Transmission device, transmission system, transmission device control method, and transmission device control program

Abstract

To provide a transmission device that automatically corrects a connection in the case of an erroneous connection.SOLUTION: A transmission device includes: frame generation means; divided frame generation means; line interfaces for transmitting divided frames to a plurality of lines; and frame restoration means for restoring a frame when divided frames are received. The transmission device further includes: connection testing means for transmitting a unique test signal from each of the line interfaces and determining whether the line interface has received the test signal or not on the reception side; connection changeover switch control means for changing over the connection of lines and the line interfaces; and connection testing means for, in response to a determination that a line interface corresponding to any of the plurality of lines is not receiving the test signal, controlling a connection changeover switch so that the reception-side line interface corresponding to a transmission-side line interface is electrically connected to the line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transmission device, a transmission system, a control method for a transmission device, and a control program for a transmission device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are transmission systems that connect transmission devices with multiple dedicated lines. Using such a transmission system, the original data is divided and the divided data is sent and received in parallel over multiple low-speed lines, allowing for high-speed communication even if each line is slow. On the receiving side, the received divided data is combined to restore the original data. At this time, the original data cannot be restored correctly unless the data is combined in the same order as the divisions. For this reason, when using wired connections between transmission devices, the line interface (IF) numbers on the sending and receiving sides must match. If there is a misconnection here, where the numbers are mixed up, the data will not be restored correctly.

[0003] A technique for solving this problem is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. In this technique, whether the connection of the transmission device is correct or incorrect is notified to the worker. Specifically, the transmission device operates as follows.

[0004] First, the transmitting transmission device generates a control frame that stores the identifier of the transmitting transmission device and the identifier of the transmitting line interface. Next, the transmitting transmission device superimposes the control frame on the main signal. Then, the transmitting transmission device transmits the main signal to the receiving transmission device. The receiving transmission device adds the identifier of the receiving transmission device and the identifier of the receiving line interface to the received main signal in a control frame. The receiving transmission device returns this data to the transmitting transmission device. Next, the transmitting transmission device extracts these identifiers from the control frame. The transmitting transmission device then compares the extracted identifier combination with predetermined connection information. If the two match, the transmitting transmission device determines that the connection is normal. On the other hand, if the two do not match, the transmitting transmission device determines that the connection is abnormal. If the connection is normal, the transmitting transmission device displays an LED indicating that the connection is normal. On the other hand, if the connection is abnormal, the transmitting transmission device displays an LED indicating that the connection is abnormal. For example, if the connection is normal, green is displayed, and if it is abnormal, red is displayed. In this way, whether the connection is normal or abnormal is notified to the operator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-171694 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technology of Patent Document 1 allows the worker to recognize whether the connection is correct or incorrect, but the worker must correct the connection.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a transmission device that automatically corrects a connection when an error in connection occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the transmission device of the present disclosure has a frame generation means for generating a frame having a header and a payload from input data, a frame segment generation means for dividing the frame to be transmitted to generate segment frames, a line interface for transmitting each of the segment frames to a predetermined number of lines, and a frame restoration means for, upon receiving the segment frames, combining each of the segment frames in a predetermined order to restore the frame, and is equipped with a connection test means for transmitting a test signal specific to each of the line interfaces from each of the line interfaces, and, when the line interface receives the test signal, determining whether or not the test signal has been received, a connection changeover switch for switching the connection between the line and the line interface, and a connection changeover switch control means for controlling the connection changeover switch so that the line is electrically connected to the line interface on the receiving side corresponding to the line interface on the transmitting side corresponding to the line when the connection test means determines that the specific test signal has not been received at the line interface corresponding to one of the plurality of lines.

[0009] In addition, the control method for a transmission device disclosed herein is a control method for a transmission device having a frame generation means for generating a frame having a header and a payload from input data, a segmented frame generation means for dividing the frame to be transmitted to generate segmented frames, a line interface for transmitting each of the segmented frames to a predetermined number of lines, and a frame restoration means for, upon receiving the segmented frames, combining each of the segmented frames in a predetermined order to restore the frame, wherein each of the line interfaces transmits a test signal specific to each of the line interfaces, and when the line interface receives the test signal, it determines whether or not the test signal has been received, and, upon determining that the line interface corresponding to any of the plurality of lines has not received the specific test signal, controls a connection so that the line interface on the receiving side corresponding to the line interface on the transmitting side corresponding to the line is electrically connected to the line.

[0010] In addition, a control program for a transmission device disclosed herein is a control program for a transmission device having a frame generation means for generating a frame having a header and a payload from input data, a frame segment generation means for dividing the frame to be transmitted to generate segmented frames, a line interface for transmitting each of the segmented frames to a predetermined number of lines, and a frame restoration means for, upon receiving the segmented frames, combining each of the segmented frames in a predetermined order to restore the frame, and causes the transmission device to perform the following processes: transmitting a test signal specific to each of the line interfaces from each of the line interfaces; determining, when the line interface receives the test signal, whether or not the test signal has been received; and, upon determining that the line interface corresponding to one of the plurality of lines has not received the specific test signal, controlling a connection so that the line is electrically connected to the receiving line interface corresponding to the transmitting line interface corresponding to the line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The effect of the present disclosure is to provide a transmission device that automatically corrects a connection when a connection error occurs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a transmission device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of a transmission device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a transmission system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a frame used in a transmission device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of frame generation in a transmission device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of frame division in a transmission device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a first state of the transmission system of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a second state of the transmission system of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a third state of the transmission system of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a fourth state of the transmission system of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a fifth state of the transmission system of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a transmission device on a transmitting side according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a receiving-side transmission device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control system of a transmission device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are limited to technically preferable aspects for carrying out the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Note that similar components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0014] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a transmission device 100 of this embodiment. The transmission device 100 has a frame generation means 10, a frame segment generation means 20, a line interface IF, and a frame restoration means 30. The frame generation means 10 generates a frame having a header and a payload from input data. The frame segment generation means 20 generates frame segments by dividing a frame to be transmitted. A plurality of line interfaces IFs are provided according to the number of lines. The line interfaces IFs then transmit the frame segments to a predetermined number of lines. When the transmission device 100 is on the receiving side, each line interface IF receives the frame segments. The frame restoration means 30 then combines the frame segments in a predetermined order. The frame is restored by this combination.

[0015] Furthermore, the transmission device 100 of the present disclosure includes a connection testing means 40, a connection changeover switch 50, and a connection changeover switch control means 60 in addition to the above configuration.

[0016] The connection testing means 40 performs a connection test between the transmitting-side transmission device 100 and the receiving-side transmission device 100. In the transmitting-side transmission device 100, the connection testing means 40 transmits a test signal from each line interface IF. This test signal is unique to each line interface IF. For example, a unique test signal is generated by including an identification number of each line interface IF in the test signal. Furthermore, in the receiving-side transmission device 100, when any line interface receives a test signal, the connection testing means 40 determines whether each line interface IF has received the test signal.

[0017] The connection changeover switch 50 switches the connection between the line and the line interface IF. The line and the line interface IF are connected one-to-one. In other words, the connection changeover switch 50 operates as a crossbar switch.

[0018] The connection changeover switch control means 60 controls the connection changeover switch 50. The control is initiated when the receiving-side line interface IF corresponding to the transmitting-side line interface IF does not receive a test signal. Then, the connection changeover switch control means 60 controls the connection changeover switch 50 so that the receiving-side line interface IF corresponding to the transmitting-side line interface IF and the line are electrically connected.

[0019] (Variation) 2 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the transmission device 100 of the present disclosure. In the modified transmission device 100, a tester T is provided for each line interface IF. The tester T is hardware. Each tester T is controlled by a connection test means 40. That is, the tester T transmits and receives test signals under the control of the connection test means 40.

[0020] Next, the operation of the transmission device 100 will be described using a transmission system 1000 including two transmission devices 100. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the transmission system 1000 of the present disclosure.

[0021] In the transmission system 1000, two transmission devices 100 are connected by multiple lines. The lines are connected so that a transmitting-side line interface IFa and a receiving-side line interface IFb form a one-to-one pair. In this example, the device on the left side of FIG. 2 is the transmitting-side transmission device 100a. The device on the right side of FIG. 3 is the receiving-side transmission device 100b. A transmitting-side line interface IFa is connected to a corresponding receiving-side line interface IFb by a line. Here, it is assumed that a connection is planned between line interface IFa1 and line interface IFb1. Similarly, it is assumed that a connection is planned between transmitting-side line interface IFa and receiving-side line interface IFb, which have the same number. It is also assumed that the receiving-side frame restoration means 30b combines divided frames in the order of the line interface IF numbers.

[0022] In the above configuration, the frame segments are combined in ascending order starting from line interface IF number 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, if the line interface IFa on the transmitting side and the line interface IFb on the receiving side are connected in the correct order, the frame will be restored correctly. In this case, the correct order means that the numbers of the line interface IFa on the transmitting side and the line interface IFb on the receiving side match. On the other hand, if the number of the line interface IFa on the transmitting side and the number of the line interface IFb on the receiving side are different (misconnection), the frame will not be restored correctly.

[0023] The connection changeover switch 50a on the transmitting side is provided with a line interface side terminal 50ad and a line side terminal 50af. The connection changeover switch 50a connects the two in a one-to-one relationship. The connection is switched under the control of the connection changeover switch control means 60a. Similarly, the connection changeover switch 50b on the receiving side is provided with a line interface side terminal 50bd and a line side terminal 50bf.

[0024] Before describing the operation, a frame transmitted by the transmission device will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a frame 200 used in the transmission device 100 of the present disclosure. Here, an example of the frame 200 being a Generic Framing Procedure (GFP) frame will be described. However, the frame used is not limited to a GFP frame. The frame 200 is composed of a core header 210 and a payload 220. The core header 210 includes a PLI 211 and a cHEC 212. The PLI 211 is an indicator representing the payload length. The cHEC 212 is used for error checking of the PLI. The cHEC 212 is also a bit for error detection calculated by substituting the PLI into a predetermined formula. Here, PLI stands for Payload Length Indicator. The cHEC stands for core Header Error Control.

[0025] The payload 220 includes a payload header 221, data 222, and a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) 223. The FCS 223 is a bit for checking for data errors.

[0026] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of generation of a frame 200 in the transmission device 100 of the present disclosure. In Fig. 5, GFP frames 200 each consisting of a core header 210 and a payload 220 are generated consecutively. First, GFP frame 1_201 is generated. Next, GFP frame 2_202 is generated, and then GFP frame 3_203 is generated.

[0027] 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of frame division in the transmission device 100 of the present disclosure. A frame 200 is divided into n divided frames. Any division method may be used, but for example, the frame 200 is divided into frames of a predetermined fixed length. Then, data is transmitted in the order of divided frame 1_301, divided frame 2_302, divided frame 3_303, ..., divided frame n_30n.

[0028] Next, the operation of the transmission device 100 and the transmission system 1000 during line connection work will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a first state of the transmission system 1000. As in the example of FIG. 3, the transmission device 100a is on the transmitting side and the transmission device 100b is on the receiving side. On the transmitting side, the connection changeover switch 50a is controlled so that the line interfaces IFa and the lines are connected in order. Line 1 is connected to the line interface IFa1 on the transmitting side. On the receiving side, line 1 is connected to the line interface IFa1. In this state, a test signal specific to the line interface IFa1 is transmitted from the line interface IFa1. The format of the test signal is arbitrary, but it must be identified as being specific to the line interface IFa1. For this reason, for example, the test signal includes the identification number of the line interface IFa1. This test signal is received by the line interface IFb1 via line 1. The connection testing means 40b then determines that the test signal from the line interface IFa1 has been received. By referring to this determination result, the connection changeover switch control means 60b detects that the line interface IFa1 and the line interface IFb1 are properly connected, and then controls the connection changeover switch 50b so that this connection is maintained.

[0029] The timing at which the connection testing means 40a transmits the test signal can be set arbitrarily. For example, the connection testing means 40a may detect that the line 1 is connected to the line interface IFb1, and may use this detection as a trigger for the connection testing means 40a to transmit the test signal.

[0030] Next, the operator connects the line 2 connected to the line interface IFa2 on the transmitting side to one of the line interfaces IFb of the receiving transmission device 100b. At this time, it is possible that the line is connected to a line interface IFb other than the intended line interface IFb2. This is an incorrect connection.

[0031] 8 is a block diagram showing a second state of the transmission system 1000 of the present disclosure. The receiving-side transmission device 100b first attempts to receive a test signal from the line interface IFb2 corresponding to the transmitting-side line interface IFa2. Therefore, in the second state, the connection changeover switch 50b connects the line-side terminal 50bf2 and the line interface-side terminal 50bd2. In this state, the line-side terminal 50bf2 is not connected to the line 2. Therefore, the connection testing means 40b determines that the test signal has not been received.

[0032] Depending on the result of this determination, the connection changeover switch control means 60 attempts another connection. For example, the connection is switched in order from the line interfaces IF with unestablished connections, starting with the lowest number.

[0033] 9 is a block diagram showing a third state of the transmission system 1000 of the present disclosure. In the third state, the connection of the connection changeover switch 50b has been changed from the second state. That is, the line side terminal 50bf3 and the line interface side terminal 50bd2 are connected. In this state, the line side terminal 50bf3 is not connected to the line 2. Therefore, the connection testing means 40b determines that the test signal has not been received. Therefore, the connection changeover switch control means 60 further searches for a connection that can receive the test signal.

[0034] 10 is a block diagram showing a fourth state of the transmission system 1000 of the present disclosure. In the connection changeover switch 50b, the line interface side terminal 50bd2 is connected to the line side terminal 50bfm. In this state, the line 2 is not connected to the line side terminal 50bf2. Therefore, the connection testing means 40b determines that the test signal has not been received. Therefore, the connection changeover switch control means 60 further searches for a connection that can receive the test signal.

[0035] 11 is a block diagram showing a fifth state of the transmission system 1000 of the present disclosure. In the connection changeover switch 50b, the line interface side terminal 50bd2 is connected to the line side terminal 50bfn. In this state, the line 2 is connected to the line side terminal 50bf2. Therefore, the connection testing means 40b determines that reception of the test signal is possible. Therefore, the connection changeover switch control means 60 controls the connection changeover switch 50 to maintain this connection.

[0036] By maintaining the above connection, the line interface IFa2 on the transmitting side and the line interface IFb2 on the receiving side are connected, that is, a normal connection is established.

[0037] Similarly, the connections between line 3 and subsequent lines and the receiving line interface IFb are corrected in sequence. Then, when the connections of all lines are restored to normal, the connection work is completed. In this state, the receiving side frame restoration means 30b can restore the frame 200 correctly by combining the divided frames in the expected order. In other words, all lines are automatically restored to a normal connection state.

[0038] Next, the gist of the above operation will be described below: Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the transmitting-side transmission device 100a of the present disclosure.

[0039] First, for example, an operator or the like connects a line, thereby connecting the k-th line interface IFak on the transmitting side to one of the line interfaces IFb on the receiving side. Then, the connection testing means 40a on the transmitting side detects this connection (S1). Here, k is set, for example, to the smallest number whose connection is not maintained. Upon detecting this connection, the connection testing means 40a transmits a test signal specific to the line interface IFak to the line_k (S2).

[0040] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the receiving-side transmission device 100b of the present disclosure. First, in the connection changeover switch 50b, the line interface side terminal 50bdk is connected to the line side terminal 50bfk (S11). Next, the connection testing means 40b determines whether a test signal corresponding to the transmitting-side line interface IFak has been received (S12). The connection changeover switch control means 60 then refers to this determination result. If the test signal has been received (S12_Yes), the connection changeover switch control means 60 maintains this connection (the connection between the line interface side terminal 50bdk and the line side terminal 50bfk) (S14). Next, it is determined whether there is a line interface IFb whose connection is not being maintained (S15). If there is no line interface IFb whose connection is not being maintained (S15_No), the operation ends. On the other hand, if there is a line interface IFb whose connection is not being maintained (S15_Yes), the operation returns to S12 and an operation to establish the next connection is performed.

[0041] On the other hand, if it is determined in S12 that the connection testing means 40b has not received a test signal (S12_No), the next control is performed. That is, the connection changeover switch control means 60b switches the connection of the connection changeover switch 50 until the connection testing means 40b detects the reception of a test signal (S13). Then, when a connection that can receive a test signal is detected, the connection changeover switch control means 60b performs control to maintain this connection (S14). Next, it is determined whether there is a line interface IFb whose connection is not being maintained (S15). Here, if there is no line interface IFb whose connection is not being maintained (S15_No), the operation ends. On the other hand, if there is a line interface IFb whose connection is not being maintained (S15_Yes), the operation returns to S12 and an operation to establish the next connection is performed.

[0042] According to the above operation, even if an incorrect connection occurs, the connection is corrected to return to normal. Therefore, the frame restoration means 30 combines the divided frames in the expected order, and the frame 200 is restored correctly.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration in which a control unit such as a connection changeover switch control means 60 is implemented in a transmission device 100. This hardware is, for example, a general-purpose computer. As shown in FIG. 14, this computer includes, for example, a processor 101, a memory 102, a display unit 103, an input unit 104, a storage unit 105, and a communication interface 106. The processor 101 executes arithmetic processing. The memory 102 stores data used in the arithmetic processing. The display unit 103 displays data, etc. The input unit 104 accepts input from outside. The storage unit 105 stores data. Furthermore, communication between the computer and external devices is performed via the communication interface 106.

[0044] The transmission device 100 and the like according to the present disclosure have been described above.

[0045] The transmission device 100 of the present disclosure includes a frame generation means 10, a frame segment generation means 20, a line interface IF, and a frame restoration means 30. The frame generation means 10 generates a frame 200 having a header and a payload from input data. The frame segment generation means 20 divides the frame 200 to be transmitted to generate frame segments. The line interface IF transmits each of the frame segments to a predetermined number of lines. Upon receiving the frame segments, the frame restoration means 30 combines the frame segments in a predetermined order to restore the frame. The transmission device 100 also includes a connection test means 40, a connection changeover switch 50, and a connection changeover switch control means 60. The connection test means 40 transmits a test signal specific to each line interface IF from each line interface IF. Furthermore, when the line interface IF receives the test signal, the connection test means 40 determines whether or not the test signal has been received. The connection changeover switch switches the connection between the line and the line interface IF. In response to the determination of the connection test means 40, the connection changeover switch control means 60 controls the connection changeover switch 50. This determination is that the test signal is not received at the line interface IF corresponding to any of the multiple lines. Then, the connection changeover switch control means 60 controls the connection changeover switch so that the line is electrically connected to the line interface IFb on the receiving side corresponding to the line interface IFa on the transmitting side.

[0046] According to the above configuration, even if there is an error in the connection between the transmission side line interface IFa and the reception side line interface IFb, the order of the reception side line interface IFb is automatically corrected so that the order is as planned.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the transmission device 100 is on the receiving side. At this time, the line interface IFb may not be able to receive the test signal from the corresponding line interface IFa on the transmitting side. In this case, the connection changeover switch control means 60 sequentially switches the connection destination between the line-side connection terminal of the connection changeover switch 50 and the connection terminal of the line interface. Then, the connection testing means 40 identifies a connection that can receive the test signal.

[0048] In the above configuration, the connection changeover switch 50 sequentially switches the connections to search for a connection that can receive the test signal, thereby reliably detecting a connection that can receive the test signal.

[0049] According to one embodiment, in the transmission device 100, the connection changeover switch control means 60 controls the connection changeover switch 50 so as to maintain the connection that allows reception of the above-specified test signal.

[0050] By adopting the above configuration, a combination of connections where a normal connection has been established is maintained.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the connection test means 40 detects that the line interface IF is connected to the line interface IF of the destination transmission device 100. Then, upon this detection, the connection test means 40 transmits a test signal.

[0052] In the above configuration, a test signal is transmitted and a connection test is performed every time a line is connected between the transmitting transmission device 100a and the receiving transmission device 100b. This ensures that the connection test is performed without exception.

[0053] The transmission system 1000 of the present disclosure includes two transmission devices 100. A line interface IF of one transmission device 100 and a line interface IF of the other transmission device 100 form a pair. This pair is connected by a line.

[0054] According to the above configuration, even if there is an error in the connection between the line interface IFa on the transmitting side and the line interface IFb on the receiving side, the order of the line interfaces IFb is automatically corrected so that the order is as planned.

[0055] A control method for a transmission device 100 according to the present disclosure controls the transmission device 100. The transmission device 100 includes a frame generation means 10, a frame segment generation means 20, a line interface IF, and a frame restoration means 30. The frame generation means 10 generates a frame 200 having a header and a payload from input data. The frame segment generation means 20 generates frame segments by dividing the frame 200 to be transmitted. The transmission device 100 also includes a connection test means 40, a connection changeover switch 50, and a connection changeover switch control means 60. The line interface IF transmits each of the frame segments to a predetermined number of lines. Upon receiving the frame segments, the frame restoration means 30 combines the frame segments in a predetermined order to restore the frame. Then, each line interface IF transmits a test signal specific to that line interface IF. When the line interface IF receives the test signal, it is determined whether the line interface IF has received the test signal. The connection testing means 40 then determines that the test signal is not being received at the line interface IF corresponding to any of the multiple lines. In response to this, the connection changeover switch control means 60 controls the connection of the connection changeover switch 50. This control is performed so that the line interface IF on the receiving side corresponding to the line interface IF on the transmitting side is electrically connected to the line.

[0056] According to the above configuration, even if there is an error in the connection between the line interface IF on the transmitting side and the line interface IF on the receiving side, the order of the line interface IF on the receiving side is automatically corrected so that the order is as planned.

[0057] Furthermore, a control program for the transmission device 100 of the present disclosure causes the transmission device 100 to execute processing. The transmission device 100 includes frame generation means 10, frame segment generation means 20, a line interface IF, and frame restoration means 30. The frame generation means 10 generates a frame 200 having a header and a payload from input data. The frame segment generation means 20 generates frame segments by dividing the frame 200 to be transmitted. The transmission device 100 also includes connection testing means 40, a connection changeover switch 50, and connection changeover switch control means 60. The line interface IF transmits each of the frame segments to a predetermined number of lines. Upon receiving the frame segments, the frame restoration means 30 combines the frame segments in a predetermined order to restore the frame. The control program for the transmission device 100 then causes the transmission device to execute the following processing. One of these processing steps is to transmit a test signal specific to each line interface from each line interface IF. One example is a process for determining whether a test signal has been received when the line interface IF receives it. Another example is a process for determining that a test signal has not been received at the line interface IF. Here, a test signal corresponding to one of a plurality of lines is received. Another example is a process for controlling the connection between the line and the line interface IF in response to that signal. This control is performed so that the line is electrically connected to the receiving line interface IF corresponding to the transmitting line interface IF.

[0058] According to the above configuration, even if there is an error in the connection between the line interface IF on the transmitting side and the line interface IF on the receiving side in the transmission device 100, the order of the line interface IF on the receiving side is automatically corrected so that the order is as planned.

[0059] The scope of the present invention also includes a program for causing a computer to execute the processes of the above-described embodiments and a recording medium storing the program. Examples of recording media that can be used include a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory.

[0060] The present invention has been described above using the above-described embodiment as an exemplary example. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In other words, the present invention can be applied in various aspects that are understandable to those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0062] (Appendix 1) a frame generating means for generating a frame having a header and a payload from input data; a frame division generating means for dividing the frame to be transmitted and generating frame divisions; a line interface for transmitting each of the divided frames to a plurality of predetermined lines; a frame restoration means for, when receiving the divided frames, combining the divided frames in a predetermined order to restore the frame; A transmission device having: a connection test means for transmitting a test signal specific to each of the line interfaces from each of the line interfaces, and for determining whether or not the test signal has been received when the line interface receives the test signal; a connection changeover switch for switching the connection between the line and the line interface; a connection changeover switch control means for controlling the connection changeover switch in response to the connection testing means determining that the specific test signal has not been received by the line interface corresponding to any of the plurality of lines so that the line is electrically connected to the line interface on the receiving side corresponding to the line interface on the transmitting side corresponding to the line; Equipped with A transmission device characterized by:

[0063] (Appendix 2) When the transmitting device is a receiving device, The connection changeover switch control means When the line interface fails to receive the test signal from the corresponding line interface on the transmitting side, the connection terminals of the line interfaces to which the line side connection terminals of the connection changeover switch are connected are sequentially switched; The connection testing means identifying a connection capable of receiving the test signal; 2. The transmission device according to claim 1,

[0064] (Appendix 3) The connection changeover switch control means Maintaining a connection capable of receiving the identified test signal; 3. The transmission device according to claim 2,

[0065] (Appendix 4) The connection testing means detecting that the line interface is connected to the line interface of the destination transmission device, and transmitting the test signal in response to the detection; 4. The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein:

[0066] (Appendix 5) Two of the transmission devices according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4 are provided; the line interface of one of the transmission devices is connected to the line interface of the other of the transmission devices so as to form a pair; A transmission system characterized in that:

[0067] (Appendix 6) a frame generating means for generating a frame having a header and a payload from input data; a frame division generating means for dividing the frame to be transmitted and generating frame divisions; a line interface for transmitting each of the divided frames to a plurality of predetermined lines; a frame restoration means for, when receiving the divided frames, combining the divided frames in a predetermined order to restore the frame; A control method for a transmission device having transmitting, from each of said line interfaces, a test signal specific to each of said line interfaces; When the line interface receives the test signal, it determines whether or not the test signal has been received; controlling a connection in response to determining that the test signal has not been received by the line interface corresponding to any of the plurality of lines so that the line is electrically connected to the line interface on the receiving side corresponding to the line interface on the transmitting side corresponding to the line; A method for controlling a transmission device.

[0068] (Appendix 7) a frame generating means for generating a frame having a header and a payload from input data; a frame division generating means for dividing the frame to be transmitted and generating frame divisions; a line interface for transmitting each of the divided frames to a plurality of predetermined lines; a frame restoration means for, when receiving the divided frames, combining the divided frames in a predetermined order to restore the frame; A control program for a transmission device comprising: transmitting, from each of said line interfaces, a test signal specific to each of said line interfaces; When the line interface receives the test signal, a process of determining whether or not the test signal has been received; a process of controlling a connection so that, in response to determining that the test signal has not been received by the line interface corresponding to any of the plurality of lines, the line interface on the receiving side corresponding to the line interface on the transmitting side corresponding to the line is electrically connected to the line; A control program for a transmission device, which causes the transmission device to execute the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10 Frame Generation Method 20. Split frame generation means 30, 30b Frame restoration means 40, 40a, 40b Connection test means 50, 50a, 50b connection selector switch 60, 60a, 60b Connection changeover switch control means 100, 100a, 100b Transmission equipment 1000 Transmission Systems 200 frames IF, IFa, IFb line interfaces T tester

Claims

1. a frame generating means for generating a frame having a header and a payload from input data; a divided frame generating means for dividing the frame to generate divided frames; a plurality of line interfaces for transmitting and receiving the divided frames to and from a communication partner transmission device via a plurality of predetermined lines; a frame restoration means for combining, in a predetermined order, divided frames received from a plurality of line interfaces provided in the transmission device of the other party of communication, and restoring a frame generated by a frame generation means provided in the transmission device of the other party of communication; A transmission device having: a connection testing means having a function of transmitting a test signal specific to each line interface from each said line interface, and a function of determining whether or not the test signal received by the line interface is a test signal specific to the line interface of the transmission device of the communication partner corresponding to said line interface; a connection changeover switch for switching the connection between the line and the line interface; a connection changeover switch control means for controlling the connection changeover switch so that the line interface of the transmission device of the other communication party and the line interface corresponding to this line interface are electrically connected in response to the connection test means determining that the test signal specific to the line interface of the transmission device of the other communication party corresponding to this line interface has not been received; Equipped with A transmission device characterized by:

2. The connection changeover switch control means: when a specific test signal cannot be received from the line interface of the transmission device of the communication partner corresponding to the line interface, sequentially switching the connection between the line side connection terminal and the line interface side connection terminal provided in the connection changeover switch; The connection test means A line interface identifies a connection of the connection changeover switch that can receive a unique test signal from a line interface of a corresponding communication partner transmission device.

2. The transmission device according to claim 1.

3. The connection changeover switch control means Maintaining the connection of the identified connection changeover switch; 3. The transmission device according to claim 2.

4. The connection testing means Detecting that the line interface is connected to the line interface of the communication partner transmission device, and transmitting a test signal specific to the line interface upon detection.

4. The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to the first and second inputs.

5. Two of the transmission devices according to any one of claims 1 to 3 are provided, the line interface of one of the transmission devices is connected to the line interface of the other of the transmission devices so as to form a pair; A transmission system characterized in that:

6. a frame generating means for generating a frame having a header and a payload from input data; a divided frame generating means for dividing the frame to generate divided frames; a plurality of line interfaces for transmitting and receiving the divided frames to and from a communication partner transmission device via a plurality of predetermined lines; a frame restoration means for combining, in a predetermined order, divided frames received from a plurality of line interfaces provided in the transmission device of the other party of communication, and restoring a frame generated by a frame generation means provided in the transmission device of the other party of communication; A control method for a transmission device having transmitting a test signal from each line interface that is specific to said line interface; When a test signal is received by the line interface, it is determined whether the received test signal is a test signal specific to the line interface of the transmission device of the communication partner corresponding to the line interface; controlling a connection so that the line interface of the transmission device of the communication partner and the line interface corresponding to this line interface are electrically connected in response to determining that the test signal specific to the line interface of the transmission device of the communication partner corresponding to this line interface is not received; A method for controlling a transmission device.

7. a frame generating means for generating a frame having a header and a payload from input data; a divided frame generating means for dividing the frame to generate divided frames; a plurality of line interfaces for transmitting and receiving the divided frames to and from a communication partner transmission device via a plurality of predetermined lines; a frame restoration means for combining, in a predetermined order, divided frames received from a plurality of line interfaces provided in the transmission device of the other party of communication, and restoring a frame generated by a frame generation means provided in the transmission device of the other party of communication; A control program for a transmission device comprising: transmitting a test signal from each line interface that is specific to said line interface; a process of determining whether or not the test signal received by the line interface is a test signal specific to the line interface of the communication partner transmission device corresponding to the line interface; a process of controlling a connection so that the line interface of the transmission device of the communication partner and the line interface corresponding to this line interface are electrically connected in response to determining that the test signal specific to the line interface of the transmission device of the communication partner corresponding to this line interface is not received; A control program for a transmission device, which causes the transmission device to execute the above.

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