Communication systems and communication methods

Abstract

This invention provides a communication system and method that enables loopback communication within locations connected by a wide-area network, allowing for verification of HF-IP communication functionality within those locations. [Solution] This is a communication system and method for performing wireless communication between multiple locations in a wide-area network. When a control terminal 30 of the system within a location sets up loopback communication with the controller 20, the controller 20 generates data for loopback communication and outputs it as loopback transmission data to either wireless device #1 or wireless device #2. One wireless device transmits the loopback transmission data to an attenuator 6, and the other wireless device transmits the loopback communication data received from the attenuator 6 to the controller 20 as loopback reception data. The controller 20 inputs the loopback reception data and compares the loopback transmission data and the loopback reception data to evaluate the loopback communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system using wireless devices arranged at a plurality of sites in a wide area network, and particularly to a communication system and a communication method capable of realizing folded-back communication within a site and performing function verification of HF-IP communication within the site.

Background Art

[0002] [Prior Art] Conventionally, there has been a communication system in which a wide area network using HF-IP (High Frequency-Internet Protocol) is connected between a plurality of sites. The schematic configuration of such a communication system will be described using FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the communication system. The conventional communication system shown in FIG. 4 performs communication between Site A and Site B, and Site A and Site B each have an in-site system.

[0003] The configuration of the in-site system will be described. The in-site system has a common configuration in Site A and Site B, and includes a wireless device 1, a controller (communication control device) 2, a control terminal 3, and a data transmission / reception terminal 4. Each device is connected by a local network.

[0004] The wireless device 1 performs wireless communication with the wireless device of another site, converts the packet data to be transmitted into an RF (Radio Frequency) signal and radiates it into space, or converts the RF signal received from space into packet data and outputs it to the controller 2. The controller 2 is a communication control device that performs control associated with communication such as compression / expansion of packet data and to which device the packet data to be transmitted / received is transferred.

[0005] The control terminal 3 performs various settings on the controller 2. The data transmission / reception terminal 4 is a terminal operated by the user and is responsible for sending and receiving packet data. These base-level systems are constructed as ground stations or communication stations on ships, and are scattered across multiple locations.

[0006] [Conventional wireless device configuration: Figure 5] The configuration of a conventional wireless device 1 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a conventional wireless device. Conventional wireless devices 1 include an interface unit 11, a modulation / demodulation unit 12, a power amplification unit 13, and a receiving amplification unit 14, and are connected to an antenna sharer 5 and an antenna.

[0007] The interface unit 11 provides a LAN (Local Area Network) interface and sends and receives packet data with the controller 2. The modulation / demodulation unit 12 modulates and demodulates the packet data to be transmitted and received, and performs signal processing associated with the transmission and reception of high-frequency signals.

[0008] The power amplifier 13 amplifies the modulation signal for transmission and outputs it to the antenna sharer 5 as a high-frequency transmission signal. The receiving amplifier 14 amplifies, reduces noise, and down-converts the high-frequency signal received from the antenna sharer 5 and outputs it to the modulation / demodulation unit 12. The RF signals transmitted and received by the wireless device 1 are transmitted and received via the antenna sharer 5 and the antenna.

[0009] [Conventional controller configuration: Figure 6] The configuration of a conventional controller 2 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a conventional controller (communication control device). As shown in Figure 6, the conventional controller 2 comprises a control interface unit 21, a data path control unit 22, a data compression / decompression unit 23, and a MAC control unit 24. The control interface unit 21 is an interface with the control terminal 3, and analyzes the control information from the control terminal 3 and distributes it to the various parts within the controller 2. The data routing control unit 22 controls where to forward the packet data based on the destination of the packet data input from the data transmission / reception terminal 4 and the wireless device 1.

[0010] The data compression / decompression unit 23 compresses the data to efficiently transmit the packet data, and decompresses the received compressed data to obtain the packet data. The MAC control unit 24 controls the MAC layer protocol in the HF-IP communication method. Furthermore, multiple wireless devices 1 are connected to the controller 2, and each wireless device 1 is configured to communicate using a different channel.

[0011] [HF-IP communication functionality check] Traditionally, verifying the functionality and performance of HF-IP communication required communication between different locations, making it impossible to verify within a single location's internal system. Furthermore, if a communication failure occurs during communication with another party, it can be difficult to determine whether the problem lies with our equipment or the other party's equipment. Generally, loopback communication is performed to isolate the problem area, but in conventional communication systems, it is not possible to perform loopback communication from the data transmission / reception terminal 4 within the base station to its own address via the controller 2 and wireless device 1, making it difficult to detect the problem area.

[0012] [Related technologies] Furthermore, a related prior art is Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-046359, "Communication System" (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a communication system that can perform communication even if there are constraints on the transmission time and transmission cycle, by setting a transmission start time that reflects network fluctuations. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-046359 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] As mentioned above, conventional communication systems do not allow loopback communication within a single location. This presents a problem in that it is inconvenient because it is not possible to perform functional or performance checks of HF-IP communication using equipment within the location in situations where radio waves cannot be transmitted or where there is no other location to communicate with.

[0015] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not describe a configuration in which loopback communication is performed using two wireless devices connected by an attenuator within a base station system, and a controller evaluates said loopback communication.

[0016] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a communication system and communication method that enables loopback communication within locations connected by a wide-area network, and allows for verification of HF-IP communication functionality within those locations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The present invention for solving the problems of the above prior art is a communication system that performs wireless communication using an in-site system provided for each of a plurality of sites in a wide area network. The in-site system includes a data transmission / reception terminal that transmits and receives data, a controller that performs compression and decompression processing of data and performs path control of data, a control terminal that controls the controller, and first and second wireless devices that convert data from the controller into an RF signal and output it, and convert an input RF signal into data and output it to the controller. In a state where the first wireless device and the second wireless device are connected by an attenuator, when the control terminal sets loopback communication to the controller, the controller generates data for loopback communication and outputs it as data for loopback transmission to either one of the first wireless device or the second wireless device. One wireless device transmits the data for loopback transmission to the attenuator, and the other wireless device transmits the data for loopback communication received from the attenuator to the controller as data for loopback reception. The controller inputs the data for loopback reception, compares the data for loopback transmission and the data for loopback reception, and evaluates the loopback communication.

[0018] Further, in the present invention, in the above communication system, the control terminal sets one-way loopback communication or two-way loopback communication. In the case of one-way loopback communication, the controller outputs data for loopback transmission to either one of the first wireless device or the second wireless device and inputs data for loopback reception from the other wireless device to execute loopback communication. In the case of two-way loopback communication, in addition to outputting data for loopback transmission to one wireless device and inputting data for loopback reception from the other wireless device to execute loopback communication, the controller outputs data for loopback transmission to the other wireless device and inputs data for loopback reception from the one wireless device to execute loopback communication.

[0019] s Further, in the present invention, in the above communication system, the controller assigns virtual IP addresses to the transmission side and the reception side to perform loopback communication.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned communication system, the controller compares the data to be sent back and the data to be received back, determines whether the two data match or not, evaluates the loopback communication as abnormal if they do not match, and evaluates the loopback communication as normal if they do match.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned communication system, the controller measures the time from the transmission of return transmission data to the reception of return reception data, and if return reception data is not received within a specified time, it is determined to be a timeout, and the return communication is evaluated as being abnormal in the local system.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a communication method for performing wireless communication using an in-site system provided at each of several locations in a wide-area network, wherein in the in-site system, a first wireless device and a second wireless device are connected by an attenuator, each converting data from a controller into an RF signal and outputting it, and also converting input RF signals into data and outputting it to the controller, and when a control terminal that controls the controller sets up loopback communication for the controller, the controller generates data for loopback communication and outputs it as loopback transmission data to either the first wireless device or the second wireless device, one of the wireless devices transmits the loopback transmission data to the attenuator, the other wireless device transmits the loopback communication data received from the attenuator to the controller as loopback reception data, and the controller inputs the loopback reception data and compares the loopback transmission data and the loopback reception data to evaluate the loopback communication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, a communication system for wireless communication using an in-site system provided at each of multiple locations in a wide-area network, wherein the in-site system comprises a data transmission / reception terminal for sending and receiving data, a controller for performing data compression and decompression processing and data routing control, a control terminal for controlling the controller, and first and second wireless devices that convert data from the controller into RF signals and output them, and also convert input RF signals into data and output them to the controller, wherein when the control terminal sets up loopback communication with the controller while the first wireless device and the second wireless device are connected by an attenuator, the controller generates data for loopback communication and sends it to the first wireless device as loopback transmission data. Alternatively, the system outputs to either one of the two wireless devices, one of which transmits the loopback transmission data to the attenuator, the other wireless device receives the loopback communication data from the attenuator and transmits it to the controller as loopback reception data, and the controller inputs the loopback reception data and compares the loopback transmission data and the loopback reception data to evaluate the loopback communication. As such, even if peer communication is not possible, it is possible to check whether HF-IP communication is working properly using a single system within the site, and if a problem occurs in peer communication, it is possible to determine whether the problem is with the equipment within the site or with the equipment on the other side, which has the effect of enabling accurate system maintenance and servicing.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the control terminal sets up either one-way or two-way loopback communication, and the controller, in the case of one-way loopback communication, outputs loopback transmission data to either the first or second wireless device and inputs loopback reception data from the other wireless device, and in the case of two-way loopback communication, in addition to loopback communication where loopback transmission data is output to one wireless device and loopback reception data is input from the other wireless device, the controller also outputs loopback transmission data to the other wireless device and inputs loopback reception data from the first wireless device, thus providing a communication system in which one-way and two-way can be used interchangeably depending on the purpose, and in the case of two-way loopback communication, if a problem occurs in only one direction, it is possible to easily identify the faulty part based on the communication direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This is a description of the configuration of the in-site system within this communication system. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the wireless equipment in this system. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the processing in the controller 20 of the system within this facility. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of the communication system. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a conventional wireless device. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a conventional controller (communication control device). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Summary of the Embodiment] The communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention (this communication system) is a communication system that performs wireless communication using an in-site system provided at each of several locations in a wide-area network, the in-site system comprising a data transmission terminal that transmits and receives data, a controller that performs data compression and decompression processing and data routing control, a control terminal that controls the controller, and first and second wireless devices that convert data from the controller into RF signals and output them, and also convert input RF signals into data and output them to the controller, and when the control terminal sets up loopback communication with the controller while the first wireless device and the second wireless device are connected by an attenuator, the controller generates data for loopback communication and sends the first as loopback transmission data The system outputs to either the wireless device or the second wireless device. One wireless device transmits the loopback transmission data to an attenuator, and the other wireless device receives the loopback communication data from the attenuator and transmits it to the controller as loopback reception data. The controller inputs the loopback reception data and compares it with the loopback transmission data to evaluate the loopback communication. Based on this evaluation, it is possible to determine whether the equipment within the site is functioning correctly. Even if peer communication is not possible, the functionality of HF-IP communication can be verified using a single system within the site. Furthermore, if a problem occurs in peer communication, it is possible to determine whether the problem is with the equipment within the site or with equipment at another site, allowing for accurate system maintenance and repair. Furthermore, the communication method according to the embodiment of the present invention is a communication method in this communication system.

[0027] [In-site system within this communication system: Figure 1] This communication system, like the communication system shown in Figure 4, uses HF-IP for wireless communication between systems at multiple locations, but its distinctive feature lies in the configuration of the individual system at each location.

[0028] The on-site system of this communication system will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the on-site system in this communication system. Furthermore, the in-house systems located at multiple locations are connected by a wide-area network, as shown in Figure 4, to constitute this communication system.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the system within this base basically consists of a controller 20, a control terminal 30, a wireless device #1 (10-1), a wireless device #2 (10-2), and an attenuator (ATT) 6. In Figure 1, only wireless device #1 (10-1) and wireless device #2 (10-2) are shown as wireless devices 10, but it is possible to have more wireless devices 10. Although a data transmission / reception terminal 4 is connected to the controller 30, as in Figure 4, it is not shown in this illustration.

[0030] Furthermore, the system within this base station is configured with a loopback communication mode as the operating mode of the controller 20, and loopback communication using HF-IP communication is performed using any two wireless devices 10 within the base station for evaluation.

[0031] Figure 1 also shows the data flow when loopback communication is performed within the system at this location. In practice, as shown in Figure 6, the data compression / decompression unit 23 and the data path control unit 220 are connected. In the case of normal cross-site communication where the loopback communication mode is not set, the data transmission / reception terminal 4 is connected to the data path control unit 20, as in the conventional system, and communication is performed without going through the loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25.

[0032] Here, we will briefly explain loopback communication within the system at this location. In this on-site system, two wireless devices 10 within the site are used. The controller 20 transmits data generated for loopback communication to one of the wireless devices (for example, wireless device #1). Wireless device #1 transmits the data wirelessly in the same manner as when transmitting in normal one-way communication. Wireless device #2 receives this data via the attenuator 6 and outputs it to the controller 20 in the same manner as when receiving in normal one-way communication. The controller 20 then compares the data transmitted to one wireless device #1 with the data returned from the other wireless device #2 to evaluate whether the loopback communication was successful.

[0033] In other words, this communication system allows for verification of HF-IP communication operation even when outbound communication is not possible, by performing loopback communication within the system at each location. Furthermore, if a communication failure occurs in outbound communication, the location of the failure can be detected by performing loopback communication within each system at each location, enabling efficient and appropriate maintenance.

[0034] This section describes the key features of the system within this facility. [Wireless device 10] The wireless device 10 is the same as the conventional wireless device 1, but the two wireless devices 10 performing loopback communication are configured to communicate on the same wireless channel. Figure 1 shows the case where wireless device #1 (10-1) and wireless device #2 (10-2) perform loopback communication, and both wireless devices 10 communicate using channel A (chA).

[0035] Furthermore, wireless device #1 (10-1) and wireless device #2 (10-2) are connected via attenuator 6. Specifically, the RF signal from radio device #1 (10⁻¹) to radio device #2 (10⁻²) and the RF signal from radio device #2 (10⁻²) to radio device #1 (10⁻¹) are attenuated by attenuator 6 before reaching the receiving end. In the case of loopback communication, the transmitted signal is not radiated into space, so attenuator 6 is used to make the signal level at the receiving end the same as in normal one-way communication.

[0036] [Control terminal 30] The control terminal 30 performs various settings on the controller 20, as in the conventional system. However, a feature of this communication system is that the control terminal 30 sets the loopback communication mode on the controller 20 and configures the wireless device 10 (loopback wireless device) that performs loopback communication. As described later, there are two types of loopback communication modes: one-way loopback and two-way loopback, and one of these is set.

[0037] Furthermore, the loopback wireless device settings specify a pair of wireless devices 10 within the base station that will perform loopback communication. In addition, in one-way loopback mode, the direction of loopback is also specified. For example, as a loopback wireless device, in one-way loopback mode, the pair of wireless devices 10 that communicate and the direction of communication are specified, such as "wireless device #1 (10-1) → wireless device #2 (10-2)". When setting a bidirectional loopback mode, specifying a set of wireless devices 10 will specify both loopback communication from one to the other and loopback communication from the other to the first.

[0038] [Controller 20] The controller 20 performs communication control in the same manner as before, and also has an operating mode for loopback communication. When loopback communication mode is set from the control terminal 30, it controls and evaluates loopback communication within the base system. Further details will be described later.

[0039] The controller 20 includes a control interface unit 21, a data path control unit 220, a data compression / decompression unit 23, a MAC control unit 24, and a loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25. Of these, the control interface unit 21, the data compression / decompression unit 23, and the MAC control unit 24 are the same as in the conventional model, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0040] I will now explain the features of the controller 20. [Return data generation / evaluation unit 25] The loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25 generates data for loopback communication and performs loopback communication, and also evaluates the loopback communication to determine whether the loopback communication was performed successfully, and evaluates whether there are any problems with the operation or performance of the equipment in the base system or the HF-IP communication protocol.

[0041] Specifically, when the loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25 sets the loopback communication mode from the control terminal 30, it generates data for loopback communication. The source and destination addresses for the loopback communication data are virtual addresses. The loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25 then outputs the generated loopback communication data to the data compression / decompression unit 23, just like normal transmission data. The loopback communication data output from the loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25 to one of the wireless devices 10 (for example, wireless device #1 (10-1)) is referred to as loopback transmission data.

[0042] The data for loopback transmission is sent from radio device #1 (10-1) to radio device #2 (10-2) and input to controller 20. The data for loopback communication received by controller 20 from the other radio device 10 (in this case, radio device #2 (10-2)) is referred to as loopback reception data.

[0043] Furthermore, the loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25 evaluates whether or not the loopback communication was performed successfully (evaluation of loopback communication). Methods for evaluating loopback communication include comparing the transmitted data (loopback transmission data) and received data (loopback reception data) in the loopback communication to see if they match, or measuring the time required for loopback communication and comparing it to a set time. The loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25 then notifies the control terminal 30 whether or not the loopback communication was performed successfully, based on the results of the comparison of transmitted and received data and the measured time of the loopback communication, and displays the evaluation result of the loopback communication on the control terminal 30.

[0044] The time for loopback communication is measured when the loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25 outputs loopback transmission data to the data compression / decompression unit 23, which starts a timer to begin timing. The time from then until the loopback reception data (described later) is received from the data compression / decompression unit 23 is measured. If loopback reception data is not received, a timeout is triggered. If the time required for the return communication is within the set allowable time, it is determined that the return communication was performed successfully. If it exceeds the allowable time or a timeout occurs, it is determined that there is an abnormality. The allowable time should, for example, be a time corresponding to the expected communication speed.

[0045] Furthermore, the loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25 stores the date and time of the loopback communication, the combination of wireless devices 10 and the communication direction, and the evaluation results of the loopback communication for each loopback communication, making them available for analysis of the system's operating status and performance.

[0046] [Data path control unit 220] The data path control unit 220 controls the paths of the data to be transmitted and received for loopback communication. Specifically, when the data path control unit 220 receives information about the loopback wireless device from the control terminal 30, it controls the paths for the loopback transmission data and the loopback reception data. For example, if "Wireless device #1 (10-1) → Wireless device #2 (10-2)" is set as the information for the loopback wireless device, the loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25 outputs loopback transmission data to wireless device #1 (10-1), which is the transmitting side of the loopback communication, and also outputs loopback reception data from wireless device #2 (10-2), which is the receiving side, to the loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25.

[0047] Furthermore, the data path control unit 220 stores the addresses (virtual addresses) of virtual terminals that are assumed to be connected to each wireless device 10. For example, if virtual address A is assigned to wireless device #1 (10-1) and virtual address B is assigned to wireless device #2 (10-2), the data path control unit 220, upon receiving loopback transmission data from virtual address A to virtual address B, outputs to wireless device #1 (10-1) to transmit the said loopback transmission data, and upon receiving loopback reception data including the said virtual address from wireless device #2 (10-2), outputs to the loopback data generation / evaluation unit 25.

[0048] Furthermore, if bidirectional loopback communication is configured in the controller 20, the data path control unit 220 controls the paths for loopback transmission data and loopback reception data for both "wireless device #1 (10-1) → wireless device #2 (10-2)" and "wireless device #2 (10-2) → wireless device #1 (10-1)" based on the configured loopback wireless device information.

[0049] [Configuration of the wireless equipment in this system: Figure 2] Next, the configuration of the wireless device 10 used in the in-site system of this system will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the wireless device of this system. The configuration of the wireless device 10 in this system is basically the same as that of the conventional wireless device 1 shown in Figure 5, but as shown in Figure 2, the two wireless devices 10 that perform loopback communication are connected to each other via attenuators 61 and 62, unlike in the conventional system.

[0050] The wireless devices #1 (10-1) and #2 (10-2) that perform loopback communication include, as in the conventional system, an interface unit 11, a modulation / demodulation unit 12, a power amplifier unit 13, and a receiving amplifier unit 14. The explanation of the parts that are the same as in the conventional system will be omitted.

[0051] Instead of the antenna sharer 5 and antenna shown in Figure 5, the power amplifier 13 of wireless device #1 (10-1) and the receiving amplifier 14 of wireless device #2 (10-2) are connected to attenuator 61, and the receiving amplifier 14 of wireless device #1 (10-1) and the power amplifier 13 of wireless device #2 (10-2) are connected to attenuator 62. Furthermore, the combined configuration of attenuators 61 and 62 corresponds to attenuator 6 shown in Figure 1.

[0052] In other words, during normal operation, the wireless device 10 is connected to the antenna sharer 5 and the antenna. However, when loopback communication is performed to check the operation and performance of the equipment, the antenna sharer 5 and antennas of the two wireless devices 10 that are the targets of the loopback communication are removed and connected to each other via attenuators 61 and 62. Furthermore, as mentioned above, during loopback communication, wireless device #1 (10-1) and wireless device #2 (10-2) are configured to transmit and receive on the same channel.

[0053] As a result, during loopback communication, the transmitted RF signal containing the loopback transmission data transmitted from radio device #1 (10-1) is input to the attenuator 61, attenuated, and then input to the receiving amplifier 14 of radio device #2 (10-2). Similarly, the transmitted RF signal from radio device #2 (10-2), which includes data for aliasing, is attenuated by attenuator 62 and input to the receiving amplifier 14 of radio device #1 (10-1). In this way, the wireless device 10 operates in the same manner as during normal operation when performing one-way communication, and the controller 20 can detect whether there are any malfunctions inside the wireless device 10 or the controller 20 by evaluating the loopback communication.

[0054] [Processing in the controller: Figure 3] Next, the processing in the controller 20 of the system within this site will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing in the controller 20 of the system within this site. As shown in Figure 3, when the controller 20 receives a loopback communication mode (one-way or two-way) from the control terminal 30 (S11) and information about the wireless device that will perform loopback communication (loopback wireless device) is set (S12), it generates data for loopback communication (S13). In the case of one-way loopback communication, the direction of communication is also set in process S12.

[0055] Here, the controller 20 stores the date and time of the loopback communication, the number of the wireless device 10 to which the loopback communication is performed, and the communication direction as loopback communication setting information. Loopback communication setting information is stored for each loopback communication, with one loopback communication setting information stored for one-way communication and two loopback communication setting information for bidirectional communication.

[0056] The controller 20 then starts measuring the time for loopback communication (S14), determines whether the set loopback communication mode is unidirectional or bidirectional (S15), and if it is unidirectional, outputs loopback transmission data to one of the source radio devices (radio device #1(10-1)) based on the information of the loopback radio device set in process S12 (S16), and radio device #1(10-1) transmits the loopback transmission data.

[0057] The controller 20 then waits for loopback communication data (loopback reception data) from the other wireless device (wireless device #2 (10-2)), and upon receiving it (S17), it finishes measuring the loopback time and stores the loopback time in association with the loopback communication setting information (S20).

[0058] Furthermore, in process S15, if the loopback communication mode is bidirectional, loopback communication is performed in both directions: wireless device #1 (10-1) → wireless device #2 (10-2) and wireless device #2 (10-2) → wireless device #1 (10-1). Therefore, the controller 20 outputs loopback transmission data to both wireless devices 10 (S18), and transmission occurs from both wireless device #1 (10-1) and wireless device #2 (10-2). The controller 20 then waits for return data from both wireless devices 10, and upon receiving it (S19), proceeds to processing S20, where it associates the return communication setting information for each direction with the return time and stores it. In the case of bidirectional communication, first, the return communication in one direction shall be performed, and only then shall the return communication in the other direction be performed.

[0059] Furthermore, if the process S17 times out without receiving the return data from the other wireless device, the process S20 stores a record of the timeout instead of the return time. Furthermore, in the case of bidirectional communication, if a timeout occurs in process S19 without receiving loopback reception data from one or both wireless devices 10, process S20 stores the fact that a timeout occurred, associated with the respective loopback communication setting information.

[0060] The controller 20 then compares the outputted loopback transmission data with the loopback reception data returned by the loopback communication and performs a loopback communication evaluation to determine whether the two match (S21).

[0061] Then, the controller 20 associates the loopback communication setting information with the loopback result in processing S21, outputting and displaying the evaluation result of the loopback communication, including the loopback time (evaluation result), to the control terminal 30 (S22), and ending the process. This provides information to determine whether HF-IP communication is functioning correctly in the in-site system using wireless device #1 (10-1) and wireless device #2 (10-2).

[0062] Furthermore, if, in process S22, the data for return transmission and the data for return reception match and the return time is within the allowable time, the controller 20 may determine that each piece of equipment in the base system and the wireless device 10 that performed the return communication are operating normally, and display "Normal" in the evaluation result.

[0063] Furthermore, if, in process S22, the data for return transmission and the data for return reception do not match, or if the return time exceeds the allowable time (including timeout), it may be determined that any equipment in the base system or any of the wireless devices 10 that performed the return communication is abnormal, and the evaluation result may display "abnormal".

[0064] Furthermore, within this facility's system, maintenance personnel can estimate the location of abnormalities based on the evaluation results of loopback communications. For example, if loopback communication is performed in both directions and only one direction is abnormal, it is possible that there is a problem with the modulation / demodulation unit 12 (transmitter modulation or receiver demodulation) of one of the wireless devices 10. Furthermore, based on the direction of the abnormal loopback communication, it is possible that there is a malfunction in the power amplification unit 13 of the transmitting wireless device 10 or the receiving amplification unit 14 of the receiving wireless device 10.

[0065] [Effects of the embodiment] This communication system and method provides a communication system that performs wireless communication using an in-site system provided at each of several locations in a wide-area network. The in-site system comprises a data transmission / reception terminal 4 that transmits and receives data, a controller 20 that performs data compression and decompression and data routing, a control terminal 30 that controls the controller 20, and wireless devices #1 and #2 that convert data from the controller 20 into RF signals and output them, and also convert input RF signals into data and output them to the controller 20. When wireless devices #1 and #2 are connected via an attenuator 6, and the control terminal 30 sets up loopback communication with the controller 20, the controller 20 generates data for loopback communication and sends it as loopback transmission data to wireless device #1 or wireless The system outputs to either of the wireless devices in device #2. One wireless device transmits the loopback transmission data to the attenuator 6, and the other wireless device transmits the loopback communication data received from the attenuator 6 to the controller 20 as loopback reception data. The controller 20 inputs the loopback reception data and compares the loopback transmission data with the loopback reception data to evaluate the loopback communication. Based on this evaluation, it is possible to determine whether the equipment within the site is functioning correctly. Even if one-way communication is not possible, the functionality of HF-IP communication can be verified using a single system within the site. Furthermore, if a problem occurs in one-way communication, evaluation using loopback communication allows for determination of whether the problem is with equipment within the site or with equipment at another site, enabling accurate system maintenance and repair.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this communication system and method, the controller 20 performs one-way loopback communication or bi-way loopback communication based on the settings of the control terminal 30 and evaluates each loopback communication. Therefore, if bi-way loopback communication is performed and a malfunction occurs in only one direction, it is possible to easily identify the faulty part based on the direction of communication. [Industrial applicability]

[0067] The present invention is suitable for a communication system and communication method that enables loopback communication within locations connected by a wide-area network, and allows for verification of HF-IP communication functionality within those locations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1,10…Wireless device, 11…Interface unit, 12…Modulation / demodulation unit, 13…Power amplifier unit, 14…Receiver / amplifier unit, 2,20…Controller, 3,30…Control terminal, 4…Data transmission / reception terminal, 5…Antenna sharer, 6,61,62…Attenuator, 21…Control interface unit, 22,220…Data path control unit, 23…Data compression / decompression unit, 24…MAC control unit, 25…Loopback data generation / evaluation unit

Claims

1. A communication system that performs wireless communication using in-site systems established at each of multiple locations in a wide-area network, The aforementioned in-site system is A data transmission terminal that sends and receives data, A controller that performs data compression and decompression, and controls the data routing, A control terminal that controls the controller, The system includes first and second wireless devices that convert data from the controller into RF signals and output them, and also convert input RF signals into data and output them to the controller. A communication system characterized in that, with the first wireless device and the second wireless device connected by an attenuator, when the control terminal sets up loopback communication with the controller, the controller generates data for loopback communication and outputs it as loopback transmission data to either the first wireless device or the second wireless device, the one wireless device transmits the loopback transmission data to the attenuator, the other wireless device transmits the loopback communication data received from the attenuator to the controller as loopback reception data, and the controller inputs the loopback reception data and compares the loopback transmission data and the loopback reception data to evaluate the loopback communication.

2. The control terminal sets up either one-way loopback communication or bi-way loopback communication. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the case of one-way loopback communication, the controller outputs the loopback transmission data to either the first wireless device or the second wireless device and inputs the loopback reception data from the other wireless device, and in the case of bidirectional loopback communication, in addition to the loopback communication in which the controller outputs the loopback transmission data to one wireless device and inputs the loopback reception data from the other wireless device, the controller also outputs the loopback transmission data to the other wireless device and inputs the loopback reception data from the first wireless device.

3. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller assigns virtual IP addresses to the transmitting and receiving sides to perform the loopback communication.

4. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller compares the loopback transmission data and the loopback reception data to determine whether the two data match, and if they do not match, evaluates the loopback communication as abnormal for the local system, and if they do match, evaluates the loopback communication as normal for the local system.

5. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller measures the time from the transmission of the return transmission data to the reception of the return reception data, determines that a timeout has occurred if the return reception data is not received within a specified time, and evaluates the return communication as abnormal in the system within the base station.

6. A communication method that uses in-site systems established at each of multiple locations in a wide-area network to perform wireless communication, In the aforementioned in-site system, a first wireless device and a second wireless device, which convert data from the controller into an RF signal and output it, and which converts an input RF signal into data and outputs it to the controller, are connected by an attenuator. A communication method characterized in that, when a control terminal that controls the controller sets up loopback communication for the controller, the controller generates data for loopback communication and outputs it as loopback transmission data to either the first wireless device or the second wireless device, the one wireless device transmits the loopback transmission data to the attenuator, the other wireless device transmits the loopback communication data received from the attenuator to the controller as loopback reception data, and the controller inputs the loopback reception data and compares the loopback transmission data and the loopback reception data to evaluate the loopback communication.

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