Communication device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2025/011903
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure JP2025011903_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Communication apparatus
[0001] The present invention relates to a communication apparatus.
[0002] A communication apparatus installed in a station building of a telecommunications carrier that connects an upper-level apparatus such as a core network apparatus to a customer premises apparatus installed at a user's home adopts a configuration having a package for upper-level apparatuses and a package for user accommodation. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional communication system. The communication system shown in FIG. 14 includes an upper-level apparatus, a communication apparatus, and a customer premises apparatus. A plurality of customer premises apparatuses are connected to the communication apparatus.
[0003] The communication apparatus includes a plurality of packages #1 to #4. Package #1 and package #2 are packages for upper-level apparatuses, and package #3 and package #4 are packages for user accommodation. Here, for the purpose of ensuring reliability and other objectives, the packages for upper-level apparatuses generally have a redundant configuration. Therefore, even when users are in a usage state, some packages can be set to "activated" or "powered off" according to the amount of incoming traffic from the upper-level apparatus and the like.
[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-208757 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-133680
[0005] In contrast, during normal operation, the user accommodation packages do not have a redundant configuration, and cannot be "powered off" when users are in a usage state. If the package is "powered off" while a user is in a usage state, the user's communication will be disconnected. Therefore, in order to perform power saving control by "powering off" a user accommodation package, it is important to accurately determine that the user is in an unused state and perform power off so as not to affect user communication.
[0006] Furthermore, when activating a communication line, it is impossible to predict when a user will apply for a line or when communication will occur from the in-home equipment. However, in order to enable user communication as quickly as possible after the line is activated, it is conceivable to pre-configure a certain amount of communication equipment and packages. In this case, however, until the access line is laid and the in-home equipment is installed, the user-accommodating packages and communication ports within the communication equipment remain active even though they are not being used, resulting in a waste of power.
[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a technology that can reduce power consumption without affecting user communication.
[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a communication device comprising: a plurality of packages for a higher-level device that communicate with a higher-level device; a plurality of user accommodation packages equipped with a plurality of communication ports that communicate with a user device; and a control unit that monitors the usage status of each of the plurality of communication ports or each of the plurality of user accommodation packages, and controls the operation of the communication port or user accommodation package to be controlled from among the plurality of communication ports and the plurality of user accommodation packages based on the monitoring results.
[0009] This invention makes it possible to reduce power consumption without affecting user communication.
[0010] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the present invention. This figure shows an example of the configuration of a control unit according to the present invention. This figure illustrates the outline of the communication system in the first embodiment. This flowchart shows the processing flow of the communication device in the first embodiment. This figure illustrates the outline of the communication system in the second embodiment. This flowchart shows the processing flow of the communication device in the second embodiment. This flowchart shows another example of the processing flow of the communication device in the second embodiment. This figure illustrates the outline of the communication system in the third embodiment. This figure shows an example of a setting information DB in the third embodiment. This flowchart shows the processing flow of the communication device in the third embodiment. This figure illustrates the outline of the communication system in the fourth embodiment. This flowchart shows the processing flow of the communication device in the fourth embodiment. This figure shows an example of the configuration of a conventional communication system.
[0011] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0012] (System Configuration) Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the communication system 100 in the present invention. The communication system 100 comprises a host device 10 and a communication device 20. One or more user devices 30 are connected to the communication device 20. The host device 10 is a device such as a core network. The host device 10 communicates with each user device 30.
[0013] The communication device 20 is a device installed in a telecommunications carrier's central office or similar location. The communication device 20 comprises a plurality of packages 21-1 to 21-M (where M is an integer of 2 or more) for higher-level devices, a plurality of user accommodation packages 22-1 to 22-N (where N is an integer of 2 or more), and a control unit 23. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, packages 21-1 to 21-M for higher-level devices will be referred to as package 21 for higher-level devices. Similarly, unless otherwise specified, user accommodation packages 22-1 to 22-N will be referred to as package 22 for user accommodation.
[0014] The package 21 for the higher-level device is connected to the higher-level device 10 via an optical fiber. The package 21 for the higher-level device is a communication package that has the function of communicating with the higher-level device 10. The package 21 for the higher-level device also forwards signals transmitted from the higher-level device 10 to the user accommodation package 22 to which the user device 30, which is the destination, is connected. The package 21 for the higher-level device also forwards signals output from the user accommodation package 22 to the higher-level device 10.
[0015] The package 21 for higher-level devices has a redundant configuration, with multiple packages 21 connected to one or more higher-level devices 10. For simplicity of explanation, Figure 1 shows an example where one higher-level device 10 is connected to multiple packages 21. The same applies hereafter. Therefore, even when a user is using the system, the operating state of any of the packages 21 for higher-level devices can be controlled according to the amount of incoming traffic from the higher-level device 10. For example, it is possible to "start" or "power off" any of the packages 21 for higher-level devices. The operation control of the packages 21 for higher-level devices is performed by the control unit 23.
[0016] The user accommodation package 22 is connected to the user device 30 via an optical fiber. The user accommodation package 22 is a communication package that has the function of communicating with the user device 30. The user accommodation package 22 also forwards signals transmitted from the user device 30 to the host device package 21 to which the host device 10, the destination device, is connected. The user accommodation package 22 also forwards signals output from the host device package 21 to the user device 30.
[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the user accommodation package 22 has multiple communication ports 25-1 to 25-3. Although Figure 1 shows a configuration in which one user accommodation package 22 has three communication ports 25, the number of communication ports 25 in one user accommodation package 22 is not particularly limited. Each communication port 25 can be in an open state or a closed state according to the control of the control unit 23. An open state means that it is available for communication. A closed state means that it cannot be used for communication.
[0018] In the user accommodation package 22, it is possible to control the operation of the user accommodation package 22 (for example, "startup" or "power off" control) and the operation of each of the 25 communication ports (for example, "startup" or "power off" control). The operation control of the user accommodation package 22 and each of the 25 communication ports is performed in the control unit 23.
[0019] If the "power off" control is executed in the user accommodation package 22, the functions of the user accommodation package 22 will stop. Therefore, the functions of all communication ports 25 of the user accommodation package 22 on which the "power off" control has been executed will also stop. Conversely, if the "start up" control is executed in the user accommodation package 22, all communication ports 25 of the user accommodation package 22 on which the "start up" control has been executed will also be started up.
[0020] Furthermore, if a "power off" control is executed on one of the communication ports 25, the function of that communication port 25 will be stopped. In other words, the communication port 25 on which the "power off" control was executed will become unavailable for communication. Also, if a "start" control is executed on one of the communication ports 25, that communication port 25 will be started up. Even if a communication port 25 is started up, it cannot be used for communication if it is in a blocked state, and it can only be used for communication if it is in an open state.
[0021] Generally, unused communication ports 25 are blocked to prevent attacks from malicious users or to prevent the entire device from malfunctioning due to unexpected behavior of the communication port 25. Furthermore, communication between the communication device 20 and the user device 30 generally begins after the communication device 20 notifies the user device 30 of the user device identifier and a link is established. However, if there is no user device 30 to which the user device identifier is to be notified in this process, then the communication port 25 can be said to be in an unused state.
[0022] In this invention, the operation of the communication port 25 or the user accommodation package 22 is controlled based on the state of the communication port 25 described above (for example, whether it is blocked, whether or not setting information is registered, whether or not it is faulty, etc.) or whether or not the user device 30 is present, by determining whether or not the communication port 25 or the user accommodation package 22 is in an unused state. Here, an unused state may be a state in which the communication port 25 is blocked, a state in which the user device 30 is not connected to the communication port 25, a state in which no setting information is registered to the communication port 25, or a state in which it is not being used as a backup system. Setting information is information related to the user device 30 connected to the communication port 25, and is, for example, information that associates the identification information and address information (for example, MAC address, etc.) of the user device 30.
[0023] In this invention, power is cut off to a communication port 25 or user accommodation package 22 that is determined to be in an unused state. In addition, in this invention, power is turned on to a communication port 25 or user accommodation package 22 that is determined to be in use. As an example, the power-on of a communication port 25 or user accommodation package 22 may be performed based on either (1) or (2) below.
[0024] (1) The system is activated when the communication port is opened. (2) If the power is cut off, it will not be possible to detect the presence of the user device 30 even if it is connected (present). Therefore, the communication port 25 that has been cut off is activated at regular intervals, and the presence or absence of the user device 30 is determined at that time. If the user device 30 is present, the system remains activated.
[0025] (Device Configuration) Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit 23 in the present invention. The control unit 23 comprises a monitoring unit 231, a determination unit 232, and a power control unit 233. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of the communication device 20. The monitoring unit 231 monitors at least one of the following: the status of each communication port 25 of the communication device 20, the presence or absence of a user device 30, and the status of the user accommodation package 22.
[0026] Here, the status of each communication port 25 may be whether the communication port 25 is open or closed, or whether or not the configuration information for the user device 30 connected to the communication port 25 is registered. The presence or absence of the user device 30 means whether or not there is a user device 30 connected to the communication port 25. The status of the user accommodation package 22 means whether or not the user accommodation package 22 operating as the operational system (hereinafter referred to as the "operational system user accommodation package") is normal (whether or not a failure has occurred).
[0027] The determination unit 232 determines whether operation is required for the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 based on the monitoring results from the monitoring unit 231. If the determination unit 232 determines that operation is not required (for example, unused), it outputs a power-off instruction to the power control unit 233. The power-off instruction is an instruction to stop the power to the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 that has been determined to be unused. If the determination unit 232 determines that operation is required (for example, in use), it outputs a start-up instruction to the power control unit 233. The start-up instruction is an instruction to start the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 that has been determined to be unused. The determination unit 232 makes determinations based on the monitoring results on a per-user accommodation package 22 or per-communication port 25 basis.
[0028] The power control unit 233 controls the operation of either the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 according to the instructions output from the determination unit 232. For example, if the power control unit 233 receives a power off instruction from the determination unit 232, it puts either the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25, as instructed by the power off instruction, into a power off state. Here, putting into a power off state means stopping the power supply. For example, if the power control unit 233 receives a start instruction from the determination unit 232, it starts either the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25, as instructed by the start instruction.
[0029] By performing the above processing, the communication port 25 or the user accommodation package 22 can be "activated" only when necessary, depending on the actual usage status of the communication port 25 or the user accommodation package 22. This reduces power consumption. Furthermore, by making it possible to determine "activation" or "power off" on a per-communication port 25 basis, power control can be performed at a finer level. The following describes the specific configuration for realizing the above processing. Note that in the following description, the system configuration and each functional part of the communication device 20 are the same, but the operation differs for each embodiment.
[0030] (First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, a configuration is described in which the operation of the user accommodation package or the communication port is controlled according to the usage status of the communication port.
[0031] (Outline of the First Embodiment) Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the communication system 100 in the first embodiment. In Figure 3, as an example, the process from when the communication port 25 is powered off to when it is powered on will be explained. As shown in Figure 3, the communication ports 25-1 and 25-2 provided in the user accommodation package 22-N are assumed to be open and powered on. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the communication port 25-3 provided in the user accommodation package 22-N is assumed to be closed and powered off.
[0032] User device 30-1 is connected to communication port 25-1 of user accommodation package 22-N, and user device 30-2 is connected to communication port 25-2 of user accommodation package 22-N. Since communication is open, user devices 30-1 and 30-2 can communicate with the host device 10 via communication ports 25-1 and 25-2.
[0033] In this situation, consider a scenario where user device 30-3 connects to communication port 25-3 of user accommodation package 22-N. Assume that a line is laid between user device 30-3 and communication port 25-3. As a result, the line is opened, and then a maintenance worker or similar person manually sets communication port 25-3 to an open state. The control unit 23 monitors the status of communication port 25-3 and determines that if it is in an open state, it is in a usable state. If the control unit 23 determines that it is in a usable state, it activates communication port 25-3. This changes communication port 25-3 from a closed state to an activated state, allowing user device 30-3 to start communication. Although this explanation uses the example of activating some communication ports 25, the control unit 23 controls the operation of user accommodation package 22 or communication port 25 according to the usage status of the communication ports.
[0034] (Determination of power outage) First, the determination of power outage performed by the control unit 23 in the first embodiment will be explained. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each communication port 25 of each user accommodation package 22. Specifically, the monitoring unit 231 monitors for the presence or absence of a communication port 25 that is in a blocked state.
[0035] The determination unit 232 makes a determination based on the monitoring results and generates an instruction according to the determination result. Specifically, if there is a communication port 25 that is in a blocked state, the determination unit 232 outputs a power off instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating the communication port 25 that is in a blocked state. If all communication ports 25 of a single user accommodation package 22 are in a blocked state, the determination unit 232 outputs a power off instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating that single user accommodation package 22. If there are no communication ports 25 that are in a blocked state, the determination unit 232 does not need to perform any special processing.
[0036] The power control unit 233 puts the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 included in the power off instruction from the determination unit 232 into a power off state. As a result, the power control unit 233 puts the user accommodation package 22 containing all of the blocked communication ports 25, or the blocked communication ports 25, into a power off state.
[0037] (Startup Determination) Next, the startup determination performed by the control unit 23 in the first embodiment will be described. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each communication port 25 of each user accommodation package 22. Specifically, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether or not there are any communication ports 25 that are in an open state.
[0038] The determination unit 232 makes a determination based on the monitoring results and generates an instruction according to the determination result. Specifically, if there are any open communication ports 25, the determination unit 232 outputs a startup instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating the open communication ports 25. If all communication ports 25 on a single user accommodation package 22 are open, the determination unit 232 outputs a startup instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating that single user accommodation package 22. The determination unit 232 does not need to perform any special processing if there are no open communication ports 25.
[0039] The power control unit 233 activates the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 included in the activation instruction from the determination unit 232. As a result, the power control unit 233 activates the user accommodation package 22 that includes all the open communication ports 25, or the open communication ports 25.
[0040] (Operation of the communication device 20) Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device 20 in the first embodiment. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each communication port 25 provided in each user accommodation package 22 (step S101). For example, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether each communication port 25 is in an open state or a closed state. The monitoring unit 231 outputs the monitoring results to the determination unit 232. Based on the monitoring results output from the monitoring unit 231, the determination unit 232 determines whether or not there are any communication ports 25 that are in a closed state (step S102).
[0041] If the determination unit 232 determines that there are no blocked communication ports 25 (step S102-NO), the communication device 20 repeats the process in step S101. In this case, the communication device 20 may wait for a predetermined time before executing the process in step S101. On the other hand, if the determination unit 232 determines that there are blocked communication ports 25 (step S102-YES), the determination unit 232 determines that the blocked communication ports 25 are in an unused state.
[0042] Then, the determination unit 232 determines whether or not all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 including the unused communication port 25 are in a blocked state (step S103). When the determination unit 232 determines that all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 including the unused communication port 25 are in a blocked state (step S103—YES), the determination unit 232 determines that the corresponding user accommodation package 22 is in an unused state. Then, the determination unit 232 instructs the power supply control unit 233 to cut off the power supply of the unused user accommodation package 22 (step S104). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs a power-off instruction indicating the unused user accommodation package 22 to the power supply control unit 233.
[0043] The power supply control unit 233 causes the user accommodation package 22 included in the power-off instruction output from the determination unit 232 to be brought into a power-off state (step S105). For example, in the configuration shown in Fig. 3, when all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22-N are in a blocked (unused) state, the power supply control unit 233 causes the user accommodation package 22-N to be brought into a power-off state.
[0044] In the processing of step S103, when the determination unit 232 determines that some of the communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 including the unused communication port 25 are in a blocked state (step S103—NO), the determination unit 232 instructs the power supply control unit 233 to cut off the power supply of the blocked communication port 25 (step S106). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs a power-off instruction indicating the unused communication port 25 to the power supply control unit 233.
[0045] The power supply control unit 233 causes the communication port 25 included in the power-off instruction output from the determination unit 232 to be brought into a power-off state (step S107). For example, in the configuration shown in Fig. 3, when the communication port 25-3 provided in the user accommodation package 22-N is in a blocked (unused) state, the power supply control unit 233 causes the communication port 25-3 to be brought into a power-off state. It should be noted that it is not necessary to cut off the power of a communication port 25 that has already been powered off.
[0046] Thereafter, the monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each communication port 25 provided in each user accommodation package 22 (step S108). For example, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether each communication port 25 is in an open state or a blocked state. The monitoring unit 231 outputs the monitoring result to the determination unit 232. The determination unit 232 determines whether there is any communication port 25 that is in the open state based on the monitoring result output from the monitoring unit 231 (step S109).
[0047] When the determination unit 232 determines that there is no communication port 25 in the open state (step S109: NO), the communication device 20 executes the process of step S108 again. In this case, the communication device 20 may execute the process of step S108 after waiting for a predetermined period of time. On the other hand, when the determination unit 232 determines that there is a communication port 25 in the open state (step S110: YES), the determination unit 232 determines that the communication port 25 in the open state is in a used state.
[0048] Then, the determination unit 232 determines whether all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that includes the communication port 25 in the used state are in the open state (step S110). When the determination unit 232 determines that all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that includes the communication port 25 in the used state are in the open state (step S110: YES), the determination unit 232 determines that the user accommodation package 22 is in the used state. The determination unit 232 instructs the power control unit 233 to activate the user accommodation package 22 that is in the used state (step S111). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs an activation instruction indicating the user accommodation package 22 that is in the used state to the power control unit 233.
[0049] The power control unit 233 activates the user accommodation package 22 included in the activation instruction output from the determination unit 232 (step S112). After that, the processing in step S101 is executed. In the processing of step S110, if the determination unit 232 determines that some of the communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22, which has communication ports 25 that are in use, are in an open state (step S110-NO), the determination unit 232 instructs the power control unit 233 to activate the communication ports 25 that are in an open state (step S113). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs an activation instruction to the power control unit 233 indicating the communication ports 25 that are in an open state.
[0050] The power control unit 233 activates the communication port 25 included in the activation instruction output from the determination unit 232 (step S114). For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 3, if the communication port 25-3 provided in the user accommodation package 22-N is in an open state, the power control unit 233 activates the communication port 25-3. After that, the process in step S101 is executed. Note that it is not necessary to activate communication ports 25 that are already activated.
[0051] Although Figure 4 illustrates power outage and startup as a single flow, the processes from step S101 to step S107 may be used as a power outage determination flow, and the processes from step S108 to step S114 may be used as a startup determination flow, and these may be executed separately. In other words, the communication device 20 may execute the power outage determination flow and the startup determination flow at predetermined timings.
[0052] The communication device 20 configured as described above includes a plurality of packages 21 for higher-level devices that communicate with the higher-level device 10, a plurality of user-accommodating packages 22 equipped with a plurality of communication ports 25 that communicate with the user device 30, and a control unit 23 that monitors the usage status of each of the plurality of communication ports 25, or each of the plurality of communication ports 25, and controls the operation of the communication port 25 or user-accommodating package 22 that is to be controlled from among the plurality of communication ports 25 and the plurality of user-accommodating packages 22 based on the monitoring results.
[0053] In this embodiment, the control unit 23 monitors the status of the communication ports 25 (open or closed) and controls the user accommodation package 22 that has all the communication ports 25 that are in a closed state, or the communication ports 25 that are in a closed state, to shut off power. The control unit 23 also monitors the status of the communication ports 25 (open or closed) and controls the user accommodation package 22 that has all the communication ports 25 that are in an open state, or the communication ports 25 that are in an open state, to start up.
[0054] This allows the system to "activate" only the communication port 25 or user accommodation package 22 when truly necessary, depending on the actual usage status of the communication port 25 or user accommodation package 22. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, the power to the communication port 25 and user accommodation package 22 that are in use is not shut off. Therefore, it does not affect the communication of the user device 30 connected to the communication port 25. Thus, it becomes possible to reduce power consumption without affecting user communication.
[0055] Furthermore, the communication device 20 can control operations such as "start" or "power off" on a per-communication port 25 basis. Therefore, power control can be performed at a finer level.
[0056] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, a configuration is described in which the operation of the user accommodation package or communication port is controlled depending on whether or not a user device is present.
[0057] (Outline of the Second Embodiment) Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the communication system 100 in the second embodiment. In Figure 5, as an example, the process from when the communication port 25 is powered off to when it is powered on will be explained. For the purposes of this explanation, it will be assumed that the communication ports 25-1 to 25-3 provided in the user accommodation package 22-N are in an open state.
[0058] The control unit 23 sends a user device discovery message (e.g., Discovery Gate) via each communication port 25. However, if a communication port 25 is powered off, it cannot send a user device discovery message from that port. Therefore, the control unit 23 powers up the powered-off communication port 25 once before sending the user device discovery message. After that, the control unit 23 waits for a response message (e.g., Register Request) to the user device discovery message from each communication port 25 that sent the message. If a response message is received within a predetermined period, the control unit 23 determines that the communication port 25 from which the response message was received is in use. On the other hand, if a response message is not received within a predetermined period, the control unit 23 determines that the communication port 25 from which the response message was not received is in unused status.
[0059] Here, let's assume that no response message is received from communication port 25-3 within a predetermined period. In this case, the control unit 23 puts communication port 25-3 into a power-off state. Then, let's assume that user device 30-3 is connected to communication port 25-3. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 23 activates communication port 25-3 and sends a user device discovery message via communication port 25-3. User device 30-3 sends a response message to the user device discovery message sent from control unit 23. As a result, control unit 23 receives the response message. Consequently, control unit 23 continues to activate communication port 25-3, which has received the response message. Then, user device 30-3 can start communication. Note that although this explanation uses the example of activating some communication ports 25, control unit 23 controls the operation of user accommodation package 22 or communication port 25 depending on the presence or absence of user device 30.
[0060] (Determination of power failure) First, the determination of power failure performed by the control unit 23 in the second embodiment will be explained. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each communication port 25 of each user accommodation package 22. Specifically, the monitoring unit 231 monitors for the presence or absence of communication ports 25 from which no response message was obtained.
[0061] The determination unit 232 makes a determination based on the monitoring results and generates an instruction according to the determination result. Specifically, if there is a communication port 25 from which a response message was not received within a predetermined period from the timing of sending the user device discovery message, the determination unit 232 outputs a power-off instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating the communication port 25 from which a response message was not received. If no response messages were received from any of the communication ports 25 provided by a single user accommodation package 22, the determination unit 232 outputs a power-off instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating that single user accommodation package 22. If there are no communication ports 25 from which a response message was not received, the determination unit 232 does not need to perform any special processing.
[0062] The power control unit 233 puts the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 included in the power off instruction from the determination unit 232 into a power off state. As a result, the power control unit 233 puts the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 that does not provide a response message into a power off state.
[0063] (Startup Determination) Next, the startup determination performed by the control unit 23 in the second embodiment will be described. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each communication port 25 of each user accommodation package 22. Specifically, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether or not a communication port 25 has received a response message.
[0064] The determination unit 232 makes a determination based on the monitoring results and generates an instruction according to the determination result. Specifically, if there is a communication port 25 from which a response message was received within a predetermined period from the timing of sending the user device discovery message, the determination unit 232 outputs a startup instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating the communication port 25 from which the response message was received. If a response message is received from all communication ports 25 of a single user accommodation package 22, the determination unit 232 outputs a startup instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating that single user accommodation package 22. The determination unit 232 does not need to perform any special processing if there is no communication port 25 from which a response message was received.
[0065] The power control unit 233 activates the user accommodation package 22 or communication port 25 included in the activation instruction from the determination unit 232. If the user accommodation package 22 or communication port 25 to be activated is already activated, the activation process continues. As a result, the power control unit 233 activates all user accommodation packages 22 or communication ports 25 that have received response messages from the communication ports 25.
[0066] (Operation of the communication device 20) Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the processing flow of the communication device 20 in the second embodiment. In Figures 6 and 7, when the same processing as in Figure 4 is performed, the same reference numerals as in Figure 4 are used and the explanation is omitted.
[0067] The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each communication port 25 provided by each user accommodation package 22 (step S201). For example, the monitoring unit 231 sends a user device discovery message through each communication port 25 of each user accommodation package 22 provided by the communication device 20. Subsequently, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether a response message was received from each communication port 25 within a predetermined period based on the timing of the transmission of the user device discovery message. The monitoring unit 231 outputs the monitoring result to the determination unit 232.
[0068] The determination unit 232 determines, based on the monitoring results output from the monitoring unit 231, whether or not there are any communication ports 25 from which a response message was not received within a predetermined period (step S202). If the determination unit 232 determines that there are no communication ports 25 from which a response message was not received within the predetermined period (step S202-NO), the communication device 20 executes the process in step S201 again. In this case, the communication device 20 may execute the process in step S201 after waiting for a predetermined time. On the other hand, if the determination unit 232 determines that there are communication ports 25 from which a response message was not received within the predetermined period (step S202-YES), the determination unit 232 determines that the communication ports 25 from which a response message was not received are in an unused state.
[0069] The determination unit 232 then determines whether or not a response message was received from any of the communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that have unused communication ports 25 (step S203). If the determination unit 232 determines that no response message was received from any of the communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that have unused communication ports 25 within a predetermined period (step S203-YES), the communication device 20 executes the processes in steps S104 and S105.
[0070] In step S203, if the determination unit 232 determines that no response message was received within a predetermined period from some of the communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that have unused communication ports 25 (step S203-NO), the determination unit 232 instructs the power control unit 233 to cut off the power to the communication ports 25 from which no response message was received (step S204). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs a power cut-off instruction to the power control unit 233 indicating the communication ports 25 from which no response message was received.
[0071] The power control unit 233 puts the communication port 25, which is included in the power-off instruction output from the determination unit 232, into a power-off state (step S205). For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 5, if no response message is received from the communication port 25-3 provided in the user accommodation package 22-N, the power control unit 233 puts the communication port 25-3 into a power-off state.
[0072] Subsequently, the communication device 20 waits for a certain period of time (for example, 5 minutes). After the period of time has elapsed, the power control unit 233 activates the communication ports 25 that are in a power-off state (step S206). For example, the power control unit 233 activates the communication ports 25 that were powered off in the processing of step S105 or step S205. Then, the monitoring unit 231 monitors the state of each of the activated communication ports 25 (step S207). For example, the monitoring unit 231 sends a user device discovery message through each of the activated communication ports 25. Subsequently, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether a response message was received from each of the activated communication ports 25 within a predetermined period of time, based on the timing of the transmission of the user device discovery message. The monitoring unit 231 outputs the monitoring result to the determination unit 232.
[0073] The determination unit 232 determines, based on the monitoring results output from the monitoring unit 231, whether or not there are any communication ports 25 that have received a response message within a predetermined period (step S208). If the determination unit 232 determines that there are no communication ports 25 that have received a response message within the predetermined period (step S208-NO), the determination unit 232 determines that the communication ports 25 that have received a response message within the predetermined period are in an unused state. The determination unit 232 then instructs the power control unit 233 to cut off the power to the unused communication ports 25 (step S209). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs a power-off instruction to the power control unit 233 indicating an unused communication port 25. The power control unit 233 cuts off the power to the communication ports 25 included in the power-off instruction output from the determination unit 232 (step S210). After that, the communication device 20 executes the processes from step S206 onwards.
[0074] In the process of step S208, if the determination unit 232 determines that there is a communication port 25 from which a response message was obtained within a predetermined period (step S208-YES), the determination unit 232 determines whether or not response messages were obtained from all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that has the communication port 25 from which a response message was obtained (step S211).
[0075] If the determination unit 232 determines that response messages have been received from all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that has a communication port 25 from which a response message was received (step S211-YES), the communication device 20 executes the processes in steps S111 and S112.
[0076] On the other hand, if the determination unit 232 determines that a response message has been received from some of the communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that have a communication port 25 from which a response message was received (step S211-NO), the determination unit 232 instructs the power control unit 233 to cut off the power to the communication ports 25 from which no response message was received (step S212). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs a power-off instruction to the power control unit 233 indicating the communication ports 25 from which no response message was received. The power control unit 233 cuts off the power to the communication ports 25 included in the power-off instruction output from the determination unit 232 (step S213). After that, the communication device 20 executes the processing from step S206 onwards.
[0077] Although Figures 6 and 7 illustrate power outage and startup as a single flow, the process shown in Figure 6 may be used as the power outage determination flow, and the process shown in Figure 7 may be used as the startup determination flow, and these processes may be executed separately. In other words, the communication device 20 may execute the power outage determination flow and the startup determination flow at predetermined timings.
[0078] In the second embodiment of the communication device 20 configured as described above, the control unit 23 monitors for the presence or absence of a user device 30 connected to each communication port 25 and controls the user accommodation package 22, which includes all communication ports 25 to which no user device 30 is connected, or the communication ports 25 to which no user device 30 is connected, to shut off power. The control unit 23 also monitors for the presence or absence of a user device 30 connected to each communication port 25 and controls the user accommodation package 22, which includes all communication ports 25 to which a user device 30 is connected, or the communication ports 25 to which a user device 30 is connected, to start up. This makes it possible to obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment.
[0079] (Modification in the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the communication device 20 may perform the processes shown in Figures 6 and 8 instead of the processes shown in Figures 6 and 7. The process shown in Figure 6 is omitted as it has been explained above. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing flow of the communication device 20 in the second embodiment. Note that the process in Figure 8 is performed after the process in step S105 or after the process in step S205 in Figure 6. The process shown in Figure 8 is applied when the line is opened.
[0080] The power control unit 233 activates the communication port 25 that was powered off at the time of the next scheduled in-home construction work (step S301). The next scheduled in-home construction work date and time may be obtained by data extraction from the operation system (Ops) or the like, which is responsible for line management.
[0081] The control unit 23 performs the processing from step S207 onwards, triggered by the startup process in step S301. After the processing in step S210, the power control unit 233 starts up the communication port 25, which has been powered off for a certain period of time, and then executes the processing in step S301.
[0082] (Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, a configuration is described in which the operation of the user accommodation package or communication port is controlled depending on whether or not there is setting information regarding the user device.
[0083] (Outline of the Third Embodiment) Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the communication system 100 in the third embodiment. In Figure 9, as an example, the process from when the communication port 25 is powered off to when it is powered on will be explained. For the purposes of this explanation, it will be assumed that the communication ports 25-1 and 25-2 provided in the user accommodation package 22-1 are open, and the communication port 25-3 is powered off.
[0084] In the third embodiment, each communication port 25 maintains a configuration information database. The configuration information database registers information about the user device 30 connected to the communication port 25. If configuration information is registered in the configuration information database, the control unit 23 determines that the communication port 25 with registered configuration information is in use. On the other hand, if no configuration information is registered, the control unit 23 determines that the communication port 25 without registered configuration information is not in use.
[0085] Here, let's assume that communication port 25-3, which was initially powered off because no configuration information had been registered, is now connected to user devices 30-1 and 30-3, and user configuration information has been registered. In this case, the control unit 23 activates communication port 25-3, which now has registered configuration information. This allows user devices 30-1 and 30-3 to begin communication. Although this explanation uses the example of activating some of the communication ports 25, the control unit 23 controls the operation of the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 depending on whether or not the user device 30's configuration information has been registered.
[0086] (Determination of power failure) First, the determination of power failure performed by the control unit 23 in the third embodiment will be explained. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each communication port 25 of each user accommodation package 22. Specifically, the monitoring unit 231 monitors for the presence or absence of communication ports 25 for which setting information related to the user device 30 has not been registered.
[0087] The determination unit 232 makes a determination based on the monitoring results and generates an instruction according to the determination result. Specifically, if there is a communication port 25 for which setting information related to the user device 30 is not registered, the determination unit 232 outputs a power off instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating the communication port 25 for which setting information related to the user device 30 is not registered. Furthermore, if setting information related to the user device 30 is not registered for all communication ports 25 provided by a single user accommodation package 22, the determination unit 232 outputs a power off instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating that single user accommodation package 22. Furthermore, if there are no communication ports 25 for which setting information related to the user device 30 is not registered, the determination unit 232 does not need to perform any special processing.
[0088] The power control unit 233 puts the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 included in the power off instruction from the determination unit 232 into a power off state. As a result, the power control unit 233 puts the user accommodation package 22, which includes all communication ports 25 for which no setting information related to the user device 30 is registered, or the communication ports 25 for which no setting information related to the user device 30 is registered into a power off state.
[0089] (Startup Determination) Next, the startup determination performed by the control unit 23 in the third embodiment will be described. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each communication port 25 of each user accommodation package 22. Specifically, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether or not there is a communication port 25 on which setting information related to the user device 30 is registered.
[0090] The determination unit 232 makes a determination based on the monitoring results and generates an instruction according to the determination result. Specifically, if there is a communication port 25 in which setting information for the user device 30 is registered, the determination unit 232 outputs a startup instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating the communication port 25 in which the setting information for the user device 30 is registered. If the setting information for the user device 30 is registered in all communication ports 25 of a single user accommodation package 22, the determination unit 232 outputs a startup instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating the single user accommodation package 22. If there is no communication port 25 in which setting information for the user device 30 is registered, the determination unit 232 does not need to perform any special processing.
[0091] The power control unit 233 activates the user accommodation package 22 or the communication port 25 included in the activation instruction from the determination unit 232. As a result, the power control unit 233 activates the user accommodation package 22, which includes all communication ports 25 to which the setting information for the user device 30 is registered, or the communication ports 25 to which the setting information for the user device 30 is registered.
[0092] Figure 10 shows an example of a configuration information database in the third embodiment. The configuration information database shown in Figure 10 is maintained, for example, for each communication port 25. As shown in Figure 10, the configuration information database has records in which information about the user device 30 is registered. Each record has values for user information and address information. The user information represents the user device identifier notified to the user device 30 by the communication device 20. The address information represents identification information that can uniquely identify the user device 30 connected to the communication port 25. In Figure 10, the MAC address is designated as an example of address information, but other information may be used as long as it can uniquely identify the user device 30.
[0093] (Operation of the communication device 20) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device 20 in the third embodiment. In Figure 11, the same processes as in Figure 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 4 and their explanations are omitted.
[0094] The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each communication port 25 provided by each user accommodation package 22 (step S401). For example, the monitoring unit 231 refers to the configuration information DB held by the communication ports 25 of each user accommodation package 22 provided by the communication device 20 and checks whether configuration information is registered for each communication port 25. The monitoring unit 231 outputs the monitoring results to the determination unit 232. Based on the monitoring results output from the monitoring unit 231, the determination unit 232 determines whether there are any communication ports 25 for which configuration information is not registered (step S402).
[0095] If the determination unit 232 determines that there are no communication ports 25 for which setting information has not been registered (step S402-NO), the communication device 20 executes the process in step S401 again. In this case, the communication device 20 may execute the process in step S401 after waiting for a predetermined time. On the other hand, if the determination unit 232 determines that there are communication ports 25 for which setting information has not been registered (step S402-YES), the determination unit 232 determines that the communication ports 25 for which setting information has not been registered are in an unused state.
[0096] Then, the determination unit 232 determines whether or not setting information has been registered for all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that have unused communication ports 25 (step S103). If the determination unit 232 determines that no setting information has been registered for all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that have unused communication ports 25 (step S403-YES), the communication device 20 executes the processes in steps S104 and S105.
[0097] In the process of step S403, if the determination unit 232 determines that no configuration information is registered for some of the communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 that have unused communication ports 25 (step S403-NO), the determination unit 232 instructs the power control unit 233 to cut off the power to the communication ports 25 for which no configuration information is registered (step S404). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs a power cut-off instruction to the power control unit 233 indicating the communication ports 25 for which no configuration information is registered.
[0098] The power control unit 233 puts the communication port 25 included in the power-off instruction output from the determination unit 232 into a power-off state (step S405). Subsequently, the monitoring unit 231 monitors the state of each communication port 25 provided in each user accommodation package 22 (step S406). For example, the monitoring unit 231 refers to the setting information DB held by the communication ports 25 of each user accommodation package 22 provided in the communication device 20 and checks whether setting information is registered in each communication port 25. The monitoring unit 231 outputs the monitoring results to the determination unit 232. Based on the monitoring results output from the monitoring unit 231, the determination unit 232 determines whether there is a communication port 25 for which setting information is registered (step S407).
[0099] If the determination unit 232 determines that there is no communication port 25 for which setting information is registered (step S407-NO), the communication device 20 executes the process in step S406 again. In this case, the communication device 20 may execute the process in step S406 after waiting for a predetermined time. On the other hand, if the determination unit 232 determines that there is a communication port 25 for which setting information is registered (step S407-YES), the determination unit 232 determines that the communication port 25 for which setting information is registered is in use.
[0100] Then, the determination unit 232 determines whether or not setting information has been registered in all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 which has the user device 30 in use (step S408). If the determination unit 232 determines that setting information has been registered in all communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 which has the communication ports 25 in use (step S408-YES), the communication device 20 executes the processes in steps S111 and S112. After that, the communication device 20 executes the processes from step S401 onwards.
[0101] On the other hand, if the determination unit 232 determines that setting information has been registered for some of the communication ports 25 provided in the user accommodation package 22 which has communication ports 25 in use (step S408-NO), the determination unit 232 instructs the power control unit 233 to start up the communication port 25 for which the setting information has been registered (step S409). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs a start instruction to the power control unit 233 indicating the communication port 25 for which the setting information has been registered.
[0102] The power control unit 233 activates the communication port 25 included in the startup instruction output from the determination unit 232 (step S410). Subsequently, the process of step S401 is executed.
[0103] Although Figure 10 illustrates power outage and startup as a single flow, the processes from step S401 to step S105 or step S405 may be executed separately as a power outage determination flow, and the processes from step S406 to step S112 or step S410 may be executed separately as a startup determination flow. In other words, the communication device 20 may execute the power outage determination flow and the startup determination flow at predetermined timings.
[0104] In the third embodiment of the communication device 20 configured as described above, the control unit 23 monitors whether or not setting information is registered for each communication port 25, and controls the user accommodation package 22 that includes all communication ports 25 for which setting information is not registered, or the communication ports 25 for which setting information is not registered, to shut off power. The control unit 23 also monitors whether or not setting information is registered for each communication port 25, and controls the user accommodation package 22 that includes all communication ports 25 for which setting information is registered, or the communication ports 25 for which setting information is registered, to start up. This makes it possible to obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment.
[0105] (Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, a configuration is described in which the operation of the user accommodation package or the communication port is controlled depending on whether or not a failure occurs in the user accommodation package 22 of the operational system.
[0106] (Outline of the Fourth Embodiment) Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the communication system 100 in the fourth embodiment. In Figure 12, as an example, the case in which user accommodation packages 22-1 and 22-2 are used as the operational system and user accommodation package 22-N is used as the backup system is explained. Generally, one backup user accommodation package 22 is prepared for multiple operational user accommodation packages 22, and in the event of a failure or other malfunction in an operational package, the user equipment 30 connected to the malfunctioning user accommodation package 22 is temporarily moved to the backup user accommodation package 22. In other words, the backup system is used in place of the malfunctioning user accommodation package 22 when a failure or other malfunction occurs in the user accommodation package 22 used as the operational system.
[0107] If the user accommodation package 22 in the operational system is in a normal state (no failures have occurred), it is clear that the user equipment 30 is not connected to the user accommodation package 22 in the backup system (it is unused). In other words, if there are no failures in the user accommodation package 22 used as the operational system, there is no need to operate the backup user accommodation package 22-N.
[0108] Therefore, if no failure occurs in the user accommodation package 22 used as the operational system, the control unit 23 will power off the backup user accommodation package 22-N. On the other hand, if a failure occurs in the user accommodation package 22 used as the operational system, the control unit 23 will start up the backup user accommodation package 22-N.
[0109] (Determination of power outage) First, the determination of power outage performed by the control unit 23 in the fourth embodiment will be explained. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each user accommodation package 22 that is in operation. Specifically, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether or not there is a fault in each user accommodation package 22 that is in operation.
[0110] The determination unit 232 makes a determination based on the monitoring results and generates an instruction according to the determination result. Specifically, if no failure has occurred in any of the user accommodation packages 22 that are in operation, the determination unit 232 outputs a power off instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating the backup user accommodation package 22. The determination unit 232 does not perform any special processing on the user accommodation packages 22 that are in operation.
[0111] The power control unit 233 puts the user accommodation package 22 included in the power off instruction from the determination unit 232 into a power off state. As a result, the power control unit 233 puts the backup system user accommodation package 22 into a power off state.
[0112] (Startup Determination) Next, the startup determination performed by the control unit 23 in the fourth embodiment will be described. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each user accommodation package 22 that is in operation. Specifically, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether or not there are any failures in each user accommodation package 22 that is in operation.
[0113] The determination unit 232 makes a determination based on the monitoring results and generates an instruction according to the determination result. Specifically, if a failure occurs in any of the user accommodation packages 22 that are in operation, the determination unit 232 outputs a startup instruction to the power control unit 233 that includes information indicating the backup user accommodation package 22. The determination unit 232 does not need to perform any special processing if no failure occurs in any of the user accommodation packages 22 that are in operation.
[0114] The power control unit 233 activates the user accommodation package 22 included in the activation instruction from the determination unit 232. As a result, the power control unit 233 activates the backup system's user accommodation package 22.
[0115] (Operation of the communication device 20) Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device 20 in the fourth embodiment. The monitoring unit 231 monitors the status of each user accommodation package 22 in the operational system (step S501). For example, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether a failure has occurred in each user accommodation package 22 in the operational system. The monitoring unit 231 outputs the monitoring results to the determination unit 232. Based on the monitoring results output from the monitoring unit 231, the determination unit 232 determines whether or not there is a failure or other problem in each user accommodation package 22 in the operational system (step S502).
[0116] If the determination unit 232 determines that a failure has occurred in each user accommodation package 22 of the operational system (step S502-NO), the communication device 20 executes the process in step S501 again. In this case, the communication device 20 may execute the process in step S501 after waiting for a predetermined time. On the other hand, if the determination unit 232 determines that no failure has occurred in each user accommodation package 22 of the operational system (step S502-YES), the determination unit 232 determines that the user accommodation package 22 of the backup system is in an unused state.
[0117] Then, the determination unit 232 instructs the power control unit 233 to shut off the power to the unused user accommodation package 22 (step S503). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs a power off instruction to the power control unit 233 indicating that the user accommodation package 22 is in an unused state. In this case, the determination unit 232 outputs a power off instruction to the power control unit 233 indicating that the backup user accommodation package 22 is in an unused state.
[0118] The power control unit 233 puts the user accommodation package 22 included in the power off instruction output from the determination unit 232 into a power off state (step S504). For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 12, since user accommodation package 22-N is a backup user accommodation package 22, the power control unit 233 puts the user accommodation package 22-N into a power off state.
[0119] Subsequently, the communication device 20 waits for a certain period of time. After a certain period of time has elapsed, the power control unit 233 monitors the status of each user accommodation package 22 in the operational system (step S505). For example, the monitoring unit 231 monitors whether a failure has occurred in each user accommodation package 22 in the operational system. The monitoring unit 231 outputs the monitoring results to the determination unit 232. Based on the monitoring results output from the monitoring unit 231, the determination unit 232 determines whether or not a failure or other problem has occurred in each user accommodation package 22 in the operational system (step S506).
[0120] If the determination unit 232 determines that no failures or other malfunctions have occurred in each user accommodation package 22 of the operational system (step S506-NO), the determination unit 232 determines that the user accommodation package 22 of the backup system is in an unused state. Subsequently, the communication device 20 executes the process in step S505. In this case, the communication device 20 may execute the process in step S505 after waiting for a predetermined time. On the other hand, if the determination unit 232 determines that a failure or other malfunction has occurred in each user accommodation package 22 of the operational system (step S506-YES), the determination unit 232 determines that the user accommodation package 22 of the backup system is in an utilized state.
[0121] Then, the determination unit 232 instructs the power control unit 233 to start the user accommodation package 22 that is in use (step S508). Specifically, the determination unit 232 outputs a start command to the power control unit 233 indicating the user accommodation package 22 that is in use. In this case, the determination unit 232 outputs a start command to the power control unit 233 indicating the backup user accommodation package 22.
[0122] The power control unit 233 activates the user accommodation package 22 included in the startup instruction output from the determination unit 232 (step S508). For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 12, since user accommodation package 22-N is a backup user accommodation package 22, the power control unit 233 activates user accommodation package 22-N.
[0123] Although Figure 13 illustrates power outage and startup as a single flow, the processes from step S501 to step S594 may be executed separately as a power outage determination flow, and the processes from step S505 to step S508 as a startup determination flow. In other words, the communication device 20 may execute the power outage determination flow and the startup determination flow at predetermined timings.
[0124] In the fourth embodiment of the communication device 20 configured as described above, the control unit 23 monitors whether a failure has occurred in the user accommodation package 22, and if no failure has occurred, it controls the backup user accommodation package 22 to shut off its power. The control unit 23 also monitors whether a failure has occurred in the user accommodation package 22, and if a failure has occurred, it controls the backup user accommodation package 22 to start up. This makes it possible to obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment.
[0125] The control unit 23 of the communication device 20 in the above-described embodiment is implemented as software by one or more processors, such as a CPU, executing a program stored in a storage device and memory having a non-volatile recording medium (non-temporary recording medium). The program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. A computer-readable non-temporary recording medium is, for example, a portable medium such as a flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM), or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system.
[0126] The control unit 23 of the communication device 20 may be implemented using hardware including electronic circuits (or circuits) such as LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).
[0127] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention.
[0128] This invention can be applied to communication systems using communication packages.
[0129] 10...Host device, 20...Communication device, 21, 21-1 to 21-M...Package for host device, 22, 22-1 to 22-N...Package for user accommodation, 23...Control unit, 25, 25-1 to 25-3...Communication port, 30...User device, 231...Monitoring unit, 232...Determination unit, 233...Power supply control unit, 100...Communication system
Claims
1. A communication device comprising: multiple packages for higher-level devices that communicate with a higher-level device; multiple user-accommodating packages equipped with multiple communication ports that communicate with user devices; and a control unit that monitors the usage status of each of the multiple communication ports or each of the multiple user-accommodating packages, and controls the operation of the communication port or user-accommodating package to be controlled from among the multiple communication ports and the multiple user-accommodating packages based on the monitoring results.
2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the control target based on any of the following: the status of each of the plurality of communication ports, whether or not a user device is connected, whether or not user device setting information is registered in each of the plurality of communication ports, or whether or not a failure has occurred in each of the plurality of user accommodation packages.
3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit designates an unused communication port or user accommodation package as the control target and causes the control target communication port or user accommodation package to be powered off.
4. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit sets a communication port or user accommodation package that is in use as the control target, and sets the communication port or user accommodation package that is the control target to an activated state.