switching / routing devices 400-1, 400-2 is similar in configuration to the switching / routing device 300-1, 300-2, etc., illustrated in the middle drawing, and thus detailed description of the switching / routing devices 400-1, 400-2 will be omitted. Note that the signal receivers 402-1,..., 402-M,..., respectively receive optical signals transmitted from other switching / routing devices that constitute a medium-scale network or a large-scale network. Figure 19 The switching / routing devices 300-1, 300-2, etc., illustrated in the middle drawing, and thus detailed description of the switching / routing devices 400-1, 400-2 will be omitted. Note that the signal receivers 402-1,..., 402-M,..., respectively receive optical signals transmitted from other switching / routing devices that constitute a medium-scale network or a large-scale network.

[0309] Further, in Figure 22 The switching / routing device 500 is a switching / routing device that constitutes a medium-scale network in the configuration example illustrated in the middle drawing. The switching / routing device 500 includes a controller 501, N signal receivers 502-1, 502-2,..., and 502-N, N signal processors 503-1, 503-2,..., and 503-N, a path change unit 504, N signal transmitters 505-1, 505-2,..., and 505-N, N transmitters 506-1, 506-2,..., and 506-N, respectively corresponding to the signal receivers 502-1, 502-2,..., and 502-N, and N receivers 507-1, 507-2,..., and 507-N, respectively corresponding to the signal receivers 505-1, 505-2,..., and 505-N.

[0310] The switching / routing device 500 is similar in configuration to the above-described switching / routing device 200 illustrated in the middle drawing, and thus detailed description of the switching / routing device 500 will be omitted. Note that the signal receivers 502-1, 502-2,..., and 502-N, respectively receive optical signals transmitted from other switching / routing devices that constitute a medium-scale network or a large-scale network. Figure 19 The switching / routing device 500 is similar in configuration to the above-described switching / routing device 200 illustrated in the middle drawing, and thus detailed description of the switching / routing device 500 will be omitted. Note that the signal receivers 502-1, 502-2,..., and 502-N, respectively receive optical signals transmitted from other switching / routing devices that constitute a medium-scale network or a large-scale network.

[0311] Further, inFigure 22 In the example shown in the diagram, the N devices 600-1, 600-2,..., and 600-N are receiving-side devices belonging to different users. Each device includes a signal receiver 601 that receives an optical signal and a transmitter 604 that transmits a return signal to the corresponding receiver of the switch / router 500.

[0312] The device 600-1 will be described below. In a case where the transmitting-side device outputs a wake-up signal and path information as described above to successively cause necessary circuit portions of a plurality of switches / routers to enter an active state from a standby state and to set a plurality of paths, the signal receiver 601 of the device 600-1 receives a wake-up signal and path information about the plurality of paths from the corresponding signal transmitter.

[0313] The device 600-1 activates a reception processor included in the signal processor 601, a signal processor that processes path information about the plurality of paths and a main data signal received by the signal receiver 601, and the like, based on the wake-up signal received by the signal receiver 601.

[0314] Further, the device 600-1 selects any one of the plurality of paths set as described above, for example, based on the path information about the plurality of paths. That is, the path information about the plurality of paths includes a communicable speed and a latency of a predetermined number of switches / routers that constitute each path, thereby allowing a path to be selected based on information about the communicable speed and / or the latency.

[0315] Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process of selecting a path from a plurality of paths. This example shows a case where three paths are set. A to J represent switches / routers. The first path extends from the transmitting-side device to the receiving-side device via A, B, H, and J in this order, the second path extends from the transmitting-side device to the receiving-side device via A, E, F, and J in this order, and the third path extends from the transmitting-side device to the receiving-side device via A, E, H, and J in this order.

[0316] Here, it is assumed that the communicable speeds of the switches / routers A, B, E, F, H, and J are represented by Sa, Sb, Se, Sf, Sh, and Sj, respectively. Further, the latencies of the switches / routers A, B, E, F, H, and J are represented by Ls, Lb, Le, Lf, Lh, and Lj, respectively.

[0317] In this case, for the first path, the communicable speed is represented by S1 (the lowest value among Sa, Sb, Sh, and Sj), and the latency is represented by L1 (= La+Lb+Lh+Lj). Further, for the second path, the communicable speed is represented by S2 (the lowest value among Sa, Se, Sf, and Sj), and the latency is represented by L2 (= La+Le+Lf+Lj). Further, for the third path, the communicable speed is represented by S3 (the lowest value among Sa, Se, Sh, and Sj), and the latency is represented by L3 (= La+Le+Lh+Lj).

[0318] For example, in a case where the main data signal relates to a moving image reproduction application, the communicable speed is important, so the device 600-1 compares S1, S2, S3 to select the path corresponding to the highest value. Further, for example, in a case where the main data signal relates to a game application, the latency is important, so the device 600-1 compares L1, L2, L3 to select the path corresponding to the smallest value. Note that it is also conceivable to select the path based on both the communicable speed and the latency, rather than based on either one of the communicable speed and the latency.

[0319] As described above, after selecting one path, the transmitter 604 of the device 600-1 transmits a return signal through some or all of the plurality of paths. The return signal is used to cause each circuit portion constituting the selected path to remain in the active state, and to cause each circuit portion constituting the unselected path to return from the active state to the standby state. Further, the return signal is also used to notify the transmitting-side device of the communication path readiness.

[0320] As described above, the return signal is transmitted, for example, in any of the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode. That is, in the first mode, the return signal is transmitted through the path selected from the plurality of active paths. In the second mode, the return signal containing information indicating the use is transmitted through the path selected from the plurality of active paths, and the return signal containing information indicating the non-use is transmitted through the unselected path. In the third mode, the return signal containing the information of the path in use is transmitted through the plurality of active paths.

[0321] After the return signal is transmitted by the transmitter 604 as described above, the device 600-1 performs a reception process on the main data signal received by the signal receiver 601, such as a recording process or a display process in a case where the main data signal is video data, or a game control process in a case where the main data signal is game control data.

[0322] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, each of the devices 600-2 to 600-N is similar in configuration to the device 600-1.

[0323] Figure 24A more specific example of the configuration of the switch / router 500 and the device 600-N will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Note that the devices 600-1 to 600-(N-1) are not shown, but are similar in configuration to the device 600-N. In Figure 24 In Figure 12 and Figure 22 Components corresponding to the components illustrated in FIG. 6 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of these components will be appropriately omitted.

[0324] In addition to the signal receiver 601 and the transmitter 604 described above, the device 600-N includes a controller 602 and a signal processor 603. The controller 602 controls how each component of the device 600-N operates. The signal receiver 601 receives an optical signal as described above. The signal processor 603 performs various processes, such as a process of acquiring path information about a plurality of paths received by the signal receiver 601 in a path construction phase, and a recording process and a reproduction process for a main data signal received by the signal receiver 601 in a subsequent data transmission phase.

[0325] The light-receiving element 601a of the signal receiver 601 receives an optical signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 500-N of the switch / router 505. In the path construction phase, this optical signal contains path information about each of a plurality of paths set in addition to a wake-up signal.

[0326] The signal reception determination unit 601d determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received on the basis of a signal output from the light-receiving element 601a, and transmits the determination result to the controller 602. The controller 602 activates the reception processor (PHY unit 601b, LINK unit 601c) of the signal receiver 601 in the standby state and the signal processor 603 on the basis of the determination result that the wake-up signal has been received.

[0327] In the path construction phase, the controller 602 selects one path on the basis of the path information about a plurality of paths acquired by the signal processor 603 from the signal processor 603, as described above. Then, after selecting one path, the controller 602 controls the transmitter 604 of the device 600-1 to generate a return signal that passes through some or all of the plurality of paths, and transmits the return signal to the receiver 507-N of the switch / router 500.

[0328] The return signal is used to keep each circuit section constituting the selected path in an active state, and to return each circuit section constituting a non-selected path from the active state to the standby state. In addition, the return signal is also used to notify the transmitting-side device that the communication path is ready.

[0329] In this case, the return signal through each path includes path information about the path, and also includes information based on the transmission mode (any one of the above-mentioned first mode, second mode, and third mode) of the return signal.

[0330] Note that, in Figure 22 and 24 , the thick arrows indicate examples of signal flow in the path construction phase. In this case, the signal directed to the receiving-side device is the wake-up signal and the path information, and the signal directed to the transmitting-side device is the return signal from the receiving-side device.

[0331] For example, in the example configuration illustrated in Figure 22 , the signal receiver 402-1 of the switch / router 400-1 receives the wake-up signal and the path information transmitted from the corresponding preceding device, and the signal receiver 502-1 of the switch / router 500 receives the wake-up signal and the path information output from the signal transmitter 405-1 of the switch / router 400-1.

[0332] Further, the signal receivers 402-1, 402-M of the switch / router 400-2 respectively receive the wake-up signal and the path information transmitted from the corresponding preceding device, and the signal receiver 502-2 of the switch / router 500 receives the wake-up signal and the path information output from the signal transmitter 405-1 of the switch / router 400-2.

[0333] Then, the signal receiver 601 of the receiving-side device 600-N receives the wake-up signal and the path information output from the signal transmitter 505-N of the switch / router 500.

[0334] Further, the return signal from the receiving-side device 600-N is transmitted to the transmitting-side device in the direction opposite to the above-mentioned transmission path.

[0335] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the wake-up signal and the path information are output from the transmitting-side device to set a plurality of active paths from the transmitting-side device to the receiving-side device, the receiving-side device selects one path from the plurality of active paths, then transmits the return signal to keep the selected one path in the active state and return the other paths from the active state to the standby state, and notifies the transmitting-side device of the ready notification, and the transmitting-side device transmits the main data signal to the receiving-side device through the selected one path based on the notification. Thus, the fourth embodiment allows the main data signal to be transmitted from the transmitting-side device to the receiving-side device with the best path.

[0336] <5. Modification>

[0337] Note that, in the above-described embodiments, the present technology is applied to an optical network system that transmits an optical signal, but the present technology can also be applied to a network system that transmits an electric signal.

[0338] Further, in the above-described embodiments, it is assumed that the devices are connected through a network on a one-to-one basis, but when the devices are connected to an upper layer network, it is also assumed that a plurality of pieces of data are bundled in a time division multiplex manner, and data can also be transmitted with a path change unit provided with a multiplexer for the bundled multiplexing.

[0339] Further, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail with reference to the drawings, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. Obviously, a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea recited in the claims, and it should be understood that such changes or modifications also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0340] Further, the effects recited in this text are merely illustrative or exemplary and should not be construed restrictively. That is, the technology according to the present disclosure can exhibit other effects apparent to those skilled in the art from the description given herein, in addition to or instead of the above effects.

[0341] Further, the present technology can also have the following configuration.

[0342] (1) A transmission device comprising:

[0343] a signal output unit that outputs a wake-up signal, path information, and main data signals in order; and

[0344] a signal transmitter that transmits the signals output from the signal output unit.

[0345] (2) In the transmission device according to the above (1), the signal output unit outputs the wake-up signal for a period longer than an inactive period of intermittent operation of reception determination made by a device that receives the signals transmitted from the signal transmitter, and starts outputting the path information after leaving a predetermined fixed period from the end of the output of the wake-up signal.

[0346] (3) In the transmission device according to the above (1), the signal output unit, after starting outputting the wake-up signal, stops outputting the wake-up signal based on a reception notification transmitted from a device that receives the signals transmitted from the signal transmitter, and then starts outputting the path information.

[0347] (4) In the transmission device according to any one of the above (1) to (3), the signal output unit starts outputting the main data signals after leaving a predetermined fixed period from the end of the output of the path information.

[0348] (5) In the transmission device according to any one of the above (1) to (3), the signal output unit starts outputting the main data signal based on a readiness notification transmitted from a device that receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter after the output of the path information ends.

[0349] (6) A transmission method, comprising:

[0350] sequentially outputting a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal; and

[0351] transmitting the wake-up signal, the path information, and the main data signal that have been output.

[0352] (7) A relay device, comprising:

[0353] a signal receiver including a receiver that sequentially receives a wake-up signal and path information, and a reception processor that processes a signal output from the receiver;

[0354] a plurality of signal transmitters;

[0355] a path change unit that selectively transmits a signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver to a target signal transmitter that is any one of the plurality of signal transmitters;

[0356] a signal reception determination unit that determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received based on a signal output from the receiver of the signal receiver;

[0357] a path selector that selects a path based on the path information included in a signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver; and

[0358] a controller that controls to activate the reception processor and the path selector of the signal receiver based on a determination result made by the signal reception determination unit that the wake-up signal has been received, causes a circuit of the path change unit corresponding to the path selected by the path selector and the target signal transmitter to enter an active state from a standby state based on the path, and causes the target signal transmitter that has entered the active state to sequentially transmit the wake-up signal and the path information.

[0359] (8) In the relay device according to the above (7), the path selector selects one path indicated by the path information.

[0360] (9) In the relay device according to the above (7), the path selector selects a shorter path among a plurality of paths up to the reception device, based on information about the reception device included in the path information.

[0361] (10) In the relay device according to the above (7), the path selector selects a path among a plurality of paths up to the reception device, based on information about the reception device included in the path information, using a communicable speed and / or a latency of a subsequent relay device as determination information.

[0362] (11) In the relay device according to the above (10), the path selector selectively uses the communicable speed or the latency as the determination information, in a manner depending on what kind of application the main data signal transmitted from the transmission device to the reception device is involved in.

[0363] (12) In the relay device according to any one of the above (7) to (11), when the wake-up signal and the path information are transmitted in sequence, the target signal transmitter that enters an active state based on the path selected by the path selector adds information about a relay device to which the target signal transmitter belongs, and information about a communicable speed and a latency of the relay device, to the path information.

[0364] (13) In the relay device according to any one of the above (7) to (12), the target signal transmitter outputs the wake-up signal for a period longer than an inactive period of intermittent operation of reception determination made by a device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter, and starts outputting the path information after a predetermined fixed period elapses from the end of the output of the wake-up signal.

[0365] (14) In the relay device according to any one of the above (7) to (12) or claim 7, the target signal transmitter stops outputting the wake-up signal based on a reception notification transmitted from a device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter, after starting outputting the wake-up signal, and then starts outputting the path information.

[0366] (15) In the relay device according to any one of the above (7) to (14), the target signal transmitter starts outputting a main data signal included in a signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver, after the end of the output of the path information, after a predetermined fixed period elapses.

[0367] (16) In the relay device according to any one of (7) to (14) described above, the target signal transmitter starts outputting a main data signal included in the signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver, based on a readiness notification transmitted from a device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter, after the output of the path information ends.

[0368] (17) The relay device according to any one of (7) to (16) described above, further comprising

[0369] a storage device that temporarily stores a main data signal included in the signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver.

[0370] (18) The relay device according to any one of (7) to (17) described above, further comprising

[0371] a notification transmitter that transmits a reception notification to a device that transmits a signal to the receiver of the signal receiver, after the circuit is activated based on the reception processor of the signal receiver and the path selector being activated as a result of the determination made by the signal reception determination unit that the wake-up signal has been received.

[0372] (19) The relay device according to any one of (7) to (18) described above, further comprising

[0373] a notification transmitter that transmits a readiness notification to a device that transmits a signal to the receiver of the signal receiver, after the circuit is activated based on the circuit of the path change unit corresponding to the path selected by the path selector and the target signal transmitter being activated.

[0374] (20) In the relay device according to any one of (7) to (19) described above, the controller causes the circuit portions corresponding to a predetermined number of paths selected by the path selector to enter an active state from a standby state, then maintains the circuit portions corresponding to the paths identified as in use in the active state, and causes the circuit portions corresponding to the paths identified as not in use to return from the active state to the standby state.

[0375] (21) In the relay device according to (20) described above, the controller identifies a path through which a return signal transmitted from a reception device is in use, and identifies a path through which a return signal transmitted from a reception device is not in use for a certain period of time.

[0376] (22) In the relay device according to the above (20), the controller identifies that a path through which a return signal containing information indicating use is transmitted from the reception device is in use, and identifies that a path through which a return signal containing information indicating non-use is transmitted from the reception device is in non-use.

[0377] (23) In the relay device according to the above (20), the controller identifies that a path through which a return signal is transmitted from the reception device and which corresponds to a path indicated by in-use path information contained in the return signal is in use, and identifies that a path through which a return signal is transmitted from the reception device and which does not correspond to a path indicated by the in-use path information contained in the return signal is in non-use.

[0378] (24) A method of controlling a relay device,

[0379] the relay device includes

[0380] a signal receiver including a receiver that receives an optical signal containing a wake-up signal and path information in order, and a reception processor that processes a signal output from the receiver,

[0381] a plurality of signal transmitters,

[0382] a path changing unit that selectively transmits a signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver to a target signal transmitter that is any one of the plurality of signal transmitters;

[0383] a signal reception determination unit that determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received, based on a signal output from the receiver of the signal receiver, and

[0384] a path selector that selects a path based on the path information contained in a signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver,

[0385] the method includes performing control so as to:

[0386] activate the reception processor and the path selector of the signal receiver, based on a determination result that the wake-up signal has been received made by the signal reception determination unit;

[0387] cause a circuit of the path changing unit and the target signal transmitter corresponding to the path selected by the path selector to enter an active state from a standby state; and

[0388] cause the target signal transmitter in the active state to transmit the wake-up signal and the path information in order.

[0389] (25) A receiving apparatus comprising:

[0390] a signal receiver including a receiver that receives a wake-up signal and a main data signal in that order, and a reception processor that processes a signal output from the receiver;

[0391] a signal processor that processes a main data signal contained in a signal output from the signal receiver;

[0392] a signal reception determination unit that determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received, based on a signal output from the receiver of the signal receiver; and

[0393] a controller that controls to activate the reception processor and the signal processor of the signal receiver, based on a determination result that the wake-up signal has been received made by the signal reception determination unit.

[0394] (26) The receiving apparatus according to the above (25), further comprising

[0395] a notification transmitter that transmits a ready notification to an apparatus that transmits a signal to the signal receiver, after starting a circuit based on a determination result that the wake-up signal has been received made by the signal reception determination unit, whereby the reception processor and the signal processor of the signal receiver are activated.

[0396] (27) The receiving apparatus according to the above (25), further comprising a path selector that selects any one of a plurality of paths through which the wake-up signal is received by the receiver of the signal receiver, when the plurality of paths are used to establish a connection with a transmitting apparatus, wherein

[0397] the controller further controls a transmission process that transmits a return signal through some or all of the plurality of paths, the return signal being used to keep each circuit portion constituting the selected path in an active state, and to return each circuit portion constituting a non-selected path from the active state to a standby state.

[0398] (28) In the receiving apparatus according to the above (27), the controller selects any one of the plurality of paths based on information about a communicable speed and / or a time lag of a predetermined number of relay units constituting a path, the path being contained in path information received by the receiver of the signal receiver after the wake-up signal.

[0399] (29) In the reception apparatus according to the above (27) or (28), in the transmission processing, the return signal is transmitted through the selected path.

[0400] (30) In the reception apparatus according to the above (27) or (28), in the transmission processing, the return signal containing information indicating use is transmitted through the selected path, and the return signal containing information indicating non-use is transmitted through the non-selected path.

[0401] (31) In the reception apparatus according to the above (27) or (28), in the transmission processing, the return signal including in-use path information is transmitted through a plurality of paths.

[0402] (32) A method of controlling a reception apparatus,

[0403] the reception apparatus includes

[0404] a signal receiver including a receiver that receives a wake-up signal and a main data signal in order, and a reception processor that processes a signal output from the receiver,

[0405] a signal processor that processes the main data signal contained in the signal output from the signal receiver, and

[0406] a signal reception determination unit that determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received, based on a signal output from the receiver of the signal receiver,

[0407] the method includes controlling to activate the reception processor and the signal processor of the signal receiver, based on a determination result that the wake-up signal has been received made by the signal reception determination unit.

[0408] (33) A network system including: a transmission apparatus; a reception apparatus; and a predetermined number of relay apparatuses interposed between the transmission apparatus and the reception apparatus, wherein

[0409] a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal are transmitted from the transmission apparatus in order, and necessary circuits on a path from the transmission apparatus to the reception apparatus are activated in succession to cause the reception apparatus to receive the main data signal.

[0410] (34) In the network system according to the above (33), each of the relay apparatuses is a switch / router.

[0411] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0412] 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-N transmission-side apparatuses

[0413] 101 signal transmitter

[0414] 101a LINK unit

[0415] 101b PHY unit

[0416] 101c light emitting element

[0417] 102 controller

[0418] 103 signal output unit

[0419] 104 receiver

[0420] 200 switch / router

[0421] 201 controller

[0422] 202-1, 202-2,..., 202-N signal receiver

[0423] 202-1a light receiving element

[0424] 202-1b PHY unit

[0425] 202-1c LINK unit

[0426] 202-1d signal reception determination unit

[0427] 203-1, 203-2,..., 203-N signal processor

[0428] 204 path change unit

[0429] 205-1, 205-2,..., 205-N signal transmitter

[0430] 205-1a LINK unit

[0431] 205-1b PHY unit

[0432] 205-1c light emitting element

[0433] 206-1, 206-1,..., 206-N transmitter

[0434] 207-1, 207-1,..., 207-N receiver

[0435] 208-1, 208-1,..., 208-N memory

[0436] 300, 300-1, 300-2, 400, 400-1, 400-2, 500 switch / router

[0437] 501 controller

[0438] 502-1, 502-2,..., 502-N signal receivers

[0439] 502-1a light receiving element

[0440] 502-1b PHY unit

[0441] 502-1c LINK unit

[0442] 502-1d signal reception determination unit

[0443] 503-1, 503-2,..., 503-N signal processors

[0444] 504 path change unit

[0445] 505-1, 505-2,..., 505-N signal transmitters

[0446] 505-1a LINK unit

[0447] 505-1b PHY unit

[0448] 505-1c light emitting element

[0449] 506-1, 506-1,..., 506-N transmitters

[0450] 507-1, 507-1,..., 507-N receivers

[0451] 600-1, 600-2,..., 600-N receiving-side devices

[0452] 601 signal receiver

[0453] 601a light receiving element

[0454] 601b PHY unit

[0455] 601c LINK unit

[0456] 601d signal reception determination unit

[0457] 602 controller

[0458] 603 signal processor

[0459] 604 transmitter

Claims

1. A transmission apparatus comprising: a signal output unit that outputs, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and main data signals; and a signal transmitter that transmits signals output from the signal output unit, wherein the signal output unit outputs the wake-up signal for a period longer than an inactive period of intermittent operation of reception determination made by an apparatus that receives signals transmitted from the signal transmitter, and starts outputting the path information after a predetermined fixed period elapses from the end of output of the wake-up signal.

2. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal output unit stops outputting the wake-up signal based on a reception notification transmitted from the apparatus that receives signals transmitted from the signal transmitter after starting output of the wake-up signal, and then starts outputting the path information.

3. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal output unit starts outputting the main data signals after a predetermined fixed period elapses from the end of output of the path information.

4. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal output unit starts outputting the main data signals based on a readiness notification transmitted from the apparatus that receives signals transmitted from the signal transmitter after the end of output of the path information.

5. A transmission method comprising: a signal output step of outputting, in order, a wake-up signal, path information, and main data signals; and a signal transmission step of transmitting the wake-up signal, path information, and main data signals that have been output, wherein the wake-up signal is output for a period longer than an inactive period of intermittent operation of reception determination made by an apparatus that receives signals transmitted during the signal transmission step, and the path information is started to be output after a predetermined fixed period elapses from the end of output of the wake-up signal.

6. A relay apparatus comprising: a signal receiver that includes a receiver that receives, in order, a wake-up signal and path information, and a reception processor that processes signals output from the receiver; a plurality of signal transmitters; a path change unit that selectively transmits signals output from the reception processor of the signal receiver to a target signal transmitter, which is any one of the plurality of signal transmitters; a signal reception determination unit that determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received based on signals output from the receiver of the signal receiver; a path selector that selects a path based on the path information included in signals output from the reception processor of the signal receiver; and a signal transmission unit that transmits signals output from the path change unit. ​ a controller that controls to activate the reception processor and the path selector of the signal receiver based on a determination result made by the signal reception determination unit that the wake-up signal has been received, to cause the circuit of the path change unit and the target signal transmitter corresponding to the path selected by the path selector to enter an active state from a standby state based on the path, and to cause the target signal transmitter that has entered the active state to sequentially transmit the wake-up signal and the path information.

7. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein the path selector selects one path indicated by the path information.

8. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein the path selector selects a plurality of paths from among shorter paths among a plurality of paths up to the reception device determined based on information about the reception device included in the path information.

9. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein the path selector uses a communicable speed and / or a latency of a subsequent relay device as determination information to select a plurality of paths from among a plurality of paths up to the reception device determined based on information about the reception device included in the path information.

10. The relay device according to claim 9, wherein the path selector selectively uses the communicable speed or the latency as the determination information in a manner depending on what kind of application the main data signal transmitted from the transmission device to the reception device is involved in.

11. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein when the wake-up signal and the path information are sequentially transmitted, the target signal transmitter that has entered the active state based on the path selected by the path selector adds information about the relay device to which the target signal transmitter belongs and information about a communicable speed and a latency of the relay device to the path information.

12. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein the target signal transmitter outputs the wake-up signal for a period longer than an inactive period of intermittent operation of a reception determination made by a device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter, and starts outputting the path information after a predetermined fixed period elapses from the end of the output of the wake-up signal.

13. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein the target signal transmitter, after starting outputting the wake-up signal, stops outputting the wake-up signal based on a reception notification transmitted from a device that receives a signal transmitted from the target signal transmitter, and then starts outputting the path information.

14. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein the target signal transmitter, after the end of the output of the path information, starts outputting a main data signal included in a signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver after a predetermined fixed period elapses.

15. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein The target signal transmitter starts outputting a main data signal included in the signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver, based on a ready notification transmitted from a device that transmits a signal received from the target signal transmitter after the output of the path information ends.

16. The relay device according to claim 6, further comprising a storage device that temporarily stores a main data signal included in the signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver.

17. The relay device according to claim 6, further comprising a notification transmitter that transmits a reception notification to a device that transmits a signal to the receiver of the signal receiver after the circuit of the reception processor of the signal receiver and the path selector are activated based on a determination result made by the signal reception determination unit that the wake-up signal has been received.

18. The relay device according to claim 6, further comprising a notification transmitter that transmits a ready notification to a device that transmits a signal to the receiver of the signal receiver after the circuit of the target signal transmitter and the path change unit corresponding to the path selected by the path selector are activated.

19. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein the controller causes the circuit portions corresponding to a predetermined number of paths selected by the path selector to enter the active state from the standby state, then keeps the circuit portion corresponding to the path identified as in use in the active state, and causes the circuit portion corresponding to the path identified as not in use to return to the standby state from the active state.

20. The relay device according to claim 19, wherein the controller identifies a path through which a return signal is transmitted from a receiving device as in use, and identifies a path through which a return signal is not transmitted from a receiving device within a certain period of time as not in use.

21. The relay device according to claim 19, wherein the controller identifies a path through which a return signal including information indicating in use is transmitted from a receiving device as in use, and identifies a path through which a return signal including information indicating not in use is transmitted from a receiving device as not in use.

22. The relay device according to claim 19, wherein the controller identifies a path through which a return signal is transmitted from a receiving device and which corresponds to a path indicated by in-use path information included in the return signal as in use, and identifies a path through which a return signal is transmitted from a receiving device and which does not correspond to a path indicated by in-use path information included in the return signal as not in use.

23. A method of controlling a relay device, the relay device including a signal receiver including a receiver that receives an optical signal including a wake-up signal and path information in order, and a reception processor that processes a signal output from the receiver, a plurality of signal transmitters, a path changer that selectively sends a signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver to a target signal transmitter that is any one of the plurality of signal transmitters; a signal reception determining unit that determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received, based on a signal output from the receiver of the signal receiver, and a path selector that selects a path based on the path information contained in the signal output from the reception processor of the signal receiver, the method includes performing control so as to: activate the reception processor and the path selector of the signal receiver, based on a determination result that the wake-up signal has been received made by the signal reception determining unit; cause the circuit of the path changer corresponding to the path selected by the path selector and the target signal transmitter to enter an active state from a standby state, based on the path; and cause the target signal transmitter that has entered the active state to sequentially transmit the wake-up signal and the path information.

24. A reception apparatus comprising: a signal receiver that includes a receiver that receives a wake-up signal and a main data signal in that order, and a reception processor that processes a signal output from the receiver; a signal processor that processes a main data signal contained in a signal output from the signal receiver; a signal reception determining unit that determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received, based on a signal output from the receiver of the signal receiver; and a controller that performs control to activate the reception processor and the signal processor of the signal receiver, based on a determination result that the wake-up signal has been received made by the signal reception determining unit.

25. The reception apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a notification transmitter that transmits a ready notification to an apparatus that transmits a signal to the signal receiver, after starting a circuit based on a determination result that the wake-up signal has been received made by the signal reception determining unit, whereby the reception processor and the signal processor of the signal receiver are activated.

26. The reception apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a path selector that selects any one of a plurality of paths through which the receiver of the signal receiver receives the wake-up signal, when the receiver receives the wake-up signal through the plurality of paths for establishing a connection with a transmitting apparatus, wherein the controller further controls a transmission process that transmits a return signal through some or all of the plurality of paths, the return signal being used to keep each circuit portion constituting the selected path in an active state, and to return each circuit portion constituting a non-selected path from the active state to a standby state.

27. The reception apparatus according to claim 26, wherein ​ The controller selects any one of the plurality of paths based on information on communicable speed and / or latency of a predetermined number of relay units constituting the path, which is included in the path information received by the receiver of the signal receiver after the wake-up signal.

28. The reception apparatus according to claim 26, wherein In the transmission process, the return signal is transmitted through the selected path.

29. The reception apparatus according to claim 26, wherein In the transmission process, the return signal including information indicating use is transmitted through the selected path, and the return signal including information indicating non-use is transmitted through the unselected path.

30. The reception apparatus according to claim 26, wherein In the transmission process, the return signal including the in-use path information is transmitted through the plurality of paths.

31. A method of controlling a reception apparatus, The reception apparatus includes a signal receiver including a receiver that receives a wake-up signal and a main data signal in that order, and a reception processor that processes a signal output from the receiver, a signal processor that processes a main data signal included in a signal output from the signal receiver, and a signal reception determination unit that determines whether or not the wake-up signal has been received based on a signal output from the receiver of the signal receiver, the method includes performing control to activate the reception processor and the signal processor of the signal receiver based on a determination result made by the signal reception determination unit that the wake-up signal has been received.

32. A network system comprising: a transmission apparatus; a reception apparatus; and a predetermined number of relay apparatuses interposed between the transmission apparatus and the reception apparatus, wherein a wake-up signal, path information, and a main data signal are transmitted from the transmission apparatus in that order, and necessary circuits on a path from the transmission apparatus to the reception apparatus are activated in succession to cause the reception apparatus to receive the main data signal, the transmission apparatus outputs the wake-up signal for a period longer than an inactive period of intermittent operation of a reception determination made by an apparatus that receives a signal transmitted from the transmission apparatus, and starts output of the path information after a predetermined fixed period elapses from the end of the output of the wake-up signal.

33. The network system according to claim 32, wherein Each of the relay apparatuses is a switch / router.

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