Communication System for Use in Communication Between Communication Equipment by Using Ip Protocol

• US 20070255784A1
• Filed: 06/06/2005
• Published: 11/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Takechi, Hideaki, Kato, Naonori, Nakatsuka, Monta, Kunihira, Tadashi
• Application Number:
  US11/628,782
• Publication Number:
  US 20070255784A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/203
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/14 Session management for real-time applications in data packet communications networks H04L65/1066

Abstract

A server apparatus selects one of communication equipment that has a waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment based on waiting and reception capability information on the respective communication equipments, and selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment. The waiting and receiving side communication equipment sets a router apparatus connected to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment so that the router apparatus receives a signal having a destination of waiting and receiving address information, and transfers the received signal to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment. The connection side communication equipment transmits a packet having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment.

Claims

1. A server apparatus provided in a communication system, for mediating establishment of a connection between a request issuance side communication equipment and a request acceptance side communication equipment, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

a server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the server apparatus establishes a first communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the server apparatus maintains, in advance, a second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus receives waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment, the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and stores the waiting and reception capability information in equipment information storage unit;

wherein the server apparatus receives waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request acceptance side communication equipment, the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network, and stores the waiting and reception capability information in the equipment information storage unit;

wherein, in the case that the server apparatus receives a signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment, when the server apparatus judges that at least one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information stored in the equipment information storage unit, then the server apparatus selects the one communication equipment having the waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal, notifies the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, as which the respective communication equipments are selected by using the first and second communication paths, respectively, among the waiting and receiving side communication equipment and the connection side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus receives waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the selected waiting and receiving side communication equipment from the waiting and receiving side communication equipment; and

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received waiting and receiving address information to the connection side communication equipment via one of the first communication path and the second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the selected connection side communication equipment.

2. A request issuance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment establishes a first communication path between the request issuance side communication equipment and the server apparatus prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits waiting and reception capability information as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits a signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives from the server apparatus via the first communication path as which the request issuance side communication equipment is selected, a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment or a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal;

(a) when the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request issuance side communication equipment sets the first router apparatus so that the first router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment, and so that the first router apparatus transfers the received signal to the request issuance side communication equipment, and transmits the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment to the server apparatus, and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment from the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) when the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

then the request issuance side communication equipment receives the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the first communication path, and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment to the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

3. A request acceptance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request issuance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request issuance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment maintains, in advance, a second communication path between the request acceptance side communication equipment and the server apparatus for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits waiting and reception capability information as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives from the server apparatus via the second communication path as which the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected, a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment or a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal;

(a) when the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request acceptance side communication equipment sets the second router apparatus so that the second router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment, and so that the second router apparatus transfers the received signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment, and transmits the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus; and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) when the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

then the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the second communication path; and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment to the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

4. A communication system including a request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

a request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

a server apparatus connected to the network, the communication system mediating establishment of a connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the server apparatus, and holding a communication by using the connection established through a mediation of the server apparatus,

wherein the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment establish a first communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment maintain, in advance, a second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the server apparatus receives the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment and the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment, and stores the waiting and reception capability information in equipment information storage unit;

wherein, in the case that the server apparatus judges that at least one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information stored in the equipment information storage unit, when the server apparatus receives a signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment, then the server apparatus selects the one communication equipment having the waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal, notifies the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, as which the respective communication equipments are selected by using the first and second communication paths, respectively, among the waiting and receiving side communication equipment and the connection side communication equipment;

wherein the selected waiting and receiving side communication equipment sets the router apparatus that connects the waiting and receiving side communication equipment to the network so that the router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the selected connection side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and so that the router apparatus transfers the received signal to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and transmits the waiting and receiving address information to the server apparatus;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the waiting and receiving address information to the connection side communication equipment via one of the first communication path and the second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the selected connection side communication equipment; and

wherein the connection side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

5. A server apparatus provided in a communication system, for mediating establishment of a connection between a request issuance side communication equipment and a request acceptance side communication equipment, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the server apparatus establishes a first communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the server apparatus maintains, in advance, a second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus receives a connection request signal including waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment, the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received connection request signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second communication path;

wherein the server apparatus receives a first connection response signal from the request acceptance side communication equipment, the first connection response signal notifying the request issuance side communication equipment, as which the request issuance side communication equipment is selected, among a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment or a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received first connection response signal to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first communication path;

wherein the server apparatus receives waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the selected waiting and receiving side communication equipment from the waiting and receiving side communication equipment; and

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received waiting and receiving address information to the connection side communication equipment via one of the first communication path and the second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the selected connection side communication equipment.

6. A request issuance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment establishes a first communication path between the request issuance side communication equipment and the server apparatus prior to issuance of a request;

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment desires to establish the connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the request issuance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits a connection request signal including waiting and reception capability information as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives a first connection response signal from the server apparatus via the first communication path, the first connection response signal notifying the request issuance side communication equipment, as which the request issuance side communication equipment is selected, among a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment or a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal;

(a) when the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request issuance side communication equipment sets the first router apparatus so that the first router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment, and so that the first router apparatus transfers the received signal to the request issuance side communication equipment, transmits the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment to the server apparatus, and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment from the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) when the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

then the request issuance side communication equipment receives the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the first communication path, and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment to the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

7. A request acceptance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request issuance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request issuance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment maintains, in advance, a second communication path between the request acceptance side communication equipment and the server apparatus for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives a connection request signal including waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the second communication path, the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network;

wherein, when the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the connection request signal, then the request acceptance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network, and generates waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment as judgment results;

wherein, when the request acceptance side communication equipment judges that at least one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment and on the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the request acceptance side communication equipment selects the at least one communication equipment having the waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal, and transmits a first connection response signal to the server apparatus, the first connection response signal notifying the request issuance side communication equipment, as which the request issuance side communication equipment is selected, among the waiting and receiving side communication equipment and the connection side communication equipment;

(a) when the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request acceptance side communication equipment sets the second router apparatus so that the second router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment, and so that the second router apparatus transfers the received signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment, transmits the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus, and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) when the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

then the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the second communication path, and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment to the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

8. A communication system including a request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

a request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

a server apparatus connected to the network, the communication system mediating establishment of a connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the server apparatus, and holding a communication by using the connection established through a mediation of the server apparatus,

wherein the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment establish a first communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment maintain, in advance, a second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment desires to establish the connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the request issuance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits a connection request signal including waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the connection request signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second communication path;

wherein, when the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the transferred connection request signal, then the request acceptance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network, and generates waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment as judgment results;

wherein, when the request acceptance side communication equipment judges that at least one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment and on the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the request acceptance side communication equipment selects the at least one communication equipment having the waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal, and transmits a first connection response signal to the server apparatus, the first connection response signal notifying the request issuance side communication equipment, as which the request issuance side communication equipment is selected, among the waiting and receiving side communication equipment and the connection side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the first connection response signal to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first communication path;

wherein the selected waiting and receiving side communication equipment sets the router apparatus that connects the waiting and receiving side communication equipment to the network so that the router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the selected connection side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and so that the router apparatus transfers the received signal to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and transmits the waiting and receiving address information to the server apparatus;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the waiting and receiving address information to the connection side communication equipment via one of the first communication path and the second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the selected connection side communication equipment; and

wherein the connection side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

9. A server apparatus provided in a communication system, for mediating establishment of a connection between a request issuance side communication equipment and a request acceptance side communication equipment, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the server apparatus establishes a first communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the server apparatus maintains, in advance, a second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus receives a waiting and reception capability notification request signal for requesting waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment, the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received waiting and reception capability notification request signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second communication path;

wherein the server apparatus receives a waiting and reception capability notification response signal including the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received waiting and reception capability notification response signal to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first communication path;

wherein the server apparatus receives a first connection request signal from the request issuance side communication equipment, the first connection request signal notifying the request acceptance side communication equipment, as which the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected, among a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment, and the request acceptance side communication equipment or a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received first connection response signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second communication path;

wherein the server apparatus receives waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the waiting and receiving side communication equipment from the waiting and receiving side communication equipment; and

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received waiting and receiving address information to the connection side communication equipment via one of the first communication path and the second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the selected connection side communication equipment.

10. A request issuance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment establishes a first communication path between the request issuance side communication equipment and the server apparatus prior to issuance of a request;

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment desires to establish the connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the request issuance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and generates waiting and reception capability information as judgment results;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits a waiting and reception capability notification request signal for requesting waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus, the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives the waiting and reception capability notification response signal including the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the first communication path;

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment judges that at least one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment and on the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the request issuance side communication equipment selects the at least one communication equipment having the waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal, and transmits a first connection request signal to the server apparatus, the first connection request signal notifying the server apparatus, as which the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected, among the waiting and receiving side communication equipment and the connection side communication equipment;

(a) when the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request issuance side communication equipment sets the first router apparatus so that the first router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment, and so that the first router apparatus transfers the received signal to the request issuance side communication equipment, transmits the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment to the server apparatus, and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment from the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) when the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

then the request issuance side communication equipment receives the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the first communication path, and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment to the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

11. A request acceptance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request issuance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request issuance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment maintains, in advance, a second communication path between the request acceptance side communication equipment and the server apparatus for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives a waiting and reception capability notification request signal for requesting waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the second communication path, the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network;

wherein, when the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the waiting and reception capability notification request signal, then the request acceptance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability, and transmits a waiting and reception capability notification response signal including the waiting and reception capability information as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives which the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as, a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment or a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal, from the server apparatus via the second communication path;

(a) when the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request acceptance side communication equipment sets the second router apparatus so that the second router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment, and so that the second router apparatus transfers the received signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment, transmits the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus, and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) when the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

then the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the second communication path, and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment to the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

12. A communication system including a request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

a request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

a server apparatus connected to the network, the communication system mediating establishment of a connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the server apparatus, and holding a communication by using the connection established through a mediation of the server apparatus,

wherein the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment establish a first communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment maintain, in advance, a second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment desires to establish the connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the request issuance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and generates waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment as judgment results;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits a waiting and reception capability notification request signal for requesting waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus, the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the waiting and reception capability notification request signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second communication path;

wherein, when the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the waiting and reception capability notification request signal, then the request acceptance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability, and transmits a waiting and reception capability notification response signal including the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the waiting and reception capability notification response signal to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first communication path;

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment judges that at least one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment and on the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the request issuance side communication equipment selects the at least one communication equipment having the waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal, and transmits a first connection request signal to the server apparatus, the first connection request signal notifying the server apparatus, as which the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected, among the waiting and receiving side communication equipment or the connection side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the first connection request signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second communication equipment;

wherein the selected waiting and receiving side communication equipment sets the router apparatus that connects the waiting and receiving side communication equipment to the network so that the router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the selected connection side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and so that the router apparatus transfers the received signal to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and transmits the waiting and receiving address information to the server apparatus;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the waiting and receiving address information to the connection side communication equipment via one of the first communication path and the second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the selected connection side communication equipment; and

wherein the connection side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

13. A server apparatus provided in a communication system, for mediating establishment of a connection between a request issuance side communication equipment and a request acceptance side communication equipment, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the server apparatus establishes a first communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the server apparatus maintains, in advance, a second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus receives a connection request signal including waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment, the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network;

wherein, when the server apparatus receives the connection request signal, the server apparatus transmits a waiting and reception capability notification request signal for requesting waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second communication path, the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network;

wherein the server apparatus receives the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein, when the server apparatus judges that at least one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment and on the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the server apparatus selects the one communication equipment having the waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal, and notifies the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, as which the respective communication equipments are selected by using the first and second communication paths, respectively, among the waiting and receiving side communication equipment and the connection side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus receives waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the waiting and receiving side communication equipment from the waiting and receiving side communication equipment; and

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received waiting and receiving address information to the connection side communication equipment via one of the first communication path and the second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the selected connection side communication equipment.

14. A request issuance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment establishes a first communication path between the request issuance side communication equipment and the server apparatus prior to issuance of a request;

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment desires to establish the connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the request issuance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits a connection request signal including waiting and reception capability information as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives, from the server apparatus via the first communication path, which the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as, a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment or a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal;

(a) when the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request issuance side communication equipment sets the first router apparatus so that the first router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment, and so that the first router apparatus transfers the received signal to the request issuance side communication equipment made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment, transmits the waiting and receiving address information to the server apparatus, and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment from the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) when the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

then the request issuance side communication equipment receives the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the first communication path, and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment to the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

15. A request acceptance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request issuance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request issuance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment maintains, in advance, a second communication path between the request acceptance side communication equipment and the server apparatus for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives a waiting and reception capability notification request signal for requesting waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the second communication path, the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network;

wherein, when the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the waiting and reception capability notification request signal, then the request acceptance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability, and transmits the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives information from the server apparatus via the second communication path, the information indicating as which the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected, a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment or a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal;

(a) when the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request acceptance side communication equipment sets the second router apparatus so that the second router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment, and so that the second router apparatus transfers the received signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment, transmits the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus, and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) when the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

then the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the second communication path, and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment to the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

16. A communication system including a request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

a request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus; and

a server apparatus connected to the network, the communication system mediating establishment of a connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the server apparatus, and holding a communication by using the connection established through a mediation of the server apparatus,

wherein the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment establish a first communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment maintain, in advance, a second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment desires to establish the connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the request issuance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits a connection request signal including waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein, when the server apparatus receives the connection request signal, the server apparatus transmits a waiting and reception capability notification request signal for requesting waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second communication path, the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network;

wherein, when the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the waiting and reception capability notification request signal, then the request acceptance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability, and transmits waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein, when the server apparatus judges that at least one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment and on the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the server apparatus selects the one communication equipment having the waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment that transmits the connection start signal, notifies the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, as which the respective communication equipments are selected by using the first and second communication paths, respectively, among the waiting and receiving side communication equipment and the connection side communication equipment;

wherein the selected waiting and receiving side communication equipment sets the router apparatus that connects the waiting and receiving side communication equipment to the network so that the router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the selected connection side communication equipment and having a destination of waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and so that the router apparatus transfers the received signal to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and transmits the waiting and receiving address information to the server apparatus;

wherein the server apparatus transfers the waiting and receiving address information to the connection side communication equipment via one of the first communication path and the second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the selected connection side communication equipment; and

wherein the connection side communication equipment transmits the connection start signal having the destination of the waiting and receiving address information to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment.

17. The communication system as claimed in claim 16,

wherein, when the server apparatus judges that each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment does not have the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment and on the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment, then the server apparatus decides to relay a communication between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, notifies the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment that the server apparatus relays the communication between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the first and second communication paths, respectively, and establishes the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment relayed by the server apparatus.

18. A server apparatus provided in a communication system, for mediating establishment of a connection between a request issuance side communication equipment and a request acceptance side communication equipment, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus;

at least one relay communication equipment connected to the network; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the server apparatus establishes a first communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the server apparatus maintains, in advance, a second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus maintains, in advance, a communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the respective relay communication equipments between the server apparatus and the respective relay communication equipments;

wherein the server apparatus receives waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment, the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and stores the waiting and reception capability information in equipment information storage unit;

wherein the server apparatus receives waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request acceptance side communication equipment, the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment indicating whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network, and stores the waiting and reception capability information in the equipment information storage unit;

wherein the server apparatus receives waiting and reception capability information on the respective relay communication equipments from the respective relay communication equipments, the waiting and reception capability information on the respective relay communication equipments indicating whether or not the respective relay communication equipments have a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and stores the waiting and reception capability information in the equipment information storage unit;

wherein, in the case that the server apparatus receives a signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment, when the server apparatus judges that at least one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information stored in the equipment information storage unit, then the server apparatus selects the one communication equipment having the waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a first connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, and selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment that transmits the first connection start signal, on the other hand, when the server apparatus judges that each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment does not have the waiting and reception capability, then the server apparatus selects the request issuance side communication equipment as the connection side communication equipment that transmits a second connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and one relay communication equipment selected from among the at least one relay communication equipment, and selects the request acceptance side communication equipment as the connection side communication equipment that transmits a third connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request acceptance side communication equipment and the selected relay communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus notifies the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, as which the respective communication equipments are selected by using the first and second communication paths, respectively, among the waiting and receiving side communication equipment and the connection side communication equipment;

(a) when one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the server apparatus receives first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the waiting and receiving side communication equipment from the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received waiting and receiving address information to the connection side communication equipment via one of the first and second communication paths for connecting the server apparatus to the selected connection side communication equipment;

(b) when each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

then the server apparatus selects one arbitrary relay communication equipment judged to have the waiting and reception capability from among the relay communication equipments as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment based on the waiting and reception capability information stored in the equipment information storage unit, notifies the selected relay communication equipment that the relay communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment via the communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the selected relay communication equipment,

wherein the server apparatus receives second and third waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the selected relay communication equipment from the relay communication equipment, and

wherein the server apparatus transmits the second waiting and receiving address information to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first communication path, and transmits the third waiting and receiving address information to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second communication path.

19. A request issuance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus;

at least one relay communication equipment connected to the network; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment establishes a first communication path between the request issuance side communication equipment and the server apparatus prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits waiting and reception capability information as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits a signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives from the server apparatus via the first communication path as which the request issuance side communication equipment is selected, a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a first connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment or a connection side communication equipment that transmits the first connection start signal or a second connection start signal for establishing the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and one relay communication equipment selected from among the at least one relay communication equipment;

(a) when the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request issuance side communication equipment sets the first router apparatus so that the first router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment and having a destination of first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment, and so that the first router apparatus transfers the received signal to the request issuance side communication equipment, and transmits the first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment to the server apparatus, and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives the first connection start signal having the destination of the first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment from the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) in the case that the request issuance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

when receiving the first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the first communication path, the request issuance side communication equipment transmits the first connection start signal having the destination of the first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment to the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, and

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment receives the second waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the relay communication equipment selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment by the server apparatus from the server apparatus via the first communication path, the request issuance side communication equipment transmits the second connection start signal having the destination of the second waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the relay communication equipment to the selected relay communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the selected relay communication equipment, and establishing the communication between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment relayed by the relay communication equipment.

20. A request acceptance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request issuance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request issuance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus;

at least one relay communication equipment connected to the network; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment maintains, in advance, a second communication path between the request acceptance side communication equipment and the server apparatus for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits waiting and reception capability information as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives from the server apparatus via the second communication path as which the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected, a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a first connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment or a connection side communication equipment that transmits the first connection start signal or a third connection start signal for establishing the direct connection between the request acceptance side communication equipment and one relay communication equipment selected from among the at least one relay communication equipment;

(a) when the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request acceptance side communication equipment sets the second router apparatus so that the second router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment and having a destination of first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment, and so that the second router apparatus transfers the received signal to the request acceptance side communication equipment, transmits the first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus, and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the first connection start signal having the destination of the first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) in the case that the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

when receiving the first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment from the server apparatus via the second communication path, the request acceptance side communication equipment transmits the first connection start signal having the destination of the first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the request issuance side communication equipment to the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, and

wherein, when the request acceptance side communication equipment receives third waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the relay communication equipment selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment by the server apparatus from the server apparatus via the second communication path, the request acceptance side communication equipment transmits the third connection start signal having the destination of the third waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the relay communication equipment to the selected relay communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request acceptance side communication equipment and the selected relay communication equipment, and establishing the communication between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment relayed by the relay communication equipment.

21. A relay communication equipment provided in a communication system, for relaying a connection between a request issuance side communication equipment and a request acceptance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus;

at least one relay communication equipment connected to the network; and

the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the server apparatus and the relay communication equipment respectively maintain, in advance, a communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the relay communication equipment;

wherein the relay communication equipment judges whether or not the relay communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits waiting and reception capability information as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the relay communication equipment receives from the server apparatus via the communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the relay communication equipment information indicating that the relay communication equipment is selected as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a second connection start signal for establishing a direct connection with the request issuance side communication equipment, and a third connection start signal for establishing the direct connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein the relay communication equipment transmits second and third waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the relay communication equipment to the server apparatus;

wherein the relay communication equipment receives the second connection start signal having a destination of the second waiting and receiving address information from the request issuance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network;

wherein the relay communication equipment receives the third connection start signal having a destination of the third waiting and receiving address information from the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network; and

wherein the relay communication equipment then establishes the direct connection between the relay communication equipment and the request issuance side communication equipment and direct connection between the relay communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, and establishes the communication between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment relayed by the relay communication equipment.

22. A communication system including a request issuance side communication equipment connected to a network via a first router apparatus;

a request acceptance side communication equipment connected to the network via a second router apparatus;

at least one relay communication equipment connected to the network; and

a server apparatus connected to the network, the communication system mediating establishment of a connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the server apparatus, and holding a communication by using the connection established through a mediation of the server apparatus,

wherein the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment establish a first communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment prior to issuance of a request;

wherein the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment maintain, in advance, a second communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second router apparatus between the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus and each of the relay communication equipment maintains, in advance, a communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the relay communication equipment;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request issuance side communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment judges whether or not the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from the request issuance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment as judgment results to the server apparatus;

wherein each of the relay communication equipment judges whether or not the relay communication equipment has a waiting and reception capability to wait for and receive a signal transmitted from each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment via the network, and transmits waiting and reception capability information as judgment results to the server apparatus, respectively;

wherein the server apparatus receives the waiting and reception capability information on the request issuance side communication equipment, the waiting and reception capability information on the request acceptance side communication equipment, and the waiting and reception capability information on the relay communication equipment, and stores the waiting and reception capability information in equipment information storage unit;

wherein, in the case that the server apparatus receives a signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment, when the server apparatus judges that at least one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment has the waiting and reception capability based on the waiting and reception capability information stored in the equipment information storage unit, then the server apparatus selects the one communication equipment having the waiting and reception capability as a waiting and receiving side communication equipment that receives a first connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, and selects another communication equipment as a connection side communication equipment that transmits the first connection start signal, and on the other hand, when the server apparatus judges that each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment does not have the waiting and reception capability, then the server apparatus selects the request issuance side communication equipment as the connection side communication equipment that transmits a second connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and one relay communication equipment selected from among the at least one relay communication equipment, and selects the request acceptance side communication equipment as the connection side communication equipment that transmits a third connection start signal for establishing a direct connection between the request acceptance side communication equipment and the selected relay communication equipment;

wherein the server apparatus notifies the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, as which the respective communication equipments are selected by using the first and second communication paths, respectively, among the waiting and receiving side communication equipment and the connection side communication equipment;

(a) when one of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment,

then the request issuance side communication equipment sets the router apparatus that connects the waiting and receiving side communication equipment to the network so that the router apparatus receives a signal being transmitted from the selected connection side communication equipment and having a destination of first waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and so that the router apparatus transfers the received signal to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment, and transmits the first waiting and receiving address information to the server apparatus,

wherein the server apparatus transfers the received first waiting and receiving address information to the connection side communication equipment via one of the first and second communication paths for connecting the server apparatus to the selected connection side communication equipment, and

wherein the connection side communication equipment transmits the first connection start signal having the destination of the first waiting and receiving address information to the waiting and receiving side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, so as to establish the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment; and

(b) when each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment is selected as the connection side communication equipment,

then the server apparatus selects one arbitrary relay communication equipment judged to have the waiting and reception capability from among the relay communication equipments as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment based on the waiting and reception capability information stored in the equipment information storage unit, notifies the selected relay communication equipment that the relay communication equipment is selected as the waiting and receiving side communication equipment via the communication path for connecting the server apparatus to the selected relay communication equipment,

wherein the selected relay communication equipment transmits second and third waiting and receiving address information made to be associated with the selected relay communication equipment to the server apparatus,

wherein the server apparatus transmits the second waiting and receiving address information to the request issuance side communication equipment via the first communication path, and transmits the third waiting and receiving address information to the request acceptance side communication equipment via the second communication path,

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits the second connection start signal having the destination of the second waiting and receiving address information to the selected relay communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network,

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment transmits the third connection start signal having the destination of the third waiting and receiving address information to the selected relay communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, and

wherein a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the selected relay communication equipment and a direct connection between the request acceptance side communication equipment and the selected relay communication equipment are then established, and the communication between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment relayed by the relay communication equipment is then established.

23. A server apparatus provided in a communication system, for mediating establishment of a connection between a request issuance side communication equipment and a request acceptance side communication equipment, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment respectively connected to a network;

and a server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment authenticate each other;

wherein the server apparatus receives a connection request signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment;

wherein, when the server apparatus receives the connection request signal, the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment authenticate each other; and

wherein the server apparatus generates a cipher key when the server apparatus authenticates the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, respectively, encrypts the generated cipher key, and transmits the encrypted cipher key to the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, respectively.

24. A request issuance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment respectively connected to the network;

and the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment and the server apparatus authenticate each other;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits a connection request signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus when authenticating the server apparatus;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives an encrypted and transmitted encryption key from the server apparatus, and decrypts the encrypted encryption key; and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment establishes a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, and starts the communication encrypted by the decrypted encryption key by using the established direct connection.

25. A request acceptance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request issuance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request issuance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment respectively connected to the network;

and the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment and the server apparatus authenticate each other;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives an encrypted encryption key from the server apparatus, and decrypts the encrypted encryption key; and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment establishes a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, and starts the communication encrypted by the decrypted encryption key by using the established direct connection.

26. A communication system including a request issuance side communication equipment and a request acceptance side communication equipment respectively connected to the network;

and a server apparatus connected to the network, the communication system mediating establishment of a connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the server apparatus, and holding a communication by using the connection established through a mediation of the server apparatus,

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment and the server apparatus authenticate each other;

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment authenticates the server apparatus, the request issuance side communication equipment transmits a connection request signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance communication equipment to the server apparatus;

wherein, when the server apparatus receives the connection request signal, the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment authenticate each other;

wherein the server apparatus generates a cipher key when the server apparatus authenticates the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, respectively, encrypts the generated cipher key, and transmits the encrypted cipher key to the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, respectively;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment receive and decrypt the encrypted and transmitted cipher key, respectively; and

wherein each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment establishes a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network, and starts the communication encrypted by each of the decrypted cipher key by using the established direct connection.

27. The communication system as claimed in claim 26,

wherein each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment includes password information storage unit for storing password information on the request acceptance side communication equipment,

wherein, when the direct connection is established between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, the request issuance side communication equipment transmits the password information stored in the password information storage unit of the request issuance side communication equipment to the request acceptance side communication equipment;

and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the transmitted password information, collates the received password information with the password information stored in the password information storage unit of the request acceptance side communication equipment, and authenticates the request issuance side communication equipment when these pieces of password information coincide with each other.

28. A server apparatus provided in a communication system, for mediating establishment of a connection between a request issuance side communication equipment and a request acceptance side communication equipment, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment connected to a network;

and a server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the server apparatus and the request issuance side communication equipment authenticate each other;

wherein the server apparatus receives a connection request signal for requesting the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance communication equipment from the request issuance side communication equipment;

wherein, when the server apparatus receives the connection request signal, the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment authenticate each other; and

wherein the server apparatus generates connection authentication information when the server apparatus authenticates the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, respectively, encrypts the generated connection authentication information, and transmits the encrypted connection authentication information to the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, respectively.

29. A request issuance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment respectively connected to the network;

and the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment and the server apparatus authenticate each other;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits a connection request signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment to the server apparatus when authenticating the server apparatus;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment receives encrypted and transmitted connection authentication information from the server apparatus, decrypts the encrypted connection authentication information, and stores the decrypted connection authentication information in connection authentication information storage unit;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment establishes a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits the connection authentication information to the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the established direct connection; and

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment starts the communication by using the direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment when the request acceptance side communication equipment permits the communication by using the direct connection.

30. A request acceptance side communication equipment provided in a communication system, for establishing a connection with the request acceptance side communication equipment through a mediation of a server apparatus, and for holding a communication with the request issuance side communication equipment by using the connection established through the mediation of the server apparatus, the communication system including the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment respectively connected to the network;

and the server apparatus connected to the network,

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment and the server apparatus authenticate each other;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives encrypted and transmitted connection authentication information from the server apparatus, decrypts the connection authentication information, and stores the decrypted connection authentication information in connection authentication information storage unit;

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment establishes a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network; and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the connection authentication information from the request issuance side communication equipment by using the established direct connection, collates the received connection authentication information with the connection authentication information stored in the connection authentication information storage unit of the connection acceptance side communication equipment, permits the connection using the direct connection when these pieces of connection authentication information coincide with each other, and starts the communication between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the established direct connection.

31. A communication system including a request issuance side communication equipment and a request acceptance side communication equipment respectively connected to the network;

and a server apparatus connected to the network, the communication system mediating establishment of a connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the server apparatus, and holding a communication by using the connection established through a mediation of the server apparatus,

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment and the server apparatus authenticate each other;

wherein, when the request issuance side communication equipment authenticates the server apparatus, the request issuance side communication equipment transmits a connection request signal for requesting the establishment of the connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance communication equipment to the server apparatus;

wherein, when the server apparatus receives the connection request signal, the server apparatus and the request acceptance side communication equipment authenticate each other;

wherein the server apparatus generates connection authentication information when the server apparatus authenticates the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, respectively, encrypts the generated connection authentication information, and transmits the encrypted connection authentication information to the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment, respectively, and store the encrypted connection authentication information in the connection authentication information storage unit of the respective communication equipments, respectively;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment receive and decrypt the encrypted and transmitted connection authentication information, respectively;

wherein each of the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment establishes a direct connection between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment not via the server apparatus but via the network;

wherein the request issuance side communication equipment transmits the connection authentication information to the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the established direct connection; and

wherein the request acceptance side communication equipment receives the transmitted connection authentication information, collates the received connection authentication information with the connection authentication information stored in the connection authentication information storage unit of the connection acceptance side communication equipment, permits the communication by using the direct connection when these pieces of connection authentication information coincide with each other, and starts the communication between the request issuance side communication equipment and the request acceptance side communication equipment by using the direct connection.

32-39. -39. (canceled)