In a communication system, plural nodes are communicably connected to a communication line and mutually communicate based on an NRZ (Non Return to Zero) code. Each node detects, as a data frame head, a dominant level when a signal on the line changes to a dominant level during a stand-by state of the line. An activation frame is transmitted during a sleep mode. The activation frame has an activation pattern area storing therein a bit pattern showing that the frame is the activation frame, a specific pattern area storing therein a bit pattern showing a node to be activated, a boundary position satisfying a predetermined boundary condition and being a boundary between the activation and specific pattern areas. Each node performs a switchover from the sleep mode to a normal mode based on the bit patterns in the activation and specific pattern areas and information given by the boundary position.