Communication device, server device, and communication system

Abstract

To contribute to allowing unique information set in an existing communication device to be handed over and set in a communication device that replaces the existing communication device.SOLUTION: A communication device according to the present disclosure is a communication device including one or more CPUs. The one or more CPUs are configured to establish wireless communication with another communication device, transmit setting information for accessing a server device to the other communication device via the wireless communication, receive unique information unique to the other communication device from the other communication device via the wireless communication, and transmit the received unique information unique to the other communication device to the server device via the network using the setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a server device, and a communication system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a device in which a wireless LAN (Local Area Network)-compatible router installed at a user's home or workplace, etc., is set via the Internet with information specific to the router, such as an encryption method and a password, by the administrator of this wireless LAN (Patent Document 1). However, the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can set information in a router installed at a user's home or workplace, etc., but cannot extract information already set in the router or set the extracted information in another router.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Note that the disclosure of the above prior art documents is incorporated herein by reference. The following analysis is made by the present inventors.

[0005] Here, there may be a case where an existing communication device such as a router installed at a user's home or workplace is replaced with a new communication device and substituted with the new communication device. In such a case, it is desired to be able to easily inherit and set the specific information set in the existing communication device in the new communication device.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to contribute to inheriting information set in an existing communication device to a communication device that replaces this existing communication device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device including one or more CPUs is provided. The one or more CPUs are configured to establish wireless communication with another communication device, transmit setting information for accessing a server device to the other communication device via the wireless communication, receive unique information unique to the other communication device via the wireless communication, and transmit the received unique information unique to the other communication device to the server device via the network using the setting information.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device including one or more CPUs is provided. The one or more CPUs are configured to establish wireless communication with another communication device in response to a request from the other communication device, receive setting information for accessing a server device via a network from the other communication device via the wireless communication, transmit unique information unique to the communication device to the other communication device via the wireless communication, access the server device via the network using the received setting information, and receive, from the server device, the setting information corresponding to the unique information unique to the transmitted communication device.

[0009] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a server device is provided that is configured to receive unique information unique to a second communication device from a first communication device, store the setting information used by the first communication device for access in association with the received unique information unique to the second communication device, and transmit, in response to an access from the second communication device, the setting information used by the first communication device for access, which is associated with the unique information unique to the second communication device, to the second communication device.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided that includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a server device. The first communication device establishes wireless communication with the second communication device, transmits, via the wireless communication, setting information used by the first communication device for accessing the server device to the second communication device, receives, via the wireless communication, unique information unique to the second communication device from the second communication device, and is configured to transmit the received unique information unique to the second communication device to the server via a network using the setting information. The second communication device establishes the wireless communication with the first communication device in response to a request from the first communication device, receives, via the wireless communication, setting information used by the first communication device for accessing the server device via a network from the first communication device, transmits, via the wireless communication, unique information unique to the second communication device to the first communication device, accesses the server device via the network using the received setting information used by the first communication device, and is configured to receive, from the server device, the setting information corresponding to the unique information unique to the transmitted second communication device. The server device receives the unique information unique to the second communication device from the first communication device, associates and stores the setting information used by the first communication device for access with the received unique information unique to the second communication device, and is configured to transmit, to the second communication device, the setting information used by the first communication device for access, which is associated with the unique information unique to the second communication device, in response to an access from the second communication device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to each aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to contribute to transferring information set in an existing communication device to a communication device that replaces the existing communication device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

[0013] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Also, in each drawing, the same or corresponding elements and processes are appropriately assigned the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and details of each process may be different from those in the present disclosure when implemented. Also, there may be parts where details of the processes are different even between the drawings.

[0014] First, the configuration of the communication system 1 to which one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied, and the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 included therein will be described. In the communication system 1, the existing mobile router 2 is replaced by the alternative mobile router 3. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the communication system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 thereof. Note that FIG. 1 shows a case where the existing mobile router 2 is replaced by the alternative mobile router 3 in a limited manner. However, there is no essential difference between the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3. When the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 have the same functions, the alternative mobile router 3 may be replaced by the existing mobile router 2.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a server device 12, an existing mobile router 2, and an alternative mobile router 3 (communication devices) that are communicably connected to each other via the Internet 10 including a mobile communication system (not shown). The mobile communication system provides communication compliant with, for example, 4G (LTE) standards and 5G standards to the existing mobile router 2, the alternative mobile router 3, and their users.

[0016] When the operation of replacing the alternative mobile router 3 with the existing mobile router 2 is performed, they are placed at a short distance within a dozen meters. Between the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 placed at a short distance, wireless communication compliant with various standards such as the IEEE802.11 (Wi-Fi; registered trademark) standard and the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is performed. That is, between the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3, information can be directly communicated without going through the Internet 10 or the like. In the following description, a case where the wireless communication between the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 is performed in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard (by Wi-Fi) is taken as a specific example.

[0017] Both the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 can be further connected to terminal devices (not shown), such as a PC (Personal Computer) and a smartphone, by wireless communication or wired communication, such as Wi-Fi. Terminal devices connected to the Internet 10 and connected to the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 operating as mobile routers can access a Web page (not shown) of the Internet 10 and the like.

[0018] One or both of the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 can be a so-called mobile router that can be carried and used by a user, for example. Also, for example, one or both of the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 can be a so-called stationary router that is installed and used at a user's home or workplace, etc. However, in the following description, for the sake of concretization and clarification of the explanation, the case where both the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 are mobile routers is taken as a specific example.

[0019] Also, it is possible that an old mobile router is replaced by a new alternative mobile router, or that a new mobile router is replaced by an old mobile router. However, in the following, for the sake of concretization and clarification of the explanation, the case where the old existing mobile router 2 is replaced by the new alternative mobile router 3 is taken as a specific example.

[0020] The existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 each include a control unit 200, 300, a memory 202, 302, a WAN-IF (Wide Area Network-InterFace) 204, 304, a display device 206, 306, an operation device 208, 308, and a Wi-Fi-IF (Wi-Fi-InterFace) 210, 310, etc., which are connected so as to be able to input and output information to and from each other. Although not shown, the server device 12 also includes at least components other than the Wi-Fi-IF among the components of the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3.

[0021] In the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3, the corresponding components do not have to be the same products manufactured by the same company. They only need to have equivalent functions and performance and compatibility such as conforming to the same standards, and can be different products manufactured by a plurality of different companies. In addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 1, the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 may further include components.

[0022] Next, each component in the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 will be described. The control units 200 and 300 include at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit) and its peripheral circuits. The control units 200 and 300 control the other components of the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 respectively. Also, the control units 200 and 300 execute a program for functioning them as mobile routers using setting information such as MAC (Media Access Control) addresses, SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers), encryption modes, and encryption keys that are uniquely set for the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 respectively. Further, the control units 200 and 300 read the setting information set in the existing mobile router 2 and execute a program for setting it in the new alternative mobile router 3 that replaces the existing mobile router 2.

[0023] The memories 202 and 302 are composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a flash memory. Note that the memories 202 and 302 may further include various storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid-State disk Drive) as required. The memories 202 and 302 store the programs executed by the control units 200 and 300, and further store setting information necessary for Wi-Fi communication and information temporarily used by the control units 200 and 300 during program execution.

[0024] The WAN-IFs 204 and 304 provide an interface function for communicating information between a mobile communication system and a wide area communication network (WAN) such as the Internet 10, and the control units 200 and 300 of the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3. That is, the WAN-IFs 204 and 304 perform communication processing for information communication between the control units 200 and 300 and a server device 12 on the Internet 10 or the like according to the control of the control units 200 and 300.

[0025] The display devices 206 and 306 include a liquid crystal display (not shown) and the like, and display setting information input to the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3, information input from the control units 200 and 300 indicating the states of the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3, and error information generated in the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen or the like used by the user to input information to the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 is displayed on the display device of the display devices 206 and 306.

[0026] The operation devices 208 and 308 include a touch panel and push buttons attached to the screens of the display devices of the display devices 206 and 206. The operation devices 208 and 308 accept operations performed by the user on the GUI screen and push buttons displayed on the display devices of the display devices 206 and 206, and output information indicating the accepted operations to the control units 200 and 300.

[0027] The Wi-Fi-IFs 210 and 310 provide an interface function for performing Wi-Fi communication between other communication devices and the control unit 200, such as between the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3. That is, the Wi-Fi-IFs 210 and 310 perform communication processing for information communication between the control units 200 and 300 and other communication devices according to the control of the control units 200 and 300.

[0028] The server device 12 converts, for example, the setting information used by the existing mobile router 2 to access the server device 12 into a configuration that can be used by the alternative mobile router 3. Further, the server device 12 stores the converted setting information in association with the unique information unique to the alternative mobile router 3 and the attribute information (e.g., model name) of the alternative mobile router 3. When the server device 12 receives an access including the unique information of the alternative mobile router 3 from the alternative mobile router 3, the server device 12 transmits the setting information stored in association with the unique information of the alternative mobile router 3 to the alternative mobile router 3.

[0029] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A to 2C, an example of the processing of the server device 12, the existing mobile router 2, the alternative mobile router 3, and the server device 12 in the communication system 1 will be described. Note that the function in which the existing mobile router 2 transmits setting information and the like to the alternative mobile router 3 and reflects the transmitted setting information in the alternative mobile router 3 is described as the "setting source reflection function". On the other hand, the function in which the alternative mobile router 3 receives setting information and the like received from the existing mobile router 2 and reflects it in the alternative mobile router 3 itself is described as the "setting destination reflection function".

[0030] FIGS. 2A to 2C are timing charts exemplifying an example of the processing and timing in the server device 12, the existing mobile router 2, and the alternative mobile router 3 in the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1. Note that the processing shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is performed in a state where a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is not inserted into the alternative mobile router 3 and the alternative mobile router 3 cannot be connected to the Internet 10.

[0031] First, as shown in FIG. 2A, a user who wants to replace the existing mobile router 2 with the alternative mobile router 3 performs an operation to cause the operation device 208 of the existing mobile router 2 to execute the setting source reflection function (S100). The existing mobile router 2 starts processing to realize the setting source reflection function in response to the user's operation. The existing mobile router 2 performs processing to operate as a master device in the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) function well-known to those skilled in the art (S102). The existing mobile router 2 displays on the display device 206 a prompt for the user to perform an operation to execute the setting source reflection function. When the user who sees this display performs an operation to cause the existing mobile router 2 to execute the setting source reflection function using the operation device 208, the existing mobile router 2 requests the alternative mobile router 3 to execute the setting source reflection function (S104).

[0032] The alternative mobile router 3 starts processing to execute the setting destination reflection function in response to the request from the existing mobile router 2 (S106). The alternative mobile router 3 performs processing to operate as a slave device in the WPS function (S108). The existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 transmit and receive various information including Wi-Fi setting information necessary to execute WPS between them. When the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 succeed in the processing for executing WPS, they are connected communicably via Wi-Fi (S110).

[0033] Note that in the process of S110, the processing for the WPS function between the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 may fail due to reasons such as timeout. In this case, the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 perform exception processing such as displaying an error message on the display devices 206 and 306. When the exception processing is performed, the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 are not connected via Wi-Fi, and information communication is not performed between them.

[0034] The replacement mobile router 3 stores in the memory 302 the Wi-Fi setting information required for Wi-Fi communication with the existing mobile router 2. Further, the replacement mobile router 3 uses the stored Wi-Fi setting information for Wi-Fi communication with the existing mobile router 2 and reflects it on the replacement mobile router 3 itself (S112). Through the above processing, the Wi-Fi communication connection between the existing mobile router 2 and the replacement mobile router 3 is established, and information communication can be directly performed between them without going through the Internet 10 or the like (S114, S116).

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2B, the existing mobile router 2 transmits to the replacement mobile router 3, via Wi-Fi, the setting information required to access the server device 12 via the Internet 10 and communicate with the server device 12. This setting information includes information such as the APN (Access Point Name) setting of the existing mobile router 2 (S118). The replacement mobile router 3 receives the setting information from the existing mobile router 2. The replacement mobile router 3 stores the received setting information in the memory 302. Further, the replacement mobile router 3 accesses the server device 12 via the Internet 10 and reflects the setting information on the replacement mobile router 3 itself so that information communication with the server device 12 becomes possible (S120).

[0036] The replacement mobile router 3 transmits, via Wi-Fi, to the existing mobile router 2 the unique information including its own unique MAC address and the like, and the model name of the replacement mobile router 3 (S122). When the process of S122 is completed, the replacement mobile router 3 ends the process for the setting destination reflection function and operates as a mobile router (S124).

[0037] The existing mobile router 2 receives the unique information and model name from the alternative mobile router 3 and stores them in the memory 202 (S126). The existing mobile router 2 accesses the server device 12 using the setting information for the existing mobile router 2 itself to access the server device 12, the unique information unique to the existing mobile router 2, and the attribute information of the existing mobile router 2. The attribute information of the server device 12 is, for example, the model name of the existing mobile router 2. The existing mobile router 2 further transmits and uploads the unique information and model name of the alternative mobile router 3 received in the process of S126 to the server device 12 (S128). The server device 12 stores the setting information, unique information, and model name of the existing mobile router 2 in its memory (not shown). Further, the server device 12 stores the unique information and model name of the uploaded alternative mobile router 3 in its memory (S132). When the process of S126 ends, the existing mobile router 2 ends the process for the setting source reflection function and operates as a mobile router (S130).

[0038] The server device 12 stores in the memory by associating a setting information file including the setting information used by the existing mobile router 2, the unique information unique to the existing mobile router 2, and the model name of the existing mobile router 2. Also, the server device 12 stores in the memory by associating a setting information file including the setting information used by the existing mobile router 2 for accessing the server device 12, the unique information unique to the alternative mobile router 3, and the model name uploaded by the existing mobile router 2 in the process of S128. However, when the setting information used by the existing mobile router 2, the unique information unique to the existing mobile router 2, and the model name of the existing mobile router 2 are already stored in the memory, the process of storing these in the memory is omitted (S132).

[0039] When the model name of the existing mobile router 2 stored in the memory is different from the model name of the alternative mobile router 3 received in the process of S128, the server device 12 performs a process of converting the configuration of the configuration information file including the configuration information. By this process, the server device 12 converts the configuration of the configuration information file including the configuration information used by the existing mobile router 2 to access the server device 12 into a configuration that can be used by the alternative mobile router 3 to access the server device 12. The server device 12 stores, in the memory, the configuration information file whose configuration has been thus converted, in association with the unique information and model information of the alternative mobile router 3. Note that when the model name of the existing mobile router 2 stored in the memory is the same as the model name of the alternative mobile router 3 received in the process of S128, the server device 12 does not perform the process of converting the configuration of the configuration information file including the configuration information (S134).

[0040] Next, a process in which the server device 12 transmits the configuration information file configured to be available for the alternative mobile router 3 in the process of S134 and reflects it in the alternative mobile router 3 will be described. FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a process of transmitting the configuration information file of the existing mobile router 2 from the server device 12 to the alternative mobile router 3 and reflecting it.

[0041] When a SIM card is inserted into the alternative mobile router 3, it becomes connectable to the Internet 10. As shown in FIG. 2C, the alternative mobile router 3 uses the configuration information reflected in the process of S120 and connects to the server device 12 via the Internet 10 (S140). The alternative mobile router 3 transmits its own unique information to the server device 12 (S142).

[0042] The server device 12 searches for the unique information of the mobile router stored in the memory (S144). The server device 12 determines whether the unique information of the alternative mobile router 3 is stored in the memory of the server device 12 as a result of the search in the process of S144 (S146). If the server device 12 determines that the unique information of the alternative mobile router 3 is not stored in the memory (N in the process of S146), the process ends. If the server device 12 determines that the unique information of the alternative mobile router 3 is stored in the memory (Y in the process of S146), it proceeds to the process of S148.

[0043] The server device 12 reads out from the memory the setting information file that is associated with the unique information of the alternative mobile router 3 and is configured to be usable in the alternative mobile router 3 by the process of S134. The server device 12 transmits the setting information included in the read setting information file to the alternative mobile router 3. Further, the server device 12 requests the alternative mobile router 3 to display a query to the user asking whether to reflect the setting information configured to be usable in the alternative mobile router 3 on the alternative mobile router 3 itself (S148).

[0044] The alternative mobile router 3 receives the setting information transmitted by the server device 12 in the process of S148 and the request for display by the server device 12 (S150). The alternative mobile router 3 causes the display device 306 to display a query to the user asking whether to reflect the setting information on the alternative mobile router 3 itself according to the request received from the server device 12 in the process of S150 (S152).

[0045] The alternative mobile router 3 determines (S154) whether the user of the alternative mobile router 3 has performed an operation of answering that the setting information is to be reflected in the alternative mobile router 3 itself using the operation device 308 for the question displayed by the process of S152. When the user of the alternative mobile router 3 has performed an operation of answering that the setting information is to be reflected (Y in S154), the alternative mobile router 3 proceeds to the process of S156. On the other hand, when the user of the alternative mobile router 3 has performed an operation of answering that the setting information is not to be reflected (N in S154), the alternative mobile router 3 proceeds to the process of S158.

[0046] The alternative mobile router 3 reflects the setting information in the alternative mobile router 3 itself so as to perform processing as a mobile router using the setting information received from the server device 12 in the process of S150. Further, the alternative mobile router 3 continues processing as a mobile router in place of the existing mobile router 2 (S156). The alternative mobile router 3 does not reflect the setting information received from the server device 12 in the process of S150 in the alternative mobile router 3 itself, and continues the processing as a mobile router of the alternative mobile router 3 itself (S158).

[0047] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the following technical effects are achieved. First, when the user uses the alternative mobile router 3 instead of the existing mobile router 2, the setting information of the existing mobile router 2 can be easily set in and used by the alternative mobile router 3. Also, the setting information of the existing mobile router 2 can be easily set in the alternative mobile router 3 without performing a wired connection between the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 via a USB cable or the like. Further, the server device 12 converts the configuration of the setting information file of the existing mobile router 2 into a configuration that can be used by the alternative mobile router 3. Therefore, even if the model of the existing mobile router 2 and the model of the alternative mobile router 3 are different, the setting information of the existing mobile router 2 can be applied to the alternative mobile router 3.

[0048] [Modification Example] Next, a modification example of the present disclosure will be described. This modification example is obtained by changing the processing without changing the configuration of the communication system 1 according to the present disclosure shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating a modification example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 3 is performed after the processing of S100 to S134 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Also, the processing of S140 to S158 shown in FIG. 3 is the same as the processing of S140 to S158 shown in FIG. 2C.

[0049] The alternative mobile router 3 displays on the operation device 308 a query to the user of the alternative mobile router 3 as to whether to delete the setting information file of the existing mobile router 2 whose configuration has been converted to be able to use the alternative mobile router 3, which is stored in the memory of the server device 12 (S160). When the user of the alternative mobile router 3 answers this display and uses the operation device 308 to answer that the setting information file of the existing mobile router 2 stored in the server device 12 is to be deleted (Y in S162), the alternative mobile router 3 proceeds to the processing of S166. When the user of the alternative mobile router 3 answers that the setting information file of the existing mobile router 2 is not to be deleted (N in S162), the alternative mobile router 3 proceeds to the processing of S164.

[0050] The alternative mobile router 3 does not request the server device 12 to delete the setting information file of the existing mobile router 2 and performs processing as a mobile router. For example, the user selects not to delete the setting information file of the existing mobile router 2 by pressing a button displayed on the operation device 308 that says "Do not delete" (S164).

[0051] The alternative mobile router 3 transmits a request to the server device 12 to delete the unique information of the existing mobile router 2 and the setting information file including the setting information of the existing mobile router 2. For example, the user selects to delete the setting information file of the existing mobile router 2 by pressing a button displayed on the operation device 308 that says "Delete" (S166).

[0052] When the server device 12 receives a request from the alternative mobile router 3 to delete the unique information and the configuration information file of the existing mobile router 2, it searches for the unique information of the mobile router stored in the memory. As a result of this search, when the unique information of the existing mobile router 2 is stored in the memory of the server device 12, the server device 12 deletes information related to the existing mobile router 2, such as the configuration information file of the existing mobile router 2 and the model name of the existing mobile router 2 (S168).

[0053] By the process shown in FIG. 3, when the alternative mobile router 3 does not reflect the configuration information of the existing mobile router 2 in the alternative mobile router 3 itself, the information related to the existing mobile router 2 stored in the server device 12 can be deleted. Also, when the alternative mobile router 3 reflects the configuration information of the existing mobile router 2 in the alternative mobile router 3 itself, the information related to the existing mobile router 2 that has become unnecessary can be deleted. By such deletion, the risk that the information related to the existing mobile router 2 leaks from the server device 12 to a third party is avoided.

[0054] Next, another modification example of the present disclosure will be described. This modification example is obtained by changing the process without changing the configuration of the communication system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 4A and 4B are timing charts illustrating another modification example of the embodiment according to the present disclosure. Note that the processes shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are performed after the processes of S114 and S116 shown in FIG. 2A, and the processes of S118 to S134 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are the same as the processes of S118 to S134 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this modification example, the existing mobile router 2 and the alternative mobile router 3 perform error processing when some error occurs in the process in the communication system 1 and notify the user of the occurrence of the error. Note that one or more of the plurality of processes for detecting and displaying the error shown in this modification example may be omitted as appropriate.

[0055] When the process of S116 (Fig. 2A) ends, the alternative mobile router 3 proceeds to the process of S180. After the process of S116 ends, the alternative mobile router 3 determines whether the Wi-Fi communication connection has been completed within a predetermined time (S180). When the Wi-Fi communication connection is completed within the predetermined time (Y in the process of S180), the alternative mobile router 3 proceeds to the process of S188, and when it is not completed (N in the process of S180), it proceeds to the process of S182. If the alternative mobile router 3 determines that the Wi-Fi connection has not been completed for some reason, it displays an error or the like on the display device 306 to inform the user of the alternative mobile router 3 that the Wi-Fi connection has not been completed, and returns to the process as a mobile router (S182).

[0056] After the process of S114 (Fig. 2A) ends, the existing mobile router 2 determines whether the Wi-Fi communication connection has been completed within a predetermined time (S184). When the Wi-Fi communication connection is completed within the predetermined time (Y in the process of S184), the existing mobile router 2 proceeds to the process of S118 (Fig. 2B), and when it is not completed (N in the process of S184), it proceeds to the process of S186. If the existing mobile router 2 determines that the Wi-Fi connection has not been completed for some reason, it displays an error or the like on the display device 206 to inform the user of the existing mobile router 2 that the Wi-Fi connection has not been completed, and returns to the process as a mobile router (S186).

[0057] After the process of S116 (Fig. 2B) is completed, the alternative mobile router 3 determines whether a response has been received from the existing mobile router 2 within a predetermined time and whether setting information has been received (S188). When the alternative mobile router 3 has received the predetermined setting information (Y in the process of S188), it proceeds to the process of S120 (Fig. 2B), and when it has not received it, it proceeds to the process of S190. When the alternative mobile router 3 determines that it has not received the setting information from the existing mobile router 2 for some reason, it displays an error or the like on the display device 306 to show the user of the alternative mobile router 3 that it wanted to receive the setting information, and returns to the process as a mobile router (S190).

[0058] After the process of S118 (Fig. 2B), the existing mobile router 2 determines whether it has received the unique information and the model name from the alternative mobile router 3 within a predetermined time (S192). When the existing mobile router 2 has received the unique information or the like within the predetermined time (Y in the process of S192), it proceeds to the process of S126 (Fig. 2B), and when it has not received it, it proceeds to the process of S194. When the existing mobile router 2 determines that it has not received the unique information or the like from the existing mobile router 2 for some reason, it displays an error or the like on the display device 206 to show the user of the existing mobile router 2 that it wanted to receive the setting information, and returns to the process as a mobile router (S194).

[0059] When the server device 12 performs the process of S134 (FIG. 2B), it transmits a completion notification indicating that the process of S134 has been completed to the existing mobile router 2. The existing mobile router 2 receives the completion notification from the server device 12 (S196). After the process of S128, the existing mobile router 2 determines whether it has received a completion notification from the alternative mobile router 3 within a predetermined time (S198). When the existing mobile router 2 receives a completion notification within the predetermined time after the process of S128 (Y in the process of S198), it proceeds to the process of S130 (FIG. 2B), and when it does not receive the completion notification (N in the process of S198), it proceeds to the process of S200. If the existing mobile router 2 determines that it has not received a completion notification from the server device 12 for some reason, it displays an error or the like on the display device 206 to notify the user of the existing mobile router 2 that it has not received the completion notification, and returns to the process as a mobile router (S200).

[0060] The following forms are possible in the present application, but are not limited thereto. [Appendix 1] A communication device including one or more CPUs. The one or more CPUs are configured to establish wireless communication with another communication device, transmit setting information for accessing a server device to the other communication device by the wireless communication, receive unique information unique to the other communication device by the wireless communication, and transmit the received unique information unique to the other communication device to the server device via the network using the setting information. [Appendix 2] The communication device according to Appendix 1, which is configured to request a connection by the wireless communication to the other communication device and establish the wireless communication with the other communication device. [Appendix 3] The communication device according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communication is communication by Wi-Fi. [Appendix 4] A communication device including one or more CPUs. The one or more CPUs are configured to establish wireless communication with another communication device in response to a request from the other communication device, receive, via the wireless communication, setting information for accessing a server device via a network from the other communication device, transmit, via the wireless communication, unique information unique to the communication device to the other communication device, access the server device via the network using the received setting information, and receive, from the server device, the setting information corresponding to the unique information unique to the transmitted communication device. [Appendix 5] A server device configured to receive unique information unique to a second communication device from a first communication device, associate and store setting information used by the first communication device for access with the received unique information unique to the second communication device, and transmit, in response to an access from the second communication device, the setting information used by the first communication device for access associated with the unique information unique to the second communication device to the second communication device. [Appendix 6] The server device according to Appendix 5, further configured to receive attribute information of the second communication device from the first communication device and convert the setting information used by the first communication device for access into a configuration used by the second communication device for access when the attribute information of the first communication device is different from the attribute information of the second communication device. [Appendix 7] A communication system including a first communication device, a second communication device, and a server device. The first communication device establishes wireless communication with the second communication device, transmits setting information used by the first communication device for accessing the server device to the second communication device via the wireless communication, receives unique information unique to the second communication device from the second communication device via the wireless communication, and transmits the received unique information unique to the second communication device to the server device via a network using the setting information. The second communication device establishes the wireless communication with the first communication device in response to a request from the first communication device, receives the setting information used by the first communication device for accessing the server device via the network from the first communication device via the wireless communication, transmits the unique information unique to the second communication device to the first communication device via the wireless communication, accesses the server device via the network using the received setting information used by the first communication device, and is configured to receive, from the server device, the setting information corresponding to the unique information unique to the transmitted second communication device. The server device receives the unique information unique to the second communication device from the first communication device, stores the setting information used by the first communication device for access in association with the received unique information unique to the second communication device, and is configured to transmit, in response to an access from the second communication device, the setting information used by the first communication device for access associated with the unique information unique to the second communication device to the second communication device. It goes without saying that any combination of the forms according to the appended claims of the present disclosure, or any combination of the elements described in each aspect and embodiment (including non-selection of some elements), can be made by those skilled in the art at any time according to the basic concept of the present disclosure.

[0061] Note that the disclosures of the above-cited patent documents and the like are incorporated herein by reference. Within the scope of all disclosures (including the claims), modifications and adjustments of the embodiments are possible based on their basic technical ideas. Also, within the scope of all disclosures, various combinations or selections (including partial deletion) of various disclosure elements (including each element of each claim, each element of the embodiments, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. That is, the present disclosure naturally includes all disclosures including the claims, and various modifications and corrections that could be made by those skilled in the art according to the technical idea. In particular, regarding the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or small range included within the range should be construed as specifically described even without separate description. Furthermore, the disclosed matters of the above patent documents, as necessary and in accordance with the spirit of the present disclosure, are considered to be included in the present disclosure as part of the present disclosure and used in combination with the matters described in this document, either in part or in whole.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0062] 1 Communication system 2 Existing mobile router 200, 300 Control unit 202, 302 Memory 204, 204 WAN-IF 206, 306 Display device 208, 308 Operating device 210, 310 Wi-Fi-IF 3 Alternative mobile router 10 Internet 12 Server device

Claims

1. A communication device comprising one or more CPUs, wherein the one or more CPUs establish wireless communication with another communication device, transmit setting information for accessing a server device to the other communication device via the wireless communication, receive unique information unique to the other communication device from the other communication device via the wireless communication, and transmit the received unique information unique to the other communication device to the server device via a network using the setting information. configured as a communication device.

2. request a connection by the wireless communication to the other communication device, and establish the wireless communication with the other communication device. The communication device according to claim 1, configured as

3. The wireless communication is Wi-Fi communication. The communication device according to claim 2.

4. A communication device comprising one or more CPUs, wherein the one or more CPUs establish wireless communication with another communication device in response to a request from the other communication device, receive setting information for accessing a server device via the network from the other communication device via the wireless communication, transmit unique information unique to the communication device to the other communication device via the wireless communication, access the server device via the network using the received setting information, and receive, from the server device, the setting information corresponding to the unique information unique to the transmitted communication device. configured as a communication device.

5. receive unique information unique to a second communication device from a first communication device, The first communication device stores, in an associated manner, setting information used for access and unique information unique to the received second communication device. In response to an access from the second communication device, the setting information used for access by the first communication device associated with the unique information unique to the second communication device is transmitted to the second communication device. A server device configured as described above.

6. The first communication device further receives attribute information of the second communication device from the second communication device. When the attribute information of the first communication device and the attribute information of the second communication device are different, the setting information used for access by the first communication device is converted into a configuration used for access by the second communication device. The server device according to claim 5, configured as described above.

7. A communication system including a first communication device, a second communication device, and a server device, The first communication device Establishes wireless communication with the second communication device, Transmits, via the wireless communication, setting information used by the first communication device for access to the server device to the second communication device, Receives, via the wireless communication, unique information unique to the second communication device from the second communication device, Transmits the received unique information unique to the second communication device to the server device via a network using the setting information. Configured as described above, The second communication device Establishes the wireless communication with the first communication device in response to a request from the first communication device, Receives, via the wireless communication, setting information used by the first communication device for access to the server device via a network from the first communication device, Transmits, via the wireless communication, unique information unique to the second communication device to the first communication device, Access the server device via the network using the configuration information used by the received first communication device, Receive, from the server device, the configuration information corresponding to the unique information unique to the transmitted second communication device and is configured to The server device receives unique information unique to the second communication device from the first communication device, associates and stores the configuration information used by the first communication device for access with the received unique information unique to the second communication device, and, in response to an access from the second communication device, transmits to the second communication device the configuration information used by the first communication device associated with the unique information unique to the second communication device and is configured to communication system.

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