Information distribution system, terminal apparatus used in such system, recording medium on which program is recorded, and loop connection avoidance method

Abstract

In order that a loop does not occur when switching upstream terminal apparatus, to provide an information distribution system capable of preemptively detecting a distribution route loop, and avoiding the loop, a terminal apparatus and a program used in the same system, as well as a loop connection avoidance method. A terminal apparatus B which has received loop connection detection information from upstream determines whether or not a downstream terminal apparatus of a control path which is not a distribution route along which contents information is flowing, and a source of the loop connection detection information match and, in the event that they match, determines that a loop will occur. By this means, it is possible to determine in advance that a loop will occur, before switching an upstream connection destination. Also, substitute upstream terminal apparatus search information is transmitted in a downstream direction from terminal apparatus Band B, which are second nodes, and a terminal apparatus B which has received the substitute upstream terminal apparatus search information, but has not received the loop connection detection information, is made a substitute upstream apparatus. By switching to the substitute upstream apparatus, it is possible to avoid the loop.