Backup gateway apparatus and home network system
AssigneeMatsushita Graphic Communication Systems, Inc.
InventorKiyonori Sekiguchi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A backup gateway apparatus is provided in a home network, connected parallel to a gateway apparatus. The backup gateway apparatus detects when the gateway apparatus is malfunctioning. During the period when the gateway apparatus is malfunctioning, the backup gateway apparatus performs a partial backup function to maintain communication paths with outside lines, on behalf of the gateway apparatus.
Claims6
A backup gateway apparatus connected to segments parallel to a main gateway apparatus in a home network, comprising:
- a malfunctioning detection section that detects a malfunction of the main gateway apparatus, and
- a control section that performs a partial backup function to maintain communication paths with outside lines, on behalf of the main gateway apparatus, when the main gateway apparatus is malfunctioning.
A home network system comprising:
- a home network that is provided inside of a home;
- a main gateway apparatus that connects the home network to outside lines;
- and
- a backup gateway apparatus that is provided with a malfunctioning detection section that detects a malfunction of the main gateway apparatus, and a control section that performs a partial backup function to maintain communication paths with outside lines, on behalf of the main gateway apparatus, when the main gateway apparatus is malfunctioning.
A backup method of a backup gateway apparatus provided in a home network, comprising:
- periodically performing communication with each segment, between a main gateway apparatus and the backup gateway apparatus;
- detecting from a response result, from the main gateway apparatus to the backup gateway apparatus, that the main gateway apparatus is malfunctioning;
- and
- the backup gateway apparatus performing, if it is detected that the main gateway apparatus is malfunctioning, only a partial backup function in order to maintain communication paths with outside lines on behalf of the main gateway apparatus, when the main gateway apparatus is malfunctioning.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.