Bridge equipment and bridge programs

Abstract

To access an external network.SOLUTION: A bridge device 1 that operates as a bridge in a LAN includes an access unit 11 which accesses the Internet. The LAN has connected thereto a router device 2 that accesses the Internet. The bridge device 1 may further include a setting unit 12 that performs setting for assigning priorities to access to the Internet by a router device 2 and access to the Internet by the access unit 11. The bridge device 1 may access the Internet based on the setting by the setting unit 12. The access unit 11 may access the Internet when access to the Internet by the router device 2 is impossible. The access device 11 is not required to access the Internet when access to the Internet by the router device 2 is possible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bridge device and a bridge program. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a system for multi-layer network elements including a bridge that relays packets within a LAN (Local Area Network). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2002-508123 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The bridge in the above system only relays packets within the LAN and cannot access, for example, an external network. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to access an external network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A bridge device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a bridge device that operates as a bridge within a LAN and includes an access unit that accesses an external network.

[0006] In this aspect, the external network is accessed by the access unit, that is, the external network can be accessed. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an external network may be accessed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a bridge device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration including a bridge device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting Internet access priorities. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a priority process executed by a bridge device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a router device 2 can access the Internet in the system configuration shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the router device 2 cannot access the Internet in the system configuration shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of behavior when there is a response to a Ping sent to the Internet side. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of behavior when there is no response to a Ping sent to the Internet side. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of behavior when there is a response to a Ping to the Internet side after the behavior shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an access process executed by the bridge device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the access process executed by the bridge device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a bridge program according to an embodiment together with a storage medium. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer used in a bridge device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure in the following description are specific examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified to limit the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a bridge device 1 according to an embodiment. The bridge device 1 is a computer device (network device) that operates as a bridge in a LAN. In this embodiment, the term "LAN" may be replaced with "network" as appropriate. The bridge device 1 basically operates as a bridge (or in bridge mode), but may also have functions that are not included in a bridge. The bridge device 1 may function as a backup for the bridge mode. The bridge device 1 may have functions that are realized in a general "bridge mode".

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the bridge device 1 includes a storage unit 10, an access unit 11 (access unit), and a setting unit 12 (setting unit). Each functional block of the bridge device 1 is assumed to function within the bridge device 1, but is not limited to this. For example, some of the functional blocks of the bridge device 1 may function within a computer device different from the bridge device 1 and connected to the bridge device 1 through a network, while appropriately transmitting and receiving information with the bridge device 1. Also, some of the functional blocks of the bridge device 1 may be omitted, multiple functional blocks may be integrated into one functional block, or one functional block may be decomposed into multiple functional blocks.

[0012] A router device 2 that accesses the Internet may be connected to a LAN that includes (is connected to) the bridge device 1. The router device 2 is, for example, a home router. The access to the Internet by the router device 2 may be, for example, a wired access via optical fiber or a wireless access via LTE (Long Term Evolution). The router device 2 may access the Internet by each of a plurality of independent means (for example, optical connection and LTE connection). The router device 2 may have a function that a general router has. In this embodiment, the term "Internet" may be appropriately replaced with "external network". The router device 2 may operate as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. That is, a router device 2 that accesses the Internet and operates as a DHCP server may be connected to a LAN that includes the bridge device 1. The bridge device 1 does not have to operate as a DHCP server. The bridge device 1 may operate as a DHCP client.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration including a bridge device 1. In the system configuration shown in Fig. 2, a LAN includes a bridge device 1, an A device 1A, a B device 1B, a router device 2, a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) 2A, an optical TV 2B, a personal computer (PC) 2C, and a game machine 2D.

[0014] The bridge device 1 is connected to device A 1A and device B 1B via a network on the LAN side (LAN port) of the bridge device 1. Device A 1A and device B 1B may each be any device. The number of devices connected to the LAN side of the bridge device 1 is not limited to two, and may be any number. As shown in FIG. 2, the LAN side of the bridge device 1 is assigned IP address "192.168.100.11", device A 1A is assigned IP address "192.168.100.12", and device B 1B is assigned IP address "192.168.100.13".

[0015] The bridge device 1 can access the Internet through an access unit 11, which will be described later. In Fig. 2, it is shown that the bridge device 1 can access the Internet through an LTE connection.

[0016] The WAN (Wide Area Network) side (WAN port) of the bridge device 1 is connected to the LAN side of the router device 2 via a network. As shown in Figure 2, the WAN side of the bridge device 1 is assigned the IP address "192.168.100.10", and the LAN side of the router device 2 is assigned the IP address "192.168.100.1".

[0017] The router device 2 is connected to the bridge device 1 described above as well as to the HEMS 2A, the optical TV 2B, the PC 2C, and the game console 2D on the LAN side of the router device 2 via a network. The HEMS 2A, the optical TV 2B, the PC 2C, and the game console 2D may each be any device. The number of devices connected to the LAN side of the router device 2 is not limited to four, and may be any number. As shown in FIG. 2, the HEMS 2A is assigned an IP address "192.168.100.2", the optical TV 2B is assigned an IP address "192.168.100.3", the PC 2C is assigned an IP address "192.168.100.4", and the game console 2D is assigned an IP address "192.168.100.5".

[0018] 2 may be constructed by a router device 2. IP addresses within the LAN may be within the range of "192.168.100.0 / 24."

[0019] The router device 2 can access the Internet on the WAN side. As shown in Figure 2, the IP address "130.220.10.5" is assigned to the router device 2 on the WAN side.

[0020] The functions of the bridge device 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below.

[0021] The storage unit 10 may store any information used in processing in the bridge device 1 and results of processing in the bridge device 1. The information stored by the storage unit 10 may be referred to by each function of the bridge device 1 as appropriate.

[0022] The access unit 11 accesses the Internet. The access unit 11 accesses the Internet by existing technology. The access unit 11 may access the Internet by wireless access via LTE or the like, or by wired access via optical fiber or the like. The access unit 11 may access the Internet by each of a plurality of independent means. For example, by inserting (attaching) a plurality of SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards into the bridge device 1, the access unit 11 may access the Internet by each of the means (a plurality of means) based on the information of each SIM card.

[0023] The access unit 11 may access (permit access to) the Internet when the Internet cannot be accessed by the router device 2. For example, the access unit 11 may transmit a Ping to a predetermined (fixed) Uniform Resource Locator (URL) from the WAN port of the bridge device 1 via the router device 2, and if there is no Ping response, may determine that the router device 2 cannot access the Internet, and (the access unit 11) may access the Internet.

[0024] The access unit 11 does not have to access the Internet (it may block access) when access to the Internet is possible through the router device 2. For example, the access unit 11 transmits a Ping to a predetermined (fixed) URL from the WAN port of the bridge device 1 via the router device 2, and if there is a Ping response, it determines that access to the Internet is possible through the router device 2, and (the access unit 11) does not have to access the Internet.

[0025] The setting unit 12 sets (priority setting) which of the access to the Internet by the router device 2 and the access unit 11 is to be prioritized. When each of the router device 2 and the access unit 11 can access the Internet by a plurality of means, the setting unit 12 may set which of the means is to be prioritized, including each of the means. The setting unit 12 may store the priority setting as setting information in the storage unit 10. The bridge device 1 may access the Internet based on the priority setting by the setting unit 12. The bridge device 1 may access the Internet based on (the priority setting indicated by) the setting information stored in the storage unit 10. For example, when the setting unit 12 sets the priority to the access to the Internet by the router device 2, the bridge device 1 accesses the Internet by the router device 2. Also, when the setting unit 12 sets the priority to the access to the Internet by the access unit 11, the bridge device 1 accesses the Internet by the access unit 11.

[0026] The setting unit 12 may perform priority setting based on an instruction or input from an administrator of the bridge device 1 or the like. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting priority of Internet access. The example screen shown in FIG. 3 shows a web screen that is displayed to the administrator of the bridge device 1 or the like via the web and that allows the setting unit 12 to perform priority setting based on an input from the administrator of the bridge device 1 or the like. The example screen shown in FIG. 3 includes a drop-down list for selecting a preferred access (item name "Primary Link"), a drop-down list for selecting a backup (next preferred) access (item name "Backup Link"), and a drop-down list for selecting a backup mode (item name "Backup Mode"). In the example screen shown in FIG. 3, access to the Internet by the router device 2 (name indicating the WAN port of the router device 2) is selected as the preferred access, access to the Internet by the access unit 11 (name indicating the WAN port used when the access unit 11 of the bridge device 1 accesses the Internet) is selected as the backup access, and warm backup (access to the Internet as a backup immediately when started) is selected as the backup mode.

[0027] 4 is a flow chart showing an example of priority processing executed by the bridge device 1. First, the setting unit 12 sets whether access to the Internet by the router device 2 or access to the Internet by the access unit 11 is to be prioritized, and stores the setting information in the storage unit 10 (step S1). Next, the bridge device 1 reads out (the setting indicated by) the setting information stored in S1 (step S2). Next, the bridge device 1 makes an access based on (the setting indicated by) the setting information read out in S2 (step S3).

[0028] Next, with reference to Figs. 5 to 11, an example of operation accompanying a state change when access to the Internet by the router device 2 is set as a priority (and access to the Internet by the access unit 11 is set as a backup) will be described.

[0029] The initial state (default) is state A. In state A, because priority is given to access to the Internet by the router device 2, access to the Internet is performed by the router device 2, and not by the access unit 11. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the router device 2 can access the Internet in the system configuration shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, FIG. 5 shows an example of state A. In FIG. 5, because the access unit 11 does not access the Internet, a diagram relating to access to the Internet by the access unit 11 (bridge device 1) is shown by a dotted line. In FIG. 5, the access unit 11 is in a hot standby state, and is in a state in which the access unit 11 instantly accesses (can access) the Internet if the router device 2 is unable to access the Internet.

[0030] A state in which the router device 2 is no longer able to access the Internet in state A is referred to as state B. In state B, access to the Internet is performed by the access unit 11. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the router device 2 is no longer able to access the Internet in the system configuration shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, FIG. 6 shows an example of state B. In FIG. 6, since the router device 2 is no longer able to access the Internet, the diagram relating to the access to the Internet by the router device 2 is shown by a dotted line. In FIG. 6, the access unit 11, which was in a Hot standby state in state A, is no longer able to access the Internet due to the router device 2, so the access unit 11 accesses (can access) the Internet.

[0031] A state in which access to the Internet is enabled (restored) by the router device 2 in state B is referred to as state C. State C is similar to state A, and it can be said that FIG. 5 shows an example of state C. In other words, access to the Internet is performed by the router device 2, not by the access unit 11.

[0032] State A, state B, and state C will be described from a different perspective with reference to FIGS.

[0033] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of behavior when there is a response to a Ping sent to the Internet side. The access unit 11 of the bridge device 1 transmits a Ping periodically (for example, every 60 seconds) from the WAN port of the bridge device 1 to a specific URL (on the Internet side) via the router device 2. As shown in Fig. 7, when there is a response to the transmitted Ping, the access unit 11 does not access the Internet (for example, blocks LTE on the bridge device 1 side, turns off the LTE function). Fig. 7 corresponds to state A.

[0034] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of behavior when there is no response to a Ping to the Internet side. As shown in Fig. 8, when there is no response to the transmitted Ping, the access unit 11 accesses the Internet (for example, permits LTE on the bridge device 1 side and turns on the LTE function). Fig. 8 corresponds to state B.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of behavior when there is a response to a Ping to the Internet side after the behavior shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 9, even if there is no response to the transmitted Ping, a Ping is transmitted periodically (periodic Ping), and when there is a response to the periodic Ping (i.e., when access to the Internet by the router device 2 is restored), the access unit 11 does not access the Internet (for example, blocking LTE on the bridge device 1 side, turning off the LTE function). Fig. 9 corresponds to state C.

[0036] 7 to 9, when the WAN port (of the bridging device 1) can connect to the Internet via the router device 2, the WAN side communication is used preferentially. It can be said that the bridging device 1 has an LTE communication switching function, which is a function for switching LTE communication.

[0037] Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the access process executed by the bridge device 1. First, the access unit 11 judges whether or not access to the Internet is possible through the router device 2 (step S10). If it is judged in S10 that access is possible (S10: YES), the access unit 11 does not access the Internet (step S11). On the other hand, if it is judged in S10 that access is not possible (S10: NO), the access unit 11 accesses the Internet (step S12). The series of access processes shown in Fig. 10 may be repeated.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the access process executed by the bridge device 1. First, the access unit 11 judges whether or not the router device 2 can access the Internet (step S20). If it is judged in S20 that the access can be performed (S20: YES), the access unit 11 does not access the Internet (step S21). On the other hand, if it is judged in S20 that the access cannot be performed (S20: NO), the access unit 11 accesses the Internet (step S22). Following S22 (e.g., after a predetermined time from the process of S22), the access unit 11 judges whether or not the router device 2 can access the Internet (step S23). If it is judged in S23 that the access can be performed (if the access to the Internet by the router device 2 is restored) (S23: YES), the process proceeds to S21. On the other hand, if it is judged in S23 that the access cannot be performed (S23: NO), the process returns to S23 (e.g., after a predetermined time). The series of access processes shown in FIG. 11 may be repeated.

[0039] Next, a bridge program 200 for causing a computer to execute a series of processes by the bridge device 1 will be described. The bridge program 200 is a computer program for causing the bridge device 1, which operates as a bridge in a LAN, to function as an access unit 11 that accesses the Internet. As shown in Fig. 12, the bridge program 200 is inserted into a computer and accessed, or is stored in a program storage area 101 formed in a storage medium 100 provided in the computer. More specifically, the bridge program 200 is stored in the program storage area 101 formed in the storage medium 100 provided in the bridge device 1.

[0040] The bridge program 200 includes an access module 201 and a setting module 202. Functions realized by executing the access module 201 and the setting module 202 are similar to the functions of the access unit 11 and the setting unit 12 of the bridge device 1 described above, respectively.

[0041] The bridge program 200 may be a program for causing the bridge device 1 (one or more CPUs) to function as an access unit 11 that accesses the Internet, and a setting unit 12 that sets whether access to the Internet via the router device 2 or access to the Internet via the access unit 11 is to be prioritized.

[0042] The bridge program 200 may be configured such that a part or the whole of it is transmitted via a transmission medium such as a communication line, and is received and stored (including installed) by another device. Also, each module of the bridge program 200 may be installed not in one computer, but in one of multiple computers. In that case, the series of processes of the bridge program 200 described above are performed by a computer system consisting of the multiple computers.

[0043] Next, the effects of the bridge device 1 and the bridge program 200 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0044] The bridge device 1 that operates as a bridge within a LAN (network) includes an access unit 11 that accesses the Internet (external network). With this configuration, it is possible to access the Internet (external network) while operating as a bridge within the LAN.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the bridge device 1, the LAN is connected to a router device 2 that accesses the Internet, and the LAN may further include a setting unit 12 that sets (priority setting) whether access to the Internet by the router device 2 or access to the Internet by the access unit 11 is to be prioritized. With this configuration, it is possible to set whether access to the Internet by the router device 2 or access to the Internet by the access unit 11 is to be prioritized. This makes it possible to set in advance which one is to be prioritized, for example.

[0046] Furthermore, the bridge device 1 may access the Internet based on the setting (priority setting) by the setting unit 12. With this configuration, it is possible to access the Internet based on the priority setting. This allows automatic access control without the need for an administrator of the bridge device 1 to manually control access.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the bridge device 1, a router device 2 that accesses the Internet is connected to the LAN, and the access unit 11 may access the Internet when the router device 2 cannot access the Internet. With this configuration, the Internet can be accessed by the access unit 11 even when the router device 2 cannot access the Internet. This makes it possible to avoid, for example, a state in which the Internet cannot be accessed from within the LAN.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the bridge device 1, the router device 2 that accesses the Internet is connected to the LAN, and the access unit 11 does not need to access the Internet when the router device 2 can access the Internet. With this configuration, when the router device 2 can access the Internet, the access to the Internet by the router device 2 can be used.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the bridge device 1, a router device 2 that accesses the Internet and operates as a DHCP server may be connected to the LAN. With this configuration, the router device 2 operates as a DHCP server, so that, for example, an appropriate DHCP environment can be constructed within the LAN.

[0050] Furthermore, the bridge device 1 does not need to operate as a DHCP server. With this configuration, even if a router device 2 operating as a DHCP server is connected, the DHCP servers are not duplicated and an appropriate DHCP environment can be constructed within the LAN.

[0051] The bridge device 1 may also operate as a DHCP client. With this configuration, for example, when a router device 2 operating as a DHCP server is connected, the bridge device 1 operates as a DHCP client, so that an appropriate DHCP environment can be constructed within the LAN.

[0052] One of the challenges in the past was that the introduction of HEMS was difficult because the network environment in each home was different. For example, the customer may or may not have an existing Internet environment. When introducing a HEMS, it is necessary to set up the lines with the ONU (Optical Network Unit) and router on the Internet side, as well as the settings with the sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) equipment. This type of work is unfamiliar to ordinary households and businesses, and it often does not go well. In addition, the hurdles to introduction are high, with the dispatch of workers and the initial introduction costs.

[0053] The bridge device 1 can, for example, automatically identify the existing network environment and automatically construct an optimal network configuration by combining the existing line and the LTE line. The bridge device 1 can, for example, eliminate the need for complicated setting work when introducing a HEMS. When introducing a HEMS to each home, even if the bridge device 1 is introduced later into the LAN, the setting is transparently performed and Internet access can be appropriately performed. Furthermore, even if the bridge device 1, device A 1A connected to the bridge device 1, and device B 1B connected to the bridge device 1 are introduced later into the LAN, the bridge device 1, device A 1A, and device B 1B can appropriately access the Internet, and device A 1A and device B 1B can also be accessed (controlled) from the Internet.

[0054] The bridge device 1 provides a switching function for installation in an existing network and for a backup line. The bridge device 1 recognizes the connection state (of the router device 2) and automatically controls access by the access unit 11.

[0055] The bridge device 1 of the present disclosure may have the following configuration.

[0056] [1] A bridge device that operates as a bridge within a LAN and has an access unit that accesses an external network.

[0057] [2] A router device for accessing an external network is connected to the LAN, a setting unit that sets whether to give priority to an access to an external network by the router device or an access unit to an external network, [1] A bridge device according to the present invention.

[0058] [3] the bridge device accesses an external network based on the setting by the setting unit. [2] A bridge device according to the present invention.

[0059] [4] A router device for accessing an external network is connected to the LAN, the access unit accesses an external network when the router device is unable to access the external network. The bridge device according to any one of [1] to [3].

[0060] [5] A router device for accessing an external network is connected to the LAN, the access unit does not access the external network when the router device is able to access the external network; The bridge device according to any one of [1] to [4].

[0061] [6] A router device that accesses an external network and operates as a DHCP server is connected to the LAN. The bridge device according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0062] [7] The bridge device does not operate as a DHCP server. The bridge device according to any one of [1] to [6].

[0063] [8] The bridge device acts as a DHCP client. The bridge device according to any one of [1] to [7].

[0064] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. The method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by using one device that is physically or logically combined, or may be realized by using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated and directly or indirectly connected (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.). The functional blocks may be realized by combining the one device or the multiple devices with software.

[0065] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, judgment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocation, mapping, assignment, etc. For example, a functional block (component) that performs the function of transmission is called a transmitting unit or a transmitter. In either case, as described above, there is no particular limitation on the method of realization.

[0066] For example, the bridge device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the bridging method of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the bridge device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-mentioned bridge device 1 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like.

[0067] In the following description, the term "apparatus" may be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the bridge apparatus 1 may be configured to include one or more of the apparatuses shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the apparatuses.

[0068] Each function in the bridge device 1 is realized by loading a specific software (program) onto hardware such as a processor 1001 and a memory 1002, so that the processor 1001 performs calculations, controls communication by the communication device 1004, and controls at least one of the reading and writing of data in the memory 1002 and the storage 1003.

[0069] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured with a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the above-mentioned access unit 11 and setting unit 12, etc. may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0070] Moreover, the processor 1001 reads out a program (program code), a software module, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002, and executes various processes according to the read out programs. As the program, a program that causes a computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above-mentioned embodiment is used. For example, the access unit 11 and the setting unit 12 may be realized by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and operating in the processor 1001, and other functional blocks may be similarly realized. Although the above-mentioned various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may be transmitted from a network via a telecommunication line.

[0071] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be configured by at least one of, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store a program (program code), software modules, etc. that are executable to implement a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, and the like. Storage 1003 may be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other suitable medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0073] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for performing communication between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc., in order to realize at least one of Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD). For example, the above-mentioned access unit 11 and setting unit 12, etc. may be realized by the communication device 1004.

[0074] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that accepts input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that performs output to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

[0075] In addition, each device such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002 is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0076] The bridge device 1 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0077] Notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure and may be performed using other methods.

[0078] Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be applied to at least one of LTE, LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and other suitable systems, and next-generation systems extended based on these. In addition, a combination of multiple systems (e.g., a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A and 5G, etc.) may be applied.

[0079] The order of the steps, sequences, flow charts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0080] The input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or may be managed using a management table. The input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. The output information may be deleted. The input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0081] The determination may be based on a value represented by a single bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0082] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched according to execution. In addition, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is the case") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may be done implicitly (e.g., not notifying the specific information).

[0083] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0084] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0085] Additionally, software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired and / or wireless technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave, etc.), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0086] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0087] In addition, terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0088] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0089] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

[0090] The names used for the above parameters are not limiting in any way, and furthermore, the formulas etc. using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure.

[0091] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, search, inquiry (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. In addition, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc., to be a "judgment" or "decision." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering some action to be a "judgment" or "decision." In addition, "judgment" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0092] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0093] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0094] Any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0095] The "means" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0096] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Further, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0097] In this disclosure, where articles have been added due to translation, such as, for example, a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0098] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different." [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1...bridge device, 1A...device A, 1B...device B, 2...router device, 2A...HEMS, 2B...optical TV, 2C...PC, 2D...game console, 10...storage unit, 11...access unit, 12...setting unit, 100...storage medium, 101...program storage area, 200...bridge program, 201...access module, 202...setting module, 1001...processor, 1002...memory, 1003...storage, 1004...communication device, 1005...input device, 1006...output device, 1007...bus.

Claims

1. A bridge device that operates as a bridge within a LAN to which a router device that provides access to an external network is connected, An access unit for accessing an external network is provided, the access unit transmits a Ping to a predetermined URL via the router device, and when there is no Ping response, accesses an external network. Bridge device.

2. A bridge device that operates as a bridge within a LAN to which a router device that accesses an external network is connected, An access unit for accessing an external network is provided, the access unit transmits a Ping to a predetermined URL via the router device, and when a Ping response is received, does not access an external network. Bridge device.

3. The access unit periodically transmits a Ping even if there is no Ping response, and does not access an external network when there is a Ping response to the periodically transmitted Ping. The bridge device of claim 1 .

4. The present invention further comprises a setting unit which sets whether to give priority to an access to an external network by the router device or an access unit to an external network.

3. A bridge device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the bridge device accesses an external network based on the setting by the setting unit.

5. The bridge device according to claim 4.

6. The router device operates as a DHCP server.

3. A bridge device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The bridge device does not act as a DHCP server.

3. A bridge device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The bridge device acts as a DHCP client.

3. A bridge device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A bridge device that operates as a bridge within a LAN to which a router device that accesses an external network is connected is made to function as an access unit that accesses the external network, the access unit transmits a Ping to a predetermined URL via the router device, and when there is no Ping response, accesses an external network. Bridge program.

10. A bridge device that operates as a bridge within a LAN to which a router device that accesses an external network is connected is made to function as an access unit that accesses the external network, the access unit transmits a Ping to a predetermined URL via the router device, and when a Ping response is received, does not access an external network. Bridge program.

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