Network device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To efficiently provide information about communication failures of a router 11.SOLUTION: A router 11 is a network device capable of connecting to a network 2. The router 11 performs a discrimination process that includes discriminating whether or not a connection is possible for a plurality of connection methods. The router 11 also generates a discrimination result code that indicates results of the discrimination for the plurality of connection methods, correspondingly to the discrimination process. The router 11 performs a connection process to the network by a connection method selected based on the results of the discrimination process including the discrimination for the plurality of connection methods.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a network device, a control method, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a router having a function of searching for an Internet-side line type and automatically performing settings until the connection to the Internet is completed is known (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described function, since the search for a plurality of connection methods is automatically performed, when the connection to the Internet fails, it is difficult for the user of the router to explain to the inquiry destination such as the manufacturer the reason for the failure. For this reason, at the inquiry destination, the state of the router and the installation environment cannot be reproduced, and information (log) on the state of the router and the installation environment at the time of a communication failure cannot be obtained, so it has been difficult to conduct investigations for improvement and the like.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to efficiently provide information regarding a communication failure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The network device of the present invention is a network device capable of connecting to a network such as the Internet, and includes a control unit that performs a determination process including determining whether or not a connection is possible for a plurality of connection methods, and generates a determination result code indicating the result of the determination for the plurality of connection methods in accordance with the determination process.

[0007] The control method of the present invention is a control method for a network device that can connect to a network such as the Internet, wherein the processor of the network device performs a determination process that includes determining whether or not a connection is possible for a plurality of connection methods, and generates a determination result code that indicates the result of the determination for the plurality of connection methods in correspondence with the determination process.

[0008] The control program of the present invention is a control program for a network device that can connect to a network such as the Internet, and causes the processor of the network device to perform a determination process that includes determining whether or not a connection is possible for a plurality of connection methods, and to generate a determination result code that indicates the result of the determination for the plurality of connection methods in accordance with the determination process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a network device, a control method, and a control program that can efficiently provide information regarding communication failures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a wireless communication system to which the network device of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of router 11. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of user terminal 12. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of IPv6 line connection processing by the processor 21 of router 11. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of IPv4 line connection processing by the processor 21 of router 11. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the process by which the processor 21 of router 11 sends a discrimination result code. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of aggregation of DCs (Discrimination Result Codes) from multiple IDCs. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the data structure for DC70 (discrimination result code). [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the display of DC70 (identification result code). [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing a modified version of Image 90. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Embodiment) <Wireless communication system to which the network device of the present invention is applied> Figure 1 shows an example of a wireless communication system to which the network device of the present invention is applied. The wireless communication system 10 shown in Figure 1 includes, for example, a router 11 and user terminals 12 and 13.

[0013] Router 11 is an example of a network device of the present invention. Router 11 has a router function that relays communication between communication devices connected to Router 11 (e.g., user terminals 12, 13) and network 2. Network 2 is a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet, and connection becomes possible after determining the connection method.

[0014] Furthermore, router 11 is a so-called wireless LAN router that functions as a wireless LAN access point forming a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Router 11 may also have functions such as a switching hub.

[0015] The user terminals 12 and 13 are communication devices having a function of performing wireless communication with the router 11 by connecting to the wireless LAN formed by the router 11. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 12 is a smartphone, and the user terminal 13 is a notebook personal computer.

[0016] A server 20 is connected to the network 2. The server 20 is, for example, a server that collects logs of a router (for example, the router 11) connected to the network 2, and as an example, it is a server managed by the manufacturer of the router 11.

[0017] <Example of the hardware configuration of the router 11> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the router 11. The router 11 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a processor 21, a memory 22, a wireless communication interface 23, and a wired communication interface 24. These components of the router 11 are connected to each other by, for example, a bus 29.

[0018] The processor 21 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire router 11. Note that the processor 21 may be realized by other digital circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Also, the processor 21 may be realized by combining a plurality of digital circuits. The processor 21 is an example of the control unit of the present invention.

[0019] Memory 22 includes a DC storage area (described later) and an IDC storage area (described later) for temporarily storing IDCs, and includes, for example, main memory and auxiliary memory. Main memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). Main memory is used as the work area of ​​processor 21. The DC storage area can store up to N DCs and their creation times. If the number of stored DCs exceeds N, a specific past DC may be "overwritten" to register a new DC, or the oldest DC may be overwritten to register a new DC.

[0020] Auxiliary memory is non-volatile memory such as magnetic disks or flash memory. Various programs for operating the router 11 are stored in the auxiliary memory. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory are loaded into main memory and executed by the processor 21.

[0021] Additionally, the auxiliary memory may include portable memory that can be removed from the router 11. Portable memory may include USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drives, SD (Secure Digital) memory cards, and external hard disk drives.

[0022] The wireless communication interface 23 is a communication interface that performs wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 23 is controlled by the processor 21. For example, the wireless communication interface 23 performs wireless LAN communication with user terminals 12 and 13.

[0023] The wired communication interface 24 is a communication interface that performs wired communication. The wired communication interface 24 is controlled by the processor 21. For example, the wired communication interface 24 performs IP (Internet Protocol) communication with network 2. Furthermore, the wired communication interface 24 may also perform wired LAN communication with notification devices that are wired to router 11.

[0024] <Example hardware configuration for user terminal 12> Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal 12. The user terminal 12 shown in Figure 1 includes, for example, a processor 31, memory 32, a wireless communication interface 33, and a user interface 34. These components of the user terminal 12 are connected to each other, for example, by a bus 39.

[0025] The processor 31, memory 32, and wireless communication interface 33 have the same configuration as the processor 21, memory 22, and wireless communication interface 23 shown in Figure 2, respectively.

[0026] The wireless communication interface 33 of the user terminal 12 communicates with the router 11 via wireless LAN. The wireless communication interface 33 of the user terminal 12 may also include a wireless communication interface that performs cellular communication, connecting to network 2 via a mobile communication network.

[0027] The user interface 34 includes, for example, an input device that accepts user input and an output device that outputs information to the user. The input device can be implemented by, for example, keys (e.g., a keyboard) or a remote control. The output device can be implemented by, for example, a display or speakers. Alternatively, both the input and output devices may be implemented by an instruction panel or the like. The user interface 34 is controlled by the processor 31. Note that the user terminal 12 may be configured without the user interface 34.

[0028] Furthermore, the user terminal 12 may be equipped with a wired communication interface for wired LAN communication with the router 11.

[0029] The hardware configuration of user terminal 12 has been described, and the same applies to the hardware configuration of user terminal 13.

[0030] <IPv6 line connection processing by the processor 21 of router 11> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of IPv6 line connection processing by the router 11's processor 21, which is performed in parallel with the IPv4 line connection processing by the router 11's processor 21, which is described in Figure 5. The router 11's processor 21 executes the line connection processing shown in Figure 4, for example, to connect to network 2 using IPv6.

[0031] First, processor 21 performs GUA / Prefix / DNS detection to determine whether multiple connection methods (GUA, Prefix, DNS) for connecting via IPv6 are available (step S31). Processor 31, for example, executes a process to start GUA detection, Prefix detection, and DNS detection in parallel. Processor 21 also generates IDC_21, which shows the result of starting GUA / Prefix / DNS detection in step S31.

[0032] Next, the processor 21 executes steps S32 to S34 in parallel. In step S32, the processor 21 performs GUA detection to determine whether a GUA (Global Unique Address) can be used for connecting to network 2 (step S32). The processor 21 also generates IDC_22, which shows the result of the GUA detection determination in step S32.

[0033] In step S33, the processor 21 performs prefix detection to determine whether or not prefixes can be used when connecting to network 2 (step S33). The processor 21 also generates IDC_23, which shows the result of the prefix detection determination in step S33.

[0034] In step S34, the processor 21 performs DNS detection to determine whether DNS (Domain Name System) can be used for connecting to network 2 (step S34). The processor 21 also generates IDC_24, which shows the result of the DNS detection determination in step S34.

[0035] The above process is an example of a determination process that includes determining whether or not a connection to network 2 is possible for each of the multiple connection methods. These multiple connection methods include, for example, GUA, Prefix, and DNS.

[0036] Next, the processor 21 completes the GUA / Prefix / DNS detection in steps S32 to S34 and selects a connection method to use from among the connection methods detected in steps S32 to S34 as available connection methods for connecting to network 2 (step S35). The processor 21 also generates IDC_21, which shows the result of the connection method selection in step S35. At this time, the processor 21 aggregates IDC_22, IDC_23, and IDC_24 generated in steps S32 to S34 into IDC_21.

[0037] Next, the processor 21 performs the connection process to network 2 using the selected connection method (step S36). The processor 21 also generates IDC_25, which shows the result of the connection process to network 2 in step S35.

[0038] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the processor 21 creates a DC by combining each IDC (step S37), and registers the DC created in step S37 in the DC storage area (step S38).

[0039] <IPv4 line connection processing by the processor 21 of router 11> Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of IPv4 line connection processing by the processor 21 of router 11. The processor 21 of router 11 performs the line connection processing shown in Figure 5, for example, to connect to network 2 using IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4).

[0040] First, the processor 21 performs port link detection to determine whether there are any port links that can connect to network 2 (step S11). The processor 21 also generates an IDC_11 which indicates the result of the port link detection determination in step S11. The IDC (Interval Detection Code) is an interval result code that indicates the processing result of one interval in the line connection process. The processing result includes, for example, whether the determination of various methods has started, whether the determination has finished, and the type of result of the completed determination.

[0041] Next, the processor 21 executes steps S12 and S13 in parallel. In step S12, the processor 21 performs DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) detection, IGD (Internet Gateway Device) detection, and upstream device detection to determine whether DHCP can be used for connection to network 2 (step S12). The processor 21 also generates IDC_12, which shows the results of the DHCP, IGD detection, and upstream device detection performed in step S12. Note that the detection may consist of DHCP detection only, or IDG detection only.

[0042] In step S13, the processor 21 performs PPPoE detection to determine whether PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) can be used for connection to network 2 (step S13). Note that Ethernet is a registered trademark. The processor 21 also generates IDC_13, which indicates the result of the PPPoE detection determination in step S13.

[0043] Next, the processor 21 performs IPv6 detection to determine whether IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) can be used for connection to network 2 (step S14). For example, the processor 21 performs IPv6 detection in step S14 by referring to the results of the IPv6 line connection process shown in Figure 4, which is performed in parallel with the IPv6 line connection process shown in Figure 5. The processor 21 also generates IDC_14, which shows the result of the IPv6 detection determination in step S14.

[0044] Next, the processor 21 determines, based on the result of step S14, whether or not it is possible to connect to network 2 using IPv6 (step S15). If it is not possible to connect to network 2 using IPv6 (step S15: No), the processor 21 proceeds to step S19. If it is possible to connect to network 2 using IPv6 (step S15: Yes), the processor 21 determines whether or not to use multiple connection methods for connecting using IPv4 with the IPv6 network.

[0045] Specifically, first, the processor 21 performs a first method detection to determine whether the first method can be used (step S16). The processor 21 also generates an IDC_15 indicating the result of the first method detection determination in step S16.

[0046] Next, the processor 21 performs a second method detection to determine whether the second method can be used (step S17). The processor 21 also generates an IDC_16 indicating the result of the second method detection determination in step S17.

[0047] Next, the processor 21 performs a third method detection to determine whether the third method can be used (step S18). The processor 21 also generates an IDC_17 which shows the result of the third method detection determination in step S18.

[0048] The first, second, and third methods are all referred to as IPv4overIPv6, as they are connection methods that use IPv6 networks to connect using IPv4. Examples of such connection methods include MAP-E (Mapping of Addresses and Ports with Encapsulation), DS-Lite (Dual-Stack Lite), IPIP (IP over IP) tunnels, MAP-T (Mapping of Address and Port Translation), and 464xlat.

[0049] The above process is an example of a determination process that includes determining whether or not a connection to network 2 is possible for each of several connection methods. These connection methods include, for example, DHCP, PPPoE, and IPv4overIPv6.

[0050] Next, the processor 21 selects a connection method to use from among the connection methods detected as available for connecting to network 2 (step S19). For example, the processor 21 obtains priority information indicating the priority of each connection method, and based on the obtained priority information, selects a connection method to use from among the available connection methods, prioritizing those with higher priority. The priority information is stored, for example, in the memory 22 of the processor 21. The processor 21 also generates an IDC_18 indicating the result of the connection method selection in step S19. Alternatively, the priority information may be stored in the server, and the processor 21 may obtain the priority information from the server.

[0051] Next, the connection process to network 2 is performed using the connection method selected in step S19 (step S20). The processor 21 also generates IDC_19, which shows the result of the connection process to network 2 in step S20.

[0052] Next, in step S21, IDC_11 to IDC_19 generated during the IPv4 line connection process and IDC_21 and IDC_25 generated during the IPv6 line connection process shown in Figure 4 are collected as shown in Figure 7 and aggregated into the discrimination result code DC.

[0053] Next, in step S22, the DC generated in step S21 is registered in the DC storage area.

[0054] Furthermore, if the storage of IDC data into memory 22 for steps S12 and S13, which are performed in parallel, occurs simultaneously, it may lead to a decrease in the performance or degradation of the line connection process. For this reason, the storage of IDC data for steps S12 and S13 may be carried out in coordination by a separate process that is separated from the detection process for steps S12 and S13.

[0055] <Processing of sending the discrimination result code by the processor 21 of router 11> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the processor 21 of router 11 transmits the detection result code. For example, after the processor 21 performs the connection process shown in step S20 in Figure 5 and the connection process shown in step S36 in Figure 4, it performs the process of transmitting the detection result code (DC) shown in Figure 6.

[0056] First, if an unsent DC is stored in the DC storage area of ​​memory 22, the processor 21 retrieves that DC (step S41).

[0057] Next, the processor 21 attempts to transmit a DC to the server 20 connected to the network 2 (step S42). For example, the processor 21 attempts to transmit N DCs registered in the DC storage area. The DC transmission attempt is performed via the wired communication interface 24, through the network 2 connected by, for example, the connection process in step S20 shown in Figure 5 or the connection process in step S36 shown in Figure 4.

[0058] Next, the processor 21 determines whether the DC transmission in step S44 was successful (step S43). If the DC transmission was unsuccessful (step S43: No), the processor 21 returns to step S42 and tries the DC transmission again.

[0059] In step S43, if the DC transmission is successful (step S43: Yes), the processor 21 terminates the series of processes.

[0060] The transmission process shown in Figure 6 allows up to N DCs generated up to that point to be sent to the server 20 all at once. The case where the transmission process shown in Figure 6 is executed triggered by the connection process in step S20 shown in Figure 5 or the connection process in step S36 shown in Figure 4 has been explained, but the processor 21 may be configured to execute the transmission process shown in Figure 6 periodically or in response to user instructions.

[0061] For example, suppose that after the connection of router 11 to network 2 fails due to the line connection process shown in Figures 4 and 5, the user manually selects a connection method and the connection of router 11 to network 2 becomes successful. In this case, up to N DCs, including the DC that failed to connect, stored in the DC storage area, will be sent to server 20 via network 2. This allows server 20 to easily conduct investigations for improving the line connection processing algorithm shown in Figures 4 and 5. For example, by collecting similar DCs from multiple routers, including router 11, it becomes possible to analyze trends such as when connections fail and when they are restored for each ISP (Internet Service Provider).

[0062] Furthermore, in the DC generated in response to the line connection process shown in Figure 5, if the detection of one of the parallel steps S12 and S13 is interrupted, IDC_13 should contain a success or failure status if handling was performed at the interrupted detection of the other step, and IDC_21 should contain a success or failure status if handling was not performed at the interrupted detection of the other step. Therefore, based on IDC_13, it is possible to analyze the situation when the connection by the line connection process fails.

[0063] Furthermore, in the DC generated in response to the line connection process shown in Figure 5, if IDC_15 to IDC_17 indicate information such as "not performed," it can be inferred that steps S16 to S18 were skipped.

[0064] <Aggregation of discrimination result codes from multiple IDCs> Figure 7 shows an example of aggregating multiple IDCs into a DC (Discrimination Result Code). IDC_11 to IDC_19 are IDCs generated during the IPv4 line connection process shown in Figure 5. IDC_21 and IDC_25 are IDCs generated during the IPv6 line connection process shown in Figure 4.

[0065] Among IDC_11~IDC_19 and IDC_21, IDC_25, the IDCs related to connection method detection (e.g., IDC_12~IDC_17, IDC_22~IDC_24) include information on whether connection to network 2 is possible using that connection method, and the type of error (at what stage the failure occurred, etc.) if connection to network 2 fails using that connection method.

[0066] The processor 21 generates a DC70 in which the values ​​of IDC_11~IDC_19, IDC_21, and IDC_25 are stored in a predetermined format. This generates a DC70 (discrimination result code) that aggregates IDC_11~IDC_19 and IDC_21 and IDC_25. The predetermined format may, for example, define a predetermined order, or it may be a collection of result information to which a specific code is assigned for each connection method. Specifically, examples include the TLV (Type Length Value) format and the key-value format.

[0067] <Data structure of the discrimination result code> Figure 8 shows an example of the data structure of DC70 (discrimination result code). As shown in Figure 8, DC70 is, for example, a 32-digit hexadecimal code ("13310201010212011003120219096F30").

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 8, the 4th to 5th digits of DC70 (link detection) are the IDC_11 values, which represent the result of the port link detection in step S11 shown in Figure 5.

[0069] The 6th and 7th digits (DHCP) of DC70 represent the IDC_12 value, which shows the results of DHCP detection and IGD detection in step S12 as shown in Figure 5.

[0070] The 8th to 9th digits of DC70 (PPPoE) represent the IDC_13 value, which shows the result of the PPPoE detection in step S13 shown in Figure 5.

[0071] The 10th to 11th digits of DC70 (IPv6 for 4o6) are the IDC_14 values, which represent the results of IPv6 detection in step S14 shown in Figure 5.

[0072] The 12th to 13th digits of DC70 (first method) are the values ​​of IDC_15, which represent the results of the first method detection in step S16 shown in Figure 5.

[0073] The 14th to 16th digits of DC70 (second method) are the IDC_16 values, which represent the results of the second method detection in step S17 shown in Figure 5.

[0074] The 17th to 19th digits (third method) of DC70 are the IDC_17 values, which represent the results of the third method detection in step S18 shown in Figure 5.

[0075] The 20th digit of DC70 (the result of selecting the connection method) is the value of connection processing result IDC_18, which shows the result of selecting the connection method in step S19 as shown in Figure 5.

[0076] The 21st digit of DC70 (communication confirmation) is the value of IDC_19, which indicates the result of the connection process performed in step S20 shown in Figure 5.

[0077] The 22nd to 23rd digits (GUA / Prefix / DNS) of DC70 represent the value of IDC_21 (including the merged result of IDC_22 to IDC_24), which shows the result of the detection performed in steps S31 to S34 shown in Figure 4.

[0078] The 24th to 25th digits of DC70 (connection method selection result, connection processing result) are the IDC_25 values ​​that show the results of the connection method selection and connection processing in step S36 shown in Figure 4.

[0079] While DC70 was explained as an example of a discrimination result code, the discrimination result code is not limited to DC70. For example, the arrangement of each value and the number of digits allocated to DC70 can be designed arbitrarily. Also, the discrimination result code may be a code obtained by encoding a code like DC70. This encoding method is a reversible conversion method that allows DC70 to be reconstructed from the encoded code.

[0080] For example, if the DC70 shown in Figure 8, "13310201010212011003120219096F30", is encoded using a proprietary reversible conversion encoding method, the code "CMYQE-AIBAI-JACEA-DCIBB-SCLPGA" is obtained, and this can be used as the discrimination result code. In this case, in step S43 shown in Figure 6, the processor 21 registers the encoded code of DC in the DC storage area instead of DC.

[0081] In this way, the processor 21 performs discrimination processing. Discrimination processing includes processing to determine whether or not it is possible to connect to network 2 for each of the multiple connection methods (for example, steps S12 to S18 shown in Figure 5 and steps S32 to S34 shown in Figure 4). Then, the processor 21 performs connection processing to network 2 using the connection method selected based on the results of the discrimination processing. In addition, each time the processor 21 performs discrimination processing, it generates a discrimination result code (DC70) that indicates the result of the discrimination for the multiple connection methods obtained by that discrimination processing. This makes it possible to provide the discrimination result code indicating the result of the discrimination for the multiple connection methods to an entity that collects discrimination result codes (for example, server 20) via the router 11 after connecting to network 2, or by transmission by telephone, etc.

[0082] In this discrimination result code, the results of the discrimination for multiple connection methods are in a predetermined format, making it easy for the entity collecting the discrimination result codes to analyze how the discrimination process, including the determination of whether or not connection to network 2 is possible for each of the multiple connection methods, was performed.

[0083] <Display of the discrimination result code> Figure 9 shows an example of the display of DC70 (discrimination result code). The processor 21 of the router 11 may control the communication device connected to the router 11 to reproduce the discrimination result code DC70, or information that can restore DC70. For example, suppose the user terminal 13 (notebook personal computer) shown in Figure 1 is connected to the router 11 via a wired LAN or wireless LAN.

[0084] In this case, the router 11's processor 21, in response to a request from the user terminal 13, sends the user terminal 13 the device information of the processor 21 (such as the operating mode) along with code 91 ("CMYQE-AIBAI-JACEA-DCIBB-SCLPGA"), which is information that can restore the DC70. The user terminal 13 displays an image 90 showing the information received from the router 11 on its display 13a.

[0085] This allows, for example, in the event of a communication failure that prevents router 11 from connecting to network 2, the user of router 11 to easily transmit code 91 to the manufacturer or other contact point when making an inquiry. For example, when making an inquiry by telephone, code 91, which has been shortened by compression compared to DC70, can be easily transmitted verbally. Also, when making an inquiry via email, chat, inquiry form, etc., using user terminals 13, 14 that can connect to network 2 via a different route than router 11, code 91, which has been shortened by compression compared to DC70, can be easily entered and transmitted.

[0086] Therefore, even in situations where router 11 cannot send DC to the server via network 2, DC 70 can be easily provided to the inquiry recipient. Consequently, the inquiry recipient can provide an appropriate response to the inquiry and conduct appropriate investigations for improving the line connection processing algorithm shown in Figures 4 and 5. Network 2, as described above, refers to a WAN, for example, and is a network that can be connected after the connection method is determined.

[0087] Additionally, a copy button 92 may be included. When a user of the user terminal 13 performs the instruction operation of the copy button 92, the code 91 is copied to the clipboard of the user terminal 13's OS (Operating System). This allows the user to easily input the code 91 into emails, chats, inquiry forms, etc., by pasting it.

[0088] The control described above involves displaying code 91 on the user terminal 13, but the processor 21 may also perform control to output code 91 as an audio signal from the speaker of the user terminal 13, for example.

[0089] Furthermore, if the router is equipped with either a speaker or an LCD monitor, or both, the configuration may allow the speaker or LCD monitor of the router to display and output code 91.

[0090] Figure 10 shows a modified version of Image 90. In response to a request from the user terminal 13, the processor 21 of the router 11 may send to the user terminal 13 an optically readable two-dimensional code 101 containing first information that allows the code 91 to be sent to the server 20 (a specific destination), along with the device information of the processor 21 (such as the operating mode) and the code 91 ("CMYQE-AIBAI-JACEA-DCIBB-SCLPGA"). The first information is, for example, a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) ​​that includes the code 91 as a query, following the address of the server 20. The code 91 may or may not include a URI. The code 91 may also be electronically readable.

[0091] In this case, the user terminal 13 displays an image 100 containing the two-dimensional code 101 along with device information and code 91 on the display 13a. In response, for example, the user captures the two-dimensional code 101 using the user terminal 12 (smartphone). The user terminal 12 obtains the above-mentioned URI (first information) from the captured data of the two-dimensional code 101 and accesses the obtained URI, for example, via a mobile communication network.

[0092] Alternatively, the code 91 displayed on the user terminal 13 may be captured by taking a screenshot or similar method, and the code 91 may be sent to a specific recipient.

[0093] As a result, even when the router 11 is not connected to network 2, the user can easily transmit code 91 to the server 20 by scanning the two-dimensional code 101 with a user terminal 12 (smartphone) that can connect to a mobile communication network.

[0094] In the example shown in Figure 10, the router 11 transmits the first information (URI) as an optically readable two-dimensional code 101 to the user terminal 13. However, the router 11 may also transmit the first information to the user terminal 13. In this case, the user terminal 13 converts the first information received from the router 11 into a two-dimensional code 101 and displays it.

[0095] In the examples in Figures 9 and 10, we described an example where code 91 is a code encoded from DC70, but code 91 may also be an unencoded DC70.

[0096] (modified version) <Example 1> While router 11 was described as an example of a network device, the network device is not limited to router 11; any network device that relays communication between communication equipment and network 2 is acceptable.

[0097] <Modification 2> In Figure 6, a transmission process was described in which up to the most recent N DCs are sent together. However, the processor 21 may also store up to N DCs generated for each line connection process shown in Figures 4 and 5, for each state after the line connection process, and send up to the most recent N DCs together for each state after the line connection process. This prevents situations where, for example, the same error occurs N or more times during the line connection process, but logs related to errors in previous line connection processes cannot be collected. As the state after the line connection process (corresponding to the discrimination state), any multiple states can be set, such as "failure immediately before successful initial connection after initial startup," "successful initial connection after initial startup," etc.

[0098] Furthermore, the determination status after line processing may be assigned a code, or a table capable of determining each determination status may be prepared and the determination result code DC for each determination status may be stored there. These will be stored in the DC storage area.

[0099] <Variation 3> Alternatively, a communication device capable of remotely accessing router 11 may be the primary component, and this communication device may be configured to retrieve (pull) the result code (DC) from router 11. This would allow, for example, a support person to remotely access the user's router 11 and check the result code.

[0100] <Modification 4> Alternatively, router 11 may take the lead in sending (PUSHing) result codes to specific terminals on the LAN side. This allows, for example, a logging server on the LAN side or a dedicated management application (for example, an application on user terminal 12 or user terminal 13) to collect the result codes.

[0101] (About the program) Programs stored in the Read Only Memory (ROM) of the router 11's memory 22, and programs stored in the ROM of the user terminal 12's memory 32, are stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium. Such "computer-readable storage mediums" include, for example, optical media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), or magnetic storage media such as USB memory or memory cards. These programs can also be provided via network download.

[0102] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification.

[0103] (1) A network device capable of connecting to a network, The system performs a determination process that includes determining whether or not connection is possible for multiple connection methods. A discrimination result code indicating the result of the above discrimination for the above multiple connection methods is generated in accordance with the above discrimination process. A network device equipped with a control unit.

[0104] (2) (1) The network device described above, The above determination includes determining whether or not it is possible to connect to the above network. Network device.

[0105] (3) (2) Network device as described above, The results of the above determination include the error type related to the connection to the above network. Network device.

[0106] (4) A network device as described in any one of items (1) to (3), The above discrimination result code includes a portion in which the results of the above discrimination for the above multiple connection methods are stored according to a predetermined format. Network device.

[0107] (5) A network device as described in any one of items (1) to (4), The control unit, while connected to the network, performs control to transmit the discrimination result code or information that can reconstruct the discrimination result code to a specific destination via the network to which it can be connected, by determining the connection method. Network device.

[0108] (6) A network device as described in any one of items (1) to (5), The control unit performs control to notify a communication device connected to the network device, without going through the network, of the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code, by determining the connection method. Network device.

[0109] (7) A network device as described in any one of items (1) to (6), The control unit performs control to notify a communication device capable of remote access to the network of the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code. Network device.

[0110] (8) A network device as described in any one of items (1) to (7), The control unit performs control to notify a communication device connected to a network different from the network described above of the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code. Network device.

[0111] (9) A network device as described in any one of items (1) to (8), Having a storage area for storing the above-mentioned discrimination result code, Network device.

[0112] (10) (9) Network device as described above, The above-mentioned storage area stores the above-mentioned discrimination result code in association with the discrimination status. Network device.

[0113] (11) A network device as described in any one of items (1) to (10), The control unit described above is a network device that controls the notification of first information, including the determination result code or information that can restore the determination result code, to a destination, without going through the network, by determining the connection method.

[0114] (12) A method for controlling a network device that can connect to a network, The network device's processor The system performs a determination process that includes determining whether or not connection is possible for multiple connection methods. A discrimination result code indicating the result of the above discrimination for the above multiple connection methods is generated in accordance with the above discrimination process. Control method.

[0115] (13) A control program for a network device capable of connecting to a network, The network device's processor, The system performs a determination process that includes determining whether or not connection is possible for multiple connection methods. A discrimination result code indicating the result of the above discrimination for the above multiple connection methods is generated in accordance with the above discrimination process. A control program for executing a process. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 2 Network 10 Wireless communication systems 11 Routers 12,13,14 User terminals 13a Display 20 servers 21,31 processors 22,32 memory 23,33 Wireless communication interfaces 24 Wired communication interface Bus 29, 39 34 User Interface 70 DC 90,100 images 91 Code 92 Copy button 101 QR Code

Claims

1. A network device capable of connecting to a network, The system performs a determination process that includes determining whether or not connection is possible for multiple connection methods. A discrimination result code indicating the result of the discrimination for the plurality of connection methods is generated in accordance with the discrimination process. While connected to the aforementioned network, the determination result code or information that can restore the determination result code is transmitted to a specific destination via the aforementioned network, which is connectable by determining the connection method. A network device equipped with a control unit.

2. A network device according to claim 1, The aforementioned determination includes determining whether or not it is possible to connect to the network. Network device.

3. A network device according to claim 2, The result of the above determination includes the error type related to the connection to the network, Network device.

4. A network device according to claim 1, The aforementioned discrimination result code includes a portion in which the results of the discrimination for the plurality of connection methods are stored in a predetermined format. Network device.

5. A network device according to claim 1, The control unit performs control to notify the communication device of the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code by determining the connection method and transmitting it to the communication device connected to the network device without going through the network that can be connected. Network device.

6. A network device according to claim 1, The control unit performs control to notify the communication device of the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code by transmitting the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code to the communication device that can remotely access the network. Network device.

7. A network device according to claim 1, The control unit performs control to notify the communication device of the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code by transmitting the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code to a communication device connected to a network different from the network. Network device.

8. A network device according to claim 1, Having a storage area for storing the aforementioned discrimination result code, Network device.

9. A network device according to claim 8, The aforementioned storage area stores the discrimination result code in association with the discrimination status. Network device.

10. A network device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The control unit controls the network device to notify the communication device of the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code by transmitting first information, including information for transmitting the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code to a destination, to a communication device connected to the network device without going through the network that can be connected by determining the connection method.

11. A method for controlling a network device that can connect to a network, The network device's processor The system performs a determination process that includes determining whether or not connection is possible for multiple connection methods. A discrimination result code indicating the result of the discrimination for the plurality of connection methods is generated in accordance with the discrimination process. While connected to the aforementioned network, the determination result code or information that can restore the determination result code is transmitted to a specific destination via the aforementioned network, which is connectable by determining the connection method. Control method.

12. A control program for a network device capable of connecting to a network, The network device's processor, The system performs a determination process that includes determining whether or not connection is possible for multiple connection methods. A discrimination result code indicating the result of the discrimination for the plurality of connection methods is generated in accordance with the discrimination process. While connected to the aforementioned network, the determination result code or information that can restore the determination result code is transmitted to a specific destination via the aforementioned network, which is connectable by determining the connection method. A control program for executing a process.

13. A network device capable of connecting to a network, The system performs a determination process that includes determining whether or not connection is possible for multiple connection methods. A discrimination result code indicating the result of the discrimination for the plurality of connection methods is generated in accordance with the discrimination process. The system performs control to notify the communication device of the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code by transmitting the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code to the communication device. A network device equipped with a control unit.

14. A method for controlling a network device that can be connected to a network, The network device's processor The system performs a determination process that includes determining whether or not connection is possible for multiple connection methods. A discrimination result code indicating the result of the discrimination for the plurality of connection methods is generated in accordance with the discrimination process. The system performs control to notify the communication device of the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code by transmitting the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code to the communication device. Control method.

15. A control program for a network device capable of connecting to a network, The network device's processor, The system performs a determination process that includes determining whether or not connection is possible for multiple connection methods. A discrimination result code indicating the result of the discrimination for the plurality of connection methods is generated in accordance with the discrimination process. The system performs control to notify the communication device of the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code by transmitting the discrimination result code or information that can restore the discrimination result code to the communication device. A control program for executing a process.

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