Patent ID: 7970935
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A network system in which distribution information is distributed from a distributor device that distributes the distribution information via a plurality of information processors connected in a hierarchical tree structure, the plurality of information processors comprising a first group of information processors and a second group of information processors, the plurality of information processors participating in and withdrawing from the network system, the network system comprising: a first sub-network system, the first sub-network system comprising the first group of information processors connected in a hierarchical tree structure with the distributor device being a first apex; a second sub-network system, the second sub-network system comprising the second group of information processors connected in a hierarchical tree structure and an apex information processor which is any of the first group of information processors included in the first sub-network system, with the apex information processor being used as a second apex; and a topology controller configured to control a logical network connection aspect of the first group of information processors belonging to the first sub-network system, wherein the topology controller controls a participation of the plurality of information processors in the network system and a withdrawal of the plurality of information processors from the network system, wherein the distribution information is distributed through the first group of information processors in the first sub-network system from the distributor device that distributes the distribution information, and the distribution information is distributed from the distributor device to the apex information processor which is the second apex, and to the second group of information processors in the second sub-network system; and wherein the apex information processor in the second sub-network system has a control unit that controls the logical network connection of the second group of information processors belonging to the second sub-network system using the apex information processor as the apex, the number of the first group of information processors belonging to the first sub-network system is determined on the basis of pre-determined number of the information processors which can be controlled in the topology controller, the topology controller has an apex information processor designating unit that designates, as the apex information processor, the information processor belonging to a level corresponding to a number of acceptable levels of the first sub-network system which is preliminarily set on the basis of the pre-determined number of the information processors, and the information processor designated as the apex information processor has a storing unit that stores designation information indicative of the designation.