Abstract: A router emits an infrared ray based on a signal for operating a video recorder to the video recorder at a request made by any one of personal computers connected to the router through a network. In response to the infrared ray based on a signal for operating the video recorder, the video recorder outputs analog signals to the router through cables. The router then converts the analog signals into audio and video digital signals. Subsequently, the router outputs the digital signals to the personal computer making the request by way of the network. Then, the personal computer making the request outputs a sound based on the audio digital signal and displays a picture based on the video digital signal. As a result, the router allows an analog apparatus such as the video recorder to be connected to the network in a simple configuration.