A number-of-commands counter counts number of commands received during a predetermined measurement period, which is timed by a timer. An access interval determiner determines command reception frequency from the count result, and decides on an optimum access interval time. An MIB update unit updates <access interval MIB> based on the optimum access interval time. An SNMP agent responds to an obtaining command and transmits <access interval MIB>. An MIB receiver receives <access interval MIB> and an MIB obtainer analyzes <access interval MIB> to recognize the access interval time. A timer setter sets the recognized access interval time at a timer as a timer setting.