Communication relay device, communication control method, and communication control program

Abstract

To provide an efficient communication relay method without using a plurality of routers.SOLUTION: In a communication system 1, a communication relay device includes: a plurality of LAN ports connectable to a communication terminal; a first communication unit that receives first information transmitted from the communication terminal via the plurality of LAN ports; a LAN interface setting unit that sets one LAN interface among a plurality of LAN interfaces for each of the plurality of LAN ports; a MAC address setting unit that sets one MAC address among a plurality of MAC addresses for each of the plurality of LAN interfaces; and a communication control unit that controls communication such that each of a plurality of LAN interfaces functions as one virtual switch associated with the set MAC address.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication relay device, a communication control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Routers have traditionally been used as relay devices for routing on a network. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for virtually dividing a network in accordance with the settings of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) configured in association with each of a plurality of physical ports, and routing packets input and output from the plurality of physical ports. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2008 / 114424 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, with conventional VLAN settings, all divided LAN interfaces had the same MAC address (Media Access Control address). Therefore, when two divided interfaces were connected to ports on a switching hub that was divided into different network segments by VLAN (for example, network segment A and network segment B), the conventional method meant that each LAN interface had the same MAC address, meaning that devices with the same MAC address would be connected to both ports. If the MAC address of the interface was learned on the port of network segment A using the switching hub's MAC address learning function, frames destined for the network segment B would also be forwarded to the port of network segment A, preventing normal communication. Therefore, interfaces with different MAC addresses were required for normal communication.

[0005] In view of the above problem, one object of the present invention is to provide an efficient communication relay method when one router is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a communication relay device is provided that includes a plurality of LAN ports connectable to a communication terminal, a first communication unit that receives first information transmitted from the communication terminal via the plurality of LAN ports, a first setting unit that sets one LAN interface out of a plurality of LAN interfaces for each of the plurality of LAN ports, a second setting unit that sets one MAC address out of a plurality of MAC addresses for each of the plurality of LAN interfaces, and a communication control unit that controls communication so that each of the plurality of LAN interfaces functions as a single virtual switch associated with the set MAC address. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an efficient communication relay method can be provided when one router is used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an example of a data table relating LAN interfaces and LAN ports according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 is an example of a data table relating LAN interfaces, LAN ports, and MAC addresses according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is an example of a data table relating LAN port and interface identification information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing executed by a communication relay device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an example of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is an example of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing executed in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing executed in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing executed in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing executed in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is an example of a data table relating LAN interface and port information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is an example of a data table relating LAN interfaces, port information, and MAC addresses according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the following exemplary embodiments. The drawings may be represented schematically to clarify the description, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, the letters "first" and "second" attached to each element are convenient labels used to distinguish between elements and have no further meaning unless otherwise specified. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical or similar symbols (e.g., a symbol simply consisting of the numeral XXX followed by A, B, 1, 2, etc.) are used to designate identical or similarly functional parts, and repeated explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, some components may be omitted from the drawings. Furthermore, if a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains would recognize such features, no special explanation will be provided.

[0010] First Embodiment A communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (1-1. Communication System Configuration) Fig. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication system 1 includes a communication relay device 10 and a communication terminal 30. The communication relay device 10 includes a control device 11 and a switching device 13, and is configured as an integrated device.

[0012] (1-1-1. Control device) 1, the control device 11 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 113, a communication unit 115, and an input / output interface 117. The control unit 111, the storage unit 113, the communication unit 115, and the input / output interface 117 are connected via a wiring bus.

[0013] The control unit 111 includes a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other arithmetic processing circuit, as well as a memory including a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The control unit 111 controls the functions of each unit using a communication control program stored in the memory.

[0014] In addition to semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic recording media (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media, and memorizable elements that are storage media may be used for the storage unit 113. The storage unit 113 functions as a database that stores various information used in the communication control program.

[0015] The communication unit 115 (also referred to as a first communication unit) is an interface for transmitting and receiving information by being connected to the switching device 13 via a wire based on the control of the control unit 111. In this embodiment, the communication unit 115 uses one MAC (Media Access Controller).

[0016] The input / output interface 117 connects to peripheral devices such as a display device, a keyboard, and a touch panel.

[0017] (1-1-2. Switching device) The switching device 13 has a control unit 131, a memory unit 133, a LAN port 135, and a communication unit 137. The control unit 131, the memory unit 133, the LAN port 135, and the communication unit 137 are connected via a wiring bus. The switching device 13 is a device corresponding to an L2 (Layer 2) switch.

[0018] The control unit 131 uses a communication control program to control each unit of the switching device 13. The storage unit 133 functions as a database that stores various information related to the communication control program. The control unit 131 and the storage unit 133 may be the same devices as the control device 11.

[0019] LAN port 135 is an interface for connecting to communication terminal 30 and transmitting and receiving information under the control of control unit 131. The switching device includes a plurality of LAN ports 135 (in this example, LAN ports 135-1 to 135-N). In this embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be described as LAN ports 135.

[0020] The communication unit 137 is an interface that connects to the communication unit 115 of the control device 11 under the control of the control unit 131 and transmits and receives information. The communication unit 137 includes one communication port. That is, information is transmitted and received between one MAC of the control device 11 and one communication port of the switching device 13.

[0021] (1-1-3. Communication terminal 30) The communication terminal 30 is a computer device connected to the communication relay device 10. A plurality of communication terminals 30 are provided corresponding to the LAN ports 135 (in this example, communication terminals 30-1, 30-2, . . . , 30-N are provided). For example, a personal computer is used as the communication terminal 30. Note that the communication terminal 30 is not limited to a personal computer, and may be a mobile phone (feature phone), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, an IoT (Internet of Things) device (a device equipped with a power supply mechanism, a communication function, and an information storage mechanism), an access point, or the like, as long as it is connected by wire via the LAN port 135 and can communicate with each device. When the communication terminal 30 is an access point, another communication terminal may be connected to the access point wirelessly. The communication terminal 30 may include a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit, as well as a display unit and an operation unit. The control unit, storage unit, and communication unit may be the same as those of the control device 11 and the switching device 13. The display unit and operation unit have general configurations such as a keyboard, a display, and a touch panel.

[0022] (1-2. Functional block diagram of the communication system) 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the communication system 1. Each function described below is realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0023] 2, the control device 11 includes an acquisition unit 1101, a LAN interface setting unit 1103, a MAC address setting unit 1105, a communication control unit 1107, an identification information generation unit 1109, and a transmission unit 1115.

[0024] The acquisition unit 1101 has a function of acquiring various information from the switching device 13, peripheral devices such as a keyboard or a touch panel, and other external devices.

[0025] The LAN interface setting unit 1103 (also referred to as a first setting unit) has a function of setting one of a plurality of LAN interfaces for each of a plurality of LAN ports. Fig. 3 shows a data table 2100 used when setting a LAN interface. The data table 2100 includes LAN interface information 2101 and LAN port information 2103. The data table 2100 associates the LAN interface information 2101 with the LAN port information 2103. The LAN interface information 2101 is information about a configurable LAN interface. The LAN port information 2103 is information about one of a plurality of LAN ports 135.

[0026] The MAC address setting unit 1105 (also referred to as a second setting unit) has a function of setting one MAC address from among a plurality of MAC addresses for each of a plurality of LAN interfaces. Fig. 4 shows a data table 2200 used when setting a MAC address. The data table 2200 includes LAN interface information 2201, LAN port information 2203, and MAC address information 2205. The data table 2200 associates the LAN interface information 2201, LAN port information 2203, and MAC address information 2205. The LAN interface information 2201 is the same as the LAN interface information 2101. The LAN port information 2203 is the same as the LAN port information 2103. The MAC address information is a MAC address assigned to a LAN interface.

[0027] The communication control unit 1107 has a function of controlling communication so that each of the plurality of LAN interfaces functions as one virtual switch associated with a set MAC address.

[0028] The identification information generation unit 1109 has a function of generating identification information that corresponds to one of the MAC addresses and identifies a LAN interface. Fig. 5 shows a data table 2300 that is used when generating LAN interface identification information. The data table 2300 includes LAN port information 2301 and LAN interface identification information 2303. In the data table 2300, the LAN port information 2301 and the LAN interface identification information 2303 are associated with each other. In the data table 2300, the LAN port information 2301 is the same as the LAN port information 2103. The LAN interface identification information 2303 is information that identifies the LAN interface associated with each LAN port.

[0029] The communication control unit 1107 also includes a determination unit 1111 and an analysis unit 1113. The determination unit 1111 has a function of determining a frame signal acquired from the switching device 13. The analysis unit 1113 has a function of analyzing the contents of the frame signal.

[0030] The transmitting unit 1115 has a function of transmitting various information in addition to the interface identification information to the switching device 13 .

[0031] The switching device 13 includes a receiving unit 1301 , a generating unit 1303 , and a transmitting unit 1305 .

[0032] The receiving unit 1301 has a function of receiving frame signals and identification information transmitted from the communication terminal 30 and the control device 11 .

[0033] The generating unit 1303 has a function of adding, to a frame signal (first information) received from the communication terminal 30, identification information corresponding to the LAN port that received the frame signal (also referred to as generating second information).

[0034] The transmitting unit 1305 has a function of transmitting frame signals received at a plurality of LAN ports from the communication unit 137 (one communication port) to the control device 11 based on the identification information. The transmitting unit 1305 also has a function of transmitting frame signals received at a plurality of LAN ports from the communication unit 137 to the communication terminal 30 based on the identification information.

[0035] The communication terminal 30 has a receiving unit 3001 and a transmitting unit 3003. The receiving unit 3001 receives a frame signal from the switching device 13. The transmitting unit 3003 transmits the frame signal to the switching device 13.

[0036] (1-3. Communication control processing) Next, the communication control process based on the instructions of the communication control program will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0037] (1-3-1. LAN interface and MAC address settings) As shown in FIG. 6, first, the acquisition unit 1101 of the control device 11 acquires LAN interface setting information (S101). In this example, in order to have the acquisition unit 1101 acquire the LAN interface setting information, the user configures the LAN interface using peripheral devices such as a keyboard and a display device connected to the input / output interface of the control device 11. FIG. 7 shows an example of a graphic user interface displayed on the display device when configuring the LAN interface. The input display screen 2400 in FIG. 7 includes LAN port information 2401, a LAN interface input section 2403, and a confirmation button 2405. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the user inputs LAN interface information to be configured for each of the ten LAN ports into the LAN interface input section 2403. When the confirmation button 2405 is pressed after inputting the LAN interface information to be configured for each of the LAN ports is completed, the acquisition unit 1101 acquires the LAN interface setting information.

[0038] The LAN interface setting unit 1103 sets one of the plurality of LAN interfaces for each of the plurality of LAN ports based on the data table 2100 shown in FIG. 3 generated from the acquired LAN interface setting information (maps the LAN interface and the LAN port) (S103). Specifically, LAN ports 1, 2, 3, and 4 are set to the LAN1 interface. LAN ports 5, 6, 7, and 8 are set to the LAN2 interface. LAN port 9 is set to the LAN3 interface. LAN port 10 is set to the LAN4 interface. FIG. 8 shows a display screen 2500 after the settings are completed. In FIG. 8, the display screen 2500 displays LAN port information 2501, LAN interface information 2503 set for each LAN port, and a LAN interface-LAN port map 2505 indicating which LAN interface each LAN port is set to.

[0039] Next, the MAC address setting unit 1105 sets one MAC address from among the multiple MAC addresses for each of the multiple LAN interfaces (S105). In this example, the LAN1 interface is set to a MAC address of "00:00:00:00:00:01" (also referred to as the first MAC address). The LAN2 interface is set to a MAC address of "00:00:00:00:00:02" (also referred to as the second MAC address). The LAN3 interface is set to a MAC address of "00:00:00:00:00:03" (also referred to as the third MAC address). The LAN4 interface is set to a MAC address of "00:00:00:00:00:04". As a result, a data table 2200 is generated that shows the relationship between LAN ports, LAN interfaces, and MAC addresses, as shown in FIG. 4. The communication control unit 1107 controls communication based on the information in the data table 2200 so that each of the multiple LAN interfaces functions as a single virtual switch associated with the set MAC address (S107).

[0040] At this time, the identification information generation unit 1109 generates identification information for identifying the LAN interface corresponding to the MAC address as shown in Fig. 5 (S109). In this example, LAN interface identification information ID1 is generated for LAN ports 1, 2, 3, and 4. LAN interface identification information ID2 is generated for LAN ports 5, 6, 7, and 8. LAN interface identification information ID3 is generated for LAN port 9. LAN interface identification information ID4 is generated for LAN port 10. The transmission unit 1115 transmits the generated LAN interface identification information to the switching device 13 (S111). The switching device 13 receives the LAN interface identification information (S113).

[0041] (1-3-2. Communication control process when receiving a frame signal) Next, a description will be given of the communication control process when a frame signal is received at each LAN interface. As shown in Fig. 9, first, a user operates the communication terminal 30 to input a command to transmit a frame signal to the communication terminal 30 (S201). The transmitting unit 3003 of the communication terminal 30 transmits the frame signal (first information) to the switching device 13 (S203).

[0042] The frame signal is received by the receiving unit 1301 of the switching device 13 via the LAN port 135 (S205). When the frame signal is received, the generating unit 1303 adds LAN interface identification information corresponding to the LAN port that received the frame signal to the frame signal as an extension header (generates second information) (S207). The transmitting unit 1305 transmits the first information from the communication unit 137 (one communication port) to the control device 11 (S209).

[0043] The acquisition unit 1101 of the control device 11 receives the first information via the communication unit 115 (one MAC) (S211). As shown in Fig. 10, the determination unit 1111 determines the LAN interface that received the frame signal (first information) based on the LAN interface identification information in the acquired second information (frame signal) (S213). At this time, it is determined whether the destination MAC address (first MAC address) in the second information (frame signal) matches the MAC address corresponding to a valid LAN interface (S215).

[0044] If "ID1" is added as the LAN interface identification information and the destination MAC address in the frame signal is "00:00:00:00:00:03" corresponding to the LAN3 interface, the communication control unit 1107 (determination unit 1111) determines that the destination MAC address (first MAC address) in the frame signal does not match the MAC address corresponding to a valid LAN interface (S215; No). In this case, the communication control unit 1107 (determination unit 1111) discards the frame signal (second information) (S221).

[0045] If "ID1" is added to the frame signal as LAN interface identification information and the destination MAC address in the frame signal is "00:00:00:00:00:01" corresponding to the LAN1 interface, the communication control unit 1107 (determination unit 1111) determines that the destination MAC address (first MAC address) in the frame signal matches the MAC address corresponding to a valid LAN interface (S215; Yes). In this case, the communication control unit 1107 (determination unit 1111) discards the LAN interface identification information from the frame signal (S217). The analysis unit 1113 analyzes the contents of the frame signal (S219). At this time, if the Ping packet is addressed to its own LAN interface, the communication control unit 1107 generates a response packet. Alternatively, if the frame signal is a packet to be transferred to a different LAN interface (sent from the LAN interface corresponding to the first MAC address to the LAN interface corresponding to the second MAC address), the ether header is rewritten to enable transmission to a LAN port of the different LAN interface.

[0046] (1-3-3. Transmission of frame signals) Next, the communication control process when transmitting a frame signal to a different LAN interface will be described. The communication control unit 1107 identifies the LAN interface to transmit to based on the destination IP address (S301). The communication control unit 1107 sets the MAC address assigned to the destination LAN interface as the source MAC address in the ether header. The communication control unit 1107 then adds interface identification information corresponding to the transmission interface to the frame signal as an extension header (generating third information) (S303). The transmitting unit 1115 then transmits the frame signal (third information) to the switching device 13 via one MAC (S305). Upon receiving the frame signal, the switching device 13 identifies a LAN port to forward the frame signal to based on the LAN interface identification signal included in the extension header of the received frame signal (S307). The switching device 13 then deletes the identification signal from the frame signal (S308) and transmits the frame signal to the identified LAN port (S309). The communication terminal 30 receives the frame signal from which the extension header has been removed (S311). This completes the communication control process.

[0047] Here, we compare the conventional technology with the communication system of this embodiment. When a LAN interface is divided using the conventional technology, each LAN interface has the same MAC address, resulting in a situation where a terminal with the same MAC address is connected to each port. If the MAC address of the interface is learned at a port on network segment A using the MAC address learning function of the switching hub, frames destined for the network on network segment B are also forwarded to the port on network segment A, preventing normal communication. Therefore, interfaces with different MAC addresses are required for normal communication. In contrast, in this embodiment, each LAN interface has its own unique MAC address. This makes it possible to assign different IP addresses to each LAN interface.

[0048] Therefore, by using this embodiment, it is possible to configure a network according to the user's usage environment, and to efficiently use router resources without using multiple routers.

[0049] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, a communication system different from that of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Specifically, a communication relay device having ports with different link speeds will be described. Note that for convenience of explanation, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0050] (2-1. Communication System Configuration) Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system 1A. As shown in Fig. 12, the communication system 1A includes a communication relay device 10A and a communication terminal 30A. The communication relay device 10A includes a control device 11 and a switching device 13A.

[0051] The switching device 13A includes a control unit 131, a storage unit 133, a LAN port 135A, and a communication unit 137. The LAN port 135A is an interface for connecting to a communication terminal 30 under the control of the control unit 131 and transmitting and receiving information. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the LAN port 135A. As shown in FIG. 13, the switching device 13A includes multiple LAN ports 135A to which LAN cables are connected. In this example, the LAN port 135A includes a LAN port 135A1 (also referred to as a first LAN port or a LAN port for low-speed communication) and a LAN port 135A2 (also referred to as a second LAN port or a LAN port for high-speed communication) with different link speeds. Specifically, in the LAN port 135A, the LAN port 135A1, which corresponds to LAN ports 1 to 8, supports a maximum link speed of 1 Gbps. The LAN port 135A1 is also referred to as a 1000BASE-T port. LAN port 135A2, which corresponds to LAN ports 9 and 10, supports link speeds of up to 10 Gbps. LAN port 135A2 is also known as a 10GBASE-T port.

[0052] The communication terminal 30A is a computer device connected to the communication relay device 10. In this embodiment, the communication terminal 30A includes a communication terminal 30A1 and a communication terminal 30A2 having communication ports (interfaces) with different link speeds (data transfer rates). The communication terminal 30A1 has an interface with a maximum data transfer rate of 1 Gbps. The communication terminal 30A2 has an interface with a maximum data transfer rate of 10 Gbps.

[0053] In this embodiment, the LAN interface setting unit 1103 sets one of a plurality of LAN interfaces for each of a plurality of LAN ports (maps the LAN interface and the LAN port).

[0054] FIG. 14 shows a data table 2600 used when setting a LAN interface. The data table 2600 includes LAN interface information 2601 and LAN port information 2603. As shown in FIG. 14, mapping information is generated that associates LAN ports with LAN interfaces. Specifically, LAN ports 137A1-2 to 137A1-8 having low link speeds and LAN port 137A2-10 having high link speeds are set to the LAN1 interface. LAN port 137A2-9 having high link speeds is set to the LAN2 interface. LAN port 137A1-1 having low link speeds is set to the LAN3 interface. In other words, the LAN interface setting unit 1103 may associate the high-speed communication LAN port with the same LAN interface as the low-speed communication LAN port, or may associate the high-speed communication LAN port with a different LAN interface from the low-speed communication LAN port.

[0055] Furthermore, the MAC address setting unit 1105 sets one MAC address from the plurality of MAC addresses for each of the plurality of LAN interfaces. FIG. 15 shows a data table 2700 used when setting MAC addresses. The data table 2700 includes LAN interface information 2701, LAN port information 2703, and MAC address information 2705. In this example, a MAC address of "00:00:00:00:00:01" is set for the LAN1 interface. A MAC address of "00:00:00:00:00:02" is set for the LAN2 interface. A MAC address of "00:00:00:00:00:03" is set for the LAN3 interface. The data table 2700 associates the LAN interface information 2701, the LAN port information 2703, and the MAC address information 2705. The communication control unit 1107 controls communication based on the data table 2700 so that each of the plurality of LAN interfaces functions as a single virtual switch associated with the set MAC address.

[0056] Here, we compare the communication system of this embodiment with the conventional technology. When dividing a LAN interface using the conventional technology, it was possible to divide only LAN interfaces with switching hubs that had the same link speed. Furthermore, when connecting a communication terminal with a high link speed interface and a communication terminal with a low link speed interface to a router with a high link speed interface and a low link speed switching hub, it was necessary to (1) slow down the high link speed and adjust it to a low link speed before connecting to the router's switching hub, or (2) prepare a separate switching hub that supports the high link speed and increase the number of high link speed interfaces on the router. In contrast, in this embodiment, even if multiple LAN ports with different link speeds are included, the control device 11 can control network communication as if they were the same interface. This eliminates the need to slow down the link speed of communication terminals with high link speed interfaces, and eliminates the need to prepare a new communication relay device.

[0057] Therefore, by using this embodiment, it is possible to configure a network according to the usage environment of each user without being limited by link speed, and router resources can be used efficiently without using multiple routers.

[0058] (Variation) Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, to the above-described embodiments, a person skilled in the art may appropriately add, delete, or modify components, or add, omit, or change conditions of steps, and these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the gist of the present invention.

[0059] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which the LAN interface was configured from peripheral devices such as a keyboard and a display device connected to the input / output interface, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration information may be input from a communication terminal 30. In this case, the configuration information may be transmitted to the control device 11 via the switching device 13.

[0060] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which the frame signal was analyzed by the control device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the identification information is transmitted to the same port, the frame signal may be transmitted without going through the control device. This reduces the processing (load) on the control device 11.

[0061] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example of mapping LAN interfaces and LAN ports using a graphic user interface was shown, but this is not limiting. For example, LAN interfaces and LAN ports may be mapped using a command line interface (CLI) using only a keyboard. In this case, mapping may be performed based on text information such as "lan1=1-4 lan2=5-8 lan3=9 lan4=10."

[0062] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the communication relay device 10 includes the control device 11 and the switching device 13 and is configured as an integrated device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control device 11 and the switching device 13 may be provided independently.

[0063] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the control device 11 and the switching device 13 each have a storage unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. The communication relay device 10 may have one storage unit as a database, and the control device 11 and the switching device 13 may store information in the storage unit.

[0064] In the communication relay device of one embodiment of the present invention, the first communication unit may be one MAC (Media Access Controller).

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, a communication relay device includes a switching device having the plurality of LAN ports and a second communication unit that transmits the first information received at the plurality of LAN ports to the first communication unit, and the second communication unit may have one communication port.

[0066] In a communication relay device of one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple LAN ports may include a first LAN port and a second LAN port corresponding to a higher link speed than the first LAN port, and the first setting unit may associate the first LAN port and the second LAN port with the same LAN interface.

[0067] In a communication relay device of one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple LAN ports may include a first LAN port and a second LAN port corresponding to a higher link speed than the first LAN port, and the first setting unit may associate the first LAN port with a first LAN interface, and the first setting unit may associate the second LAN port with the second LAN interface different from the first LAN interface.

[0068] In the communication relay device of one embodiment of the present invention, identification information corresponding to the LAN port that received the first information may be added to the first information.

[0069] The communication relay device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a determination unit that determines, based on the identification information, the LAN interface that received the first information.

[0070] In the communication relay device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit may discard the first information when a destination MAC address of the first information does not match a MAC address of a valid LAN interface.

[0071] In a communication relay device of one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple MAC addresses may include a first MAC address and a second MAC address, and the communication control unit may transmit the first information to a LAN interface corresponding to the second MAC address when the first information received from the LAN interface corresponding to the first MAC address satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0072] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a communication control method is provided in which a control device sets one LAN interface from among a plurality of LAN interfaces for each of a plurality of LAN ports possessed by a communication relay device, sets one MAC address from among a plurality of MAC addresses for each of the plurality of LAN interfaces, and controls communication so that each of the plurality of LAN interfaces functions as a single virtual switch associated with the set MAC address.

[0073] In the above communication control method, the first information received at the plurality of LAN ports may be transmitted to the control device from one communication port.

[0074] In the above communication control method, the control device may receive the first information with one MAC (Media Access Controller).

[0075] In the above communication control method, the plurality of LAN ports may include a first LAN port and a second LAN port corresponding to a higher link speed than the first LAN port, and the control device may associate the first LAN port and the second LAN port with the same LAN interface.

[0076] In the above communication control method, the plurality of LAN ports may include a first LAN port and a second LAN port corresponding to a higher link speed than the first LAN port, and the control device may associate the first LAN port with a first LAN interface and associate the second LAN port with the second LAN interface different from the first LAN interface.

[0077] In the above communication control method, the communication relay device may receive identification information for identifying the LAN interface from the control device, add the identification information to the first information, and transmit the first information to the control device.

[0078] In the above communication control method, the control device may determine a LAN interface that has received the first information based on the identification information.

[0079] In the above communication control method, the control device may discard the first information when the first information satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0080] In the above communication control method, the multiple MAC addresses may include a first MAC address and a second MAC address, and when the first information received from the LAN interface corresponding to the first MAC address satisfies a predetermined condition, the first information may be sent to the LAN interface corresponding to the second MAC address.

[0081] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a communication control program is provided that causes a computer to set one of a plurality of LAN interfaces for each of a plurality of LAN ports possessed by a communication relay device, set one of a plurality of MAC addresses for each of the plurality of LAN interfaces, and control communication so that each of the plurality of LAN interfaces functions as a single virtual switch associated with the set MAC address. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 communication system, 10 communication relay device, 11 control device, 13 switching device, 15 communication unit, 30 communication terminal, 111 control unit, 113 storage unit, 115 communication unit, 117 input / output interface, 131 control unit, 133 storage unit, LAN port communication unit, 137 communication unit, 1101 acquisition unit, 1103 interface setting setting unit, 1105...address setting unit, 1107...communication control unit, 1109...identification information generation unit, 1111...determination unit, 1113...analysis unit, 1115...transmission unit, 1301...reception unit, 1303...generation unit, 1305...transmission unit, 2100...data table, 2101...LAN interface information, 2103...LAN port information, 2200...data table, 2201... LAN interface information, 2203, LAN port information, 2205, MAC address information, 2300, data table, 2301, LAN port information, 2303, LAN interface identification information, 2400, input display screen, 2401, LAN port information, 2403, LAN interface input section, 2405, confirmation button, 2500, display screen, 2501, LAN port information, 2503, LAN interface information, 2505, map, 2600, data table, 2601, LAN interface information, 2603, LAN port information, 2700, data table, 2701, LAN interface information, 2703, LAN port information, 2705, MAC address information, 3001, receiver, 3003, transmitter

Claims

1. a plurality of LAN ports connectable to communication terminals; a first communication unit that receives first information transmitted from the communication terminal via the plurality of LAN ports; a first setting unit that sets one of a plurality of LAN interfaces for each of the plurality of LAN ports; a second setting unit that sets one MAC address among a plurality of MAC addresses for each of the plurality of LAN interfaces; a communication control unit that controls communication so that each of the plurality of LAN interfaces functions as a single virtual switch associated with the set MAC address; a generating unit that adds, to the first information, identification information corresponding to a LAN port that received the first information; a determination unit that determines a LAN interface that has received the first information based on the identification information, The determination unit If the destination MAC address of the first information does not match the MAC address of a valid LAN interface, discard the first information; If the destination MAC address of the first information matches the MAC address of a valid LAN interface, discard the identification information; The communication control unit analyzes the content of the first information. Communication relay device.

2. The first communication unit is a MAC (Media Access Controller). The communication relay device according to claim 1 .

3. a switching device having the plurality of LAN ports and a second communication unit that transmits the first information received at the plurality of LAN ports to the first communication unit; the second communication unit has one communication port; 3. The communication relay device according to claim 1.

4. the plurality of LAN ports include a first LAN port and a second LAN port that supports a higher link speed than the first LAN port; the first setting unit associates the first LAN port and the second LAN port with the same LAN interface; The communication relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the plurality of LAN ports include a first LAN port and a second LAN port that supports a higher link speed than the first LAN port; the first setting unit associates the first LAN port with a first LAN interface; the first setting unit associates the second LAN port with a second LAN interface different from the first LAN interface; The communication relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the plurality of MAC addresses include a first MAC address and a second MAC address; the communication control unit transmits the first information to the LAN interface corresponding to the second MAC address when the first information received from the LAN interface corresponding to the first MAC address satisfies a predetermined condition; The communication relay device according to claim 1 .

7. The control device setting one of a plurality of LAN interfaces for each of a plurality of LAN ports of the switching device; setting one MAC address among a plurality of MAC addresses for each of the plurality of LAN interfaces; controlling communication so that each of the plurality of LAN interfaces functions as a single virtual switch associated with the set MAC address; The switching device receiving identification information identifying the LAN interface from the control device; adding the identification information to the first information received at the plurality of LAN ports and transmitting the first information to the control device from one communication port; The control device determining a LAN interface that received the first information based on the identification information; If the destination MAC address of the first information does not match the MAC address of a valid LAN interface, discard the first information; If the destination MAC address of the first information matches the MAC address of a valid LAN interface, discard the identification information and analyze the content of the first information. Communication control method.

8. The control device receives the first information via one MAC (Media Access Controller); The communication control method according to claim 7.

9. the plurality of LAN ports include a first LAN port and a second LAN port that supports a higher link speed than the first LAN port; the control device associates the first LAN port and the second LAN port with the same LAN interface; 9. The communication control method according to claim 7 or 8.

10. the plurality of LAN ports include a first LAN port and a second LAN port that supports a higher link speed than the first LAN port; the control device associates the first LAN port with a first LAN interface; associating the second LAN port with a second LAN interface different from the first LAN interface; 9. The communication control method according to claim 7 or 8.

11. On the computer, setting one of a plurality of LAN interfaces for each of a plurality of LAN ports of the switching device; setting one MAC address among a plurality of MAC addresses for each of the plurality of LAN interfaces; controlling communication so that each of the plurality of LAN interfaces functions as a single virtual switch associated with the set MAC address; acquiring first information received by the plurality of LAN ports and having added thereto identification information for identifying the LAN interface; determining a LAN interface that received the first information based on the identification information; If the destination MAC address of the first information does not match the MAC address of a valid LAN interface, discard the first information; If the destination MAC address of the first information matches the MAC address of a valid LAN interface, discarding the identification information and analyzing the content of the first information. Communications control program.

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