Relay device, communication system, and relaying method

A communication system that forms a plurality of networks and includes a relay device and a control device, the relay device relaying a signal between an information request device and an information processing apparatus that are connected to same network, and the control device relaying the signal between the relay device and the information request device, wherein

• the relay device includes:
• a first interface to receive a signal transmitted by the information request device;
• and
• a first circuitry to perform connection management on a network using the signal, and
• the control device includes:
• a second interface to acquire the signal received by the first interface;
• a second circuitry to authenticate the information request device or a user of the information request device using the signal;
• and
• a third circuitry to change allocation of storage areas in an accessible storage device or an available range within which information saved in the storage area is able to be provided, when the first circuitry detects, from the signal, information on establishment of connection to the network or disconnection of the connection or a lapse of a valid connection time period, or when the second circuitry detects information on authentication of the information request device or a user of the information request device.

A relay method performed by a relay device that relays communication between an information request device which requests information and an information providing device which provides requested information, comprising:

• receiving a signal transmitted by the information request device;
• performing, using the signal, at least one of connection management of a network, authentication of the information request device, and authentication of a user of the information request device;
• and
• controlling allocation of storage areas included in a storage device, or an available range within which information saved in the storage area is able to be provided, when establishment of a connection to the network, disconnection of the connection, an authentication result, or a lapse of a valid connection time period is detected.