Patent ID: 8305880

Claim:
A connection mode controlling apparatus for controlling a connection mode among a distributor as a distribution source of distribution information and a plurality of relay devices connected to the distributor in a tree structure which is configured by a plurality of hierarchical levels in a network system in which the distribution information is distributed, the connection mode controlling apparatus comprising: a retrieval processor unit, in response to stopping a relay function in a first relay device which is relaying the distribution information to a second relay device and a reproducing process of reproducing the distributed distribution information being executed in the second relay device, configured to retrieve a third relay device capable of relaying the distribution information; a connecting processor unit configured to connect the retrieved third relay device to the second relay device; and a distribution continuing processor unit configured to continue the distribution of the distribution information to the second relay device via the third relay device by making distribution speed of the distribution information via the third relay device to the second relay device faster than distribution speed before the relay function in the first relay device stops from the first relay device to the second relay device.