JP2006121414A - Load distribution/convergence number variable communication equipment and load distribution/convergence number varying method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transmit/receive a data signal while distributing a load between two load distribution/convergence number variable communication equipment, and to increase/decrease the number of links(the number of paths) to be used for load distribution without causing any traffic loss. <P>SOLUTION: The contents of a database are properly updated so as to be matched with the number of links (the number of paths) to be used for load distribution at the time of increasing/decreasing or before and after increasing/decreasing the number of links or the number of paths to be used for load distribution by using a database in which load distribution information is recorded between two pieces of opposite load distribution/convergence number variable communication equipment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is used in a communication apparatus that transmits and receives data signal groups by distributing the load to a plurality of links or paths, or a communication apparatus that transmits and receives a plurality of data signal groups by focusing loads on a single link or path. Such a communication apparatus is called a load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus.

  In recent years, the instantaneous value of Internet traffic flowing between large cities greatly exceeds the maximum transmission capacity per link or path. Therefore, Internet traffic is distributed and transferred to a plurality of links or a plurality of paths (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

  In the following, a case in which a data signal group is transmitted and received by distributing the load to a plurality of links or paths, and a case in which a plurality of data signal groups are subjected to load convergence on one link or path will be described together.

  SDH / SONET is a technology that distributes loads of data signals flowing between two opposing communication devices by multiple links or paths, or a technology that loads loads of multiple data signal groups by a single link or path. Virtual Connection (VC), IEEE (registered trademark) IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation (LA), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and IP Open Shortest Path (reference) FI Distribution or focusing (hereinafter referred to as load distribution / focusing) technology, load distribution / focusing technology using the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) And MPLS multipath technology.

  A conventional load distribution / focusing technique will be described. An apparatus equipped with a load distribution / focusing technique has the configuration shown in FIGS. 18 shows a network configuration when data signals are distributed to a plurality of links or paths, or a plurality of data signals are load-concentrated and transferred to one link or path between two apparatuses having the configuration of FIG. 21.

  FIG. 22 shows an operation flow when the apparatus of FIG. 20 distributes the input data signal group to a plurality of links or a plurality of paths. FIG. 23 shows an operation flow when the apparatus of FIG. 20 focuses data signal groups input from a plurality of links or a plurality of paths. FIG. 24 shows an image when the data signal group input to the apparatus of FIG. 18 is distributed to a plurality of links or paths. FIG. 25 shows an image when a group of data signals load-distributed to a plurality of links or a plurality of paths is input to the apparatus of FIG. 18 and converged.

  That is, in the conventional apparatus configuration shown in FIG. 18, the allocation of the data signal information and the transmission / reception unit group for allocating the data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit among the plurality of transmission / reception units as load distribution / focusing number variable means. A load distribution information database (referred to as DB in the figure) 11 that holds the relationship, and the load distribution information database 11 is referred to, and is transmitted and received between adjacent devices based on the data signal information and the allocation relationship. The transmission / reception unit 19 to which the data signal is allocated is determined, and a transfer processing unit 14 that gives an allocation instruction to the signal editing unit 15 based on the determined content. Based on these instructions, the signal editing unit 15 assigns the data signal received by the transmission / reception unit 19 to any one of the transmission / reception units 19.

  In addition, in the conventional apparatus configuration shown in FIG. 19, in addition to the configuration of FIG. 18, as a load distribution / focusing number variable means, a data signal is sent to a specific transmission / reception unit 19 or a group of transmission / reception units 19 among a plurality of transmission / reception units 19. There is provided a transfer information database (# 1, # 2) 10 that holds an allocation relationship between information of data signals to be allocated and the transmission / reception unit 19 group.

  In the conventional apparatus configuration shown in FIG. 20, a load distribution information database-added transfer information database 40 that integrates the load distribution information database 11 and the transfer information database 10 shown in FIG. Is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 are installed as devices 1 and 2, respectively, and communicate by performing load distribution / focusing.

  The flow of data signal transfer processing or load distribution processing in the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus is as shown in FIG. 22, when a data signal is received by the transmission / reception unit 19, the destination address and the transfer information database 10. The transmission / reception unit 19 group is determined on the basis of the allocation relationship held in, and the transfer process is performed by routing or forwarding. At this time, the transmission / reception unit 19 of the distribution destination is determined based on the allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database 11 and the data signal information. The data signal information is, for example, a destination address and a transmission source address. When the distribution destination transmission / reception unit 19 is determined, the transmission / reception unit 19 transmits a data signal.

  Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 23, when the data signal is received by the transmission / reception unit 19, the data signal is focused based on the load distribution information database 11. At this time, the transmission / reception unit 19 group is determined based on the destination address and the allocation relationship held in the transfer information database 10, and the transfer process is performed by routing or forwarding.

  FIG. 24 shows an example of load distribution operation. It can be seen that the data signal group input received by the reception processing unit 17 is load-distributed to the plurality of transmission processing units 16 by the signal editing unit 15.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of load focusing operation. It can be seen that the data signal group input received by the plurality of reception processing units 17 is load-focused on one transmission processing unit 16 by the signal editing unit 15.

  Here, the relationship between load distribution and load focusing will be briefly described. For example, when the free bandwidth of any one of these 10 links increases while one data signal is being distributed and transferred to 10 links, some Thus, the number of links can be reduced to 9 or less links. Thus, load distribution and load focusing should be considered as two sides of the same coin, and load focusing is also performed while distributing the load. Therefore, in the claims, description, abstract, and drawings relating to the present invention, explanations are mainly made on load distribution. However, in order to increase or decrease the number of links used for load distribution, load focusing Control is closely related.

  There are two reasons behind the emergence of load distribution / focusing technology. First, in order to secure a sufficient link capacity or path capacity for transferring a large amount of Internet traffic, it has become necessary to connect the opposing devices with a plurality of links or a plurality of paths. The second is that there is a tendency to connect the opposing devices with a plurality of links or a plurality of paths for redundancy.

  Furthermore, a technology has appeared that adaptively controls the transfer capacity between devices by increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths connecting between devices in accordance with the amount of Internet traffic flowing between the devices.

  A conventional adaptive control technique will be described. The procedure for reducing the number of links or paths used for load distribution in the network shown in FIG. 26 is shown in FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG. 29, and FIG. The procedure in the case of increasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution in the network shown in FIG. 26 is shown in FIGS.

  That is, in the transmission / reception unit deletion procedure from the load distribution / focusing relationship in the prior art, the transmission / reception unit 19-1 on the apparatus 1 side autonomously stops the transmission function and the reception function, as shown in FIG. As a result, the flow of the data signal changes, and in response to this, the transfer processing unit 14-1 on the apparatus 1 side changes the load distribution information. The transfer processing unit 14-2 on the device 2 side detects a change in the flow of the data signal from the device 1 side and changes the load distribution information. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 19-2 on the device 2 side detects a change in the flow of the data signal from the device 1 side, and autonomously stops the transmission function and the reception function. Thereby, the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 are completely deleted from the load distribution / focusing relationship, and the stop of the function is completed.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 28, the transmission / reception unit 19-1 on the apparatus 1 side autonomously stops the transmission function and the reception function. As a result, the flow of the data signal changes, and in response to this, the transfer processing unit 14-1 on the apparatus 1 side changes the load distribution information. On the device 2 side, similarly to the device 1 side, the transmission / reception unit 19-2 on the device 2 side autonomously stops the transmission function and the reception function. As a result, the flow of the data signal changes, and in response to this, the transfer processing unit 14-2 on the apparatus 2 side changes the load distribution information. Thereby, the device 1 side and the device 2 side autonomously complete the deletion of the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 from the load distribution / focusing relationship, and complete the stop of the function.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 29, the transmission / reception unit 19-1 on the device 1 side stops the transmission function and the reception function based on the change of the load distribution information from the transfer processing unit 14-1 on the device 1 side. As a result, the data signal flow is changed, and in response to this, the transmission / reception unit 19-2 on the device 2 side detects the change in the data signal flow from the device 1 side and autonomously stops the transmission function and the reception function. Let The transfer processing unit 14-2 on the apparatus 2 side detects the stop of the transmission function and the reception function of the transmission / reception unit 19-2, and changes the load distribution information. Thereby, the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 are completely deleted from the load distribution / focusing relationship, and the stop of the function is completed.

  Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the transmission / reception unit 19-1 on the device 1 side stops the transmission function and the reception function based on the change of the load distribution information from the transfer processing unit 14-1 on the device 1 side. On the device 2 side, similarly to the device 1 side, the transmitting / receiving unit 19-2 on the device 2 side stops the transmission function and the reception function based on the change of the load distribution information from the transfer processing unit 14-2 on the device 2 side. Thereby, the device 1 side and the device 2 side autonomously complete the deletion of the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 from the load distribution / focusing relationship, and complete the stop of the function.

  Next, a procedure for adding a transmission / reception unit to the load distribution / focusing relationship in the prior art will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 31, the transmission / reception unit 19-1 on the device 1 side autonomously activates the transmission function and the reception function. As a result, the flow of the data signal changes, and in response to this, the transfer processing unit 14-1 on the apparatus 1 side changes the load distribution information. On the device 2 side, similarly to the device 1 side, the transmission / reception unit 19-2 on the device 2 side autonomously activates the transmission function and the reception function. As a result, the flow of the data signal changes, and in response to this, the transfer processing unit 14-2 on the apparatus 2 side changes the load distribution information. Thereby, the device 1 side and the device 2 side autonomously complete the addition of the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to the load distribution / focusing relationship and complete the activation of the function.

  Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 32, the transmission / reception unit 19-1 on the device 1 side activates the transmission function and the reception function based on the change of the load distribution information from the transfer processing unit 14-1 on the device 1 side. On the device 2 side, similarly to the device 1 side, the transmission / reception unit 19-2 on the device 2 side activates the transmission function and the reception function based on the change of the load distribution information from the transfer processing unit 14-2 on the device 2 side. Thereby, the device 1 side and the device 2 side autonomously complete the addition of the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to the load distribution / focusing relationship and complete the activation of the function.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 33, the transmission / reception unit 19-1 on the device 1 side activates the transmission function and the reception function based on the change of the load distribution information from the transfer processing unit 14-1 on the device 1 side. On the device 2 side, similarly to the device 1 side, the transmission / reception unit 19-2 on the device 2 side activates the transmission function and the reception function based on the change of the load distribution information from the transfer processing unit 14-2 on the device 2 side. Further, the transmission function and the reception function are additionally negotiated between the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2, whereby the device 1 side and the device 2 side autonomously transmit and receive the transmission / reception unit 19-1 respectively. And 19-2 are added to the load distribution / focusing relationship, and the activation of the function is completed. Note that the additional negotiation processing here means that the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 have been added to the load distribution / convergence relationship, and that the activation of the function has been completed, by the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2. To communicate with each other.

Katsushi Yamaoka, “Research on adaptive routers that improve communication quality by dynamic control according to network conditions”, [online], Research and Development Department, Media Education Development Center, [October 14, 2004 search], Internet <URL: http: // www. taf. or. jp / publication / kjosei_16 / pdf / p566-p574. pdf> “About OSPF”, [online], RFC 1583, [Search September 21, 2004], Internet <URL: http: // www. fags. org / ftp / rfc / rfc1583. pdf>

  As described above, when the transfer capacity between devices is dynamically adaptively controlled, traffic crossing occurs. There are mainly three causes of traffic crossing.

  First, even if the transmission / reception unit of the opposite device connected to its own transmission / reception unit stops, it takes time to detect the stop of the transmission / reception unit of this opposite device. This is because the data signal is continuously transmitted to the apparatus.

  Second, in the conventional layer 2 or layer 3 communication device, when the transmission process is stopped, the data signal transmitted from the opposite device is not received.

  Third, in the conventional communication apparatus, at the moment when the load distribution information database is updated in accordance with the change of the load distribution relationship, the transfer processing unit cannot read the contents of the load distribution information database and the update of the load distribution information database contents is completed. This is because the transmission / reception unit to which the data signal is assigned cannot be determined.

  The present invention has been carried out against this background, and transmits and receives data signals while distributing loads between two load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatuses, and the number of links used for load distribution ( Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to provide a load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus and a load distribution / focusing number variable method that can be increased or decreased without traffic crossing when increasing or decreasing the number of paths).

  A first aspect of the present invention is a transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives a data signal to / from an adjacent device connected by a link or a path, and transmission / reception of any one of a plurality of transmission / reception units for the data signal received by the transmission / reception unit. A signal editing unit to be allocated to a unit, a load distribution information database for maintaining an allocation relationship between data signal information for allocating a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit among a plurality of transmission / reception units and a group of transmission / reception units, and the load distribution A transfer processing unit that refers to an information database, determines a transmission / reception unit to which a data signal is allocated based on data signal information and the allocation relationship, and provides an allocation instruction to the signal editing unit based on the determined content; Provided, and when transmitting / receiving data signals to / from one or more links or paths by distributing / converging data signals to / from the opposite device. The number of links or paths used for load distribution / focusing is increased / decreased by appropriately determining the transmission / reception unit to which data signals to be transmitted / received to / from the opposite device are allocated based on the allocation relationship. The load distribution / focusing number variable communication device.

  Here, the present invention is characterized by means for negotiating increase / decrease control with the opposite device when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, before or after increase or decrease, and load A means for stopping the reception process after stopping the transmission process of the transmitter / receiver that is deleted from the load distribution relationship when the number of links or paths used for distribution is increased or decreased, or before or after the increase or decrease, and load distribution Means to start or stop the transmitter / receiver when the number of links or paths used is increased, before or after increase or decrease, and when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, or before or And means for changing the contents of the load distribution information database after the increase / decrease (Claim 1).

  Thus, when the transmission / reception unit of each load distribution / focusing number variable communication device used for load distribution is stopped between two opposing load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices, the load distribution / focusing number The transmission / reception unit can be stopped synchronously between the variable communication devices, and the amount of traffic can be reduced.

  Note that the control unit and the transfer processing unit may be integrated. By integrating, the circuit scale can be reduced. Further, function integration and function division between the control unit and the transfer processing unit may be performed. By performing the function division, it becomes easy to speed up the load distribution processing circuit and the transfer processing. The control unit may be provided for each transmission / reception unit, or may be provided for each device.

  In addition, a transfer information database is provided to hold an allocation relationship between data signal information and a transmission / reception unit group for allocating a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit or a group of transmission / reception units among a plurality of transmission / reception units, and the transfer processing unit Comprises means for determining a data signal allocation destination transmission / reception unit based on data signal information, an allocation relationship held in the transfer information database, and an allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database, and the control The unit may comprise means for changing the contents of the transfer information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased, before, or after the increase or decrease.

  As a result, the data signal can be output to an appropriate transmission / reception unit or transmission / reception unit group for each destination address, and the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device can be connected simultaneously with a plurality of other load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices. .

  In addition, the control unit can include means for managing a link group or a path group used for load distribution as a single link or path.

  As a result, the multicast signal (or broadcast signal) input to the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device can be output to only one appropriate transmitting / receiving unit, and the network meltdown due to the multicast signal (or broadcast signal) can be suppressed. Become.

  In addition, a preliminary transfer information database that holds information capable of calculating an allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit is provided, and the transfer processing unit transfers a data signal having destination information not recorded in the transfer information database. Means for acquiring from the preliminary transfer information database information for newly calculating the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit or the transmission / reception unit group, and the data signal information and the preliminary transfer information database. Means for determining a transmission / reception unit to which the data signal is allocated based on the allocation relationship and the allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database, and the control unit includes the number of links or paths used for load distribution. Means for changing the contents of the preliminary transfer information database when the number is increased or decreased Doo can (claim 4).

  As a result, the transfer information database of each load distribution / focusing number variable communication device is changed between two opposing load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices in accordance with the change in the number of links or paths used for load distribution. At the moment of updating, the transfer processing unit can determine the transmission / reception unit to which the data signal is assigned by referring to the preliminary transfer information database, and the traffic crossing amount can be reduced.

  Alternatively, the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus of the present invention is arranged in advance before increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution in order to allocate a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit among a plurality of transmission / reception units. A preliminary load distribution information database that records and holds an allocation relationship between the increased / decreased data signal and the transmission / reception unit; and a control unit that changes contents of the load distribution information database and the preliminary load distribution information database. The unit records the allocation relationship between the increased / decreased data signal and the transmission / reception unit in advance in the preliminary load distribution information database before the increase or decrease in the number of links or paths used for load distribution, and the contents of the preliminary load distribution information database And after the increase or decrease in the number of links or paths used for load distribution, the preliminary load distribution information data Means for changing the contents of the load distribution information database based on the contents of the database, and means for starting or stopping the transmission / reception unit when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, before or after increase or decrease The transfer processing unit is stored in the data signal information and the preliminary load distribution information database during a certain period after the increase or decrease from the increase or decrease of the number of links or paths used for load distribution And a means for determining a transmission / reception unit to which the data signal is allocated based on the allocation relationship (claim 5).

  As a result, the transfer processing unit instantly updates the load distribution information database in each load distribution / focusing number variable communication device in accordance with the change of the load distribution relationship between the two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices facing each other. By referring to the preliminary load distribution information database, the transmission / reception unit to which the data signal is allocated can be determined, and the traffic crossing amount can be reduced.

  Note that the control unit and the transfer processing unit may be integrated. By integrating, the circuit scale can be reduced. Further, function integration and function division between the control unit and the transfer processing unit may be performed. By performing the function division, it becomes easy to speed up the load distribution processing circuit and the transfer processing. The control unit may be provided for each transmission / reception unit, or may be provided for each device.

  In addition, the control unit may include means for negotiating increase / decrease control with an opposing device when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased, before, or after increase / decrease. 6).

  As a result, the load distribution / focusing number variable between the two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices facing each other is stopped before the transmission / reception unit of each load distribution / focusing number variable communication device used for load distribution is stopped. The transmission / reception unit can be stopped synchronously between the communication devices, and the amount of traffic can be reduced.

  Further, the control unit includes means for stopping the reception process after stopping the transmission process of the transmission / reception unit deleted from the load distribution relationship when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is reduced. (Claim 7).

  Thereby, before stopping the transmission / reception unit of each load distribution / focusing number variable communication device used for load distribution between the two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices facing each other, use these transmission / reception units. By eliminating the exchanged data signals, it is possible to further reduce the amount of traffic when the transmission / reception unit is stopped.

  And a transfer information database for recording and holding data signal information for allocating a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit or a group of transmission / reception units among a plurality of transmission / reception units, and holding the transfer relation database. The processing unit includes a data signal based on the data signal information, the allocation relationship held in the transfer information database, and the allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database or the allocation relationship held in the backup load distribution information database. Means for deciding the transmission / reception unit of the allocation destination, and the control unit changes the contents of the transfer information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, before or after the increase or decrease (Claim 8).

  As a result, the data signal can be output to an appropriate transmission / reception unit or transmission / reception unit group for each destination address, and the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device can be connected simultaneously with a plurality of other load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices. .

  In addition, the control unit can include means for managing a link group or a path group used for load distribution as one link or path.

  As a result, the multicast signal (or broadcast signal) input to the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device can be output to only one appropriate transmission / reception unit, and network meltdown due to the multicast signal (broadcast signal) can be suppressed. .

  And a backup transfer information database for recording and holding information capable of calculating an allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit, wherein the transfer processing unit includes a data signal having destination information not recorded in the transfer information database. Means for acquiring from the preliminary transfer information database information for newly calculating the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit or the transmission / reception unit group, and the data signal information and the preliminary transfer information database. Means for determining a transmission / reception unit to which a data signal is allocated based on the held allocation relationship and the allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database or the preliminary load distribution information database, and the control unit includes a load Preliminary transfer when the number of links or paths used for distribution is increased or decreased It may comprise a means of changing the contents of the broadcast database (claim 10).

  As a result, the transfer information database in each load distribution / focusing number variable communication device is changed between two opposing load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices in accordance with the change in the number of links or paths used for load distribution. At the moment of updating, the transfer processing unit can determine the transmission / reception unit to which the data signal is assigned by referring to the preliminary transfer information database, and the traffic crossing amount can be reduced.

  Alternatively, the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a control unit that performs start or stop control of transmission processing and reception processing of the transmission / reception unit, and changes the content of the load distribution information database. When the number of links or paths used for load distribution decreases or before or after increase / decrease, the transmission / reception unit deleted from the load distribution relationship is stopped, and then the reception processing is stopped, and load distribution Means to start or stop the transmitter / receiver when the number of links or paths used in the network increases or decreases, or before or after the increase or decrease, and when the number of links or paths used for load distribution increases or decreases, Alternatively, a means for changing the contents of the load distribution information database after increase / decrease is provided (claim 11).

  Thereby, before stopping the transmission / reception unit of each load distribution / focusing number variable communication device used for load distribution between the two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices facing each other, use these transmission / reception units. By eliminating the exchanged data signals, it is possible to reduce the amount of traffic when the transmission / reception unit is stopped.

  Note that the control unit and the transfer processing unit may be integrated. By integrating, the circuit scale can be reduced. Further, function integration and function division between the control unit and the transfer processing unit may be performed. By performing the function division, it becomes easy to speed up the load distribution processing circuit and the transfer processing. The control unit may be provided for each transmission / reception unit, or may be provided for each device.

  And a transfer information database for recording and holding data signal information for allocating a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit or a group of transmission / reception units among a plurality of transmission / reception units, and holding the transfer relation database. The processing unit includes means for determining a data signal allocation destination transmission / reception unit based on the data signal information, the allocation relationship held in the transfer information database, and the allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database, The control unit can include means for changing the contents of the transfer information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, before or after increase / decrease.

  As a result, a data signal can be output to an appropriate transmission / reception unit or transmission / reception unit group for each destination address, and can be connected simultaneously with a plurality of other load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices. .

  Further, the control unit can comprise means for managing a link group or path group used for load distribution as a single link or path.

  As a result, the multicast signal (or broadcast signal) input to the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device can be output to only one appropriate transmitting / receiving unit, and the network meltdown due to the multicast signal (or broadcast signal) can be suppressed. Become.

  And a backup transfer information database for recording and holding information capable of calculating an allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit, wherein the transfer processing unit includes a data signal having destination information not recorded in the transfer information database. Means for acquiring from the preliminary transfer information database information for newly calculating the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit or the transmission / reception unit group, and the data signal information and the preliminary transfer information database. Means for determining a transmission / reception unit to which a data signal is allocated based on the held allocation relationship and the allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database, and the control unit includes a number of links used for load distribution Alternatively, there is a means for changing the contents of the preliminary transfer information database when the number of passes is increased or decreased. Can Rukoto (claim 14).

  As a result, the transfer information database in each load distribution / focusing number variable communication device is changed between two opposing load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices in accordance with the change in the number of links or paths used for load distribution. At the moment of updating, the transfer processing unit can determine the transmission / reception unit to which the data signal is assigned by referring to the preliminary transfer information database, and the traffic crossing amount can be reduced.

  In the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus described above, the transmission / reception unit converts an input data signal into another communication protocol, or encapsulates or decapsulates into another layer communication protocol, thereby converting the communication protocol. Or means for transmitting / receiving a group of data signals after encapsulation or decapsulation by distributing the load on one or more links or paths (claim 15).

  Accordingly, the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus can accommodate various protocols by the protocol conversion function and the encapsulation / decapsulation function.

  Further, the central control server can be provided with means for acting as a proxy for load distribution / focusing number increase / decrease negotiation between the two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices facing each other.

  As a result, the centralized control server that oversees the network widely takes into account the usage status of the network equipment (for example, link capacity or path capacity), and loads the network equipment so that it is optimally used from the entire network. The number of links or paths used for distribution can be controlled.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a load distribution / focusing number between two load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatuses for transmitting and receiving a data signal group by distributing the load on one or more links or paths. This is a variable load distribution / focusing method for increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution executed by the variable communication device.

  Here, the feature of the present invention is that the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, and the opposite communication device is used for increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution. Negotiation of increase / decrease control and allocation relationship between data signal information or input link or data signal based on input path and link or path when increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution (Step 17).

  As a result, it is possible to dynamically increase or decrease the number of links or paths used for load distribution between two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices connected by multiple links or multiple paths by load distribution, and The allocation relationship between the data signal and the link or path can be changed. Furthermore, by reducing the number of links or the number of paths in synchronization between the load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices, the amount of traffic at the time of reduction can be reduced.

  Also, when increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution, after stopping the transmission of data signals to the links or paths that are deleted from the load distribution relationship, the data signals from these links or paths A step of stopping reception and stopping a link or a path can be provided.

  As a result, before the link or path used for load distribution is stopped between the two opposing load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices, the data signal in the link or path is eliminated, so that the link or The amount of traffic when stopping the path can be reduced.

  Alternatively, the load distribution / focusing number variable method according to the present invention includes a step of increasing / decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution, and after stopping transmission of data signals to links or paths to be deleted from the load distribution relationship. , The step of stopping the reception of the data signal from this link or path, and the data signal information or the data signal based on the input link or input path when increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution And the step of changing the allocation relationship between the link and the path (claim 19).

  As a result, it is possible to dynamically increase or decrease the number of links or paths used for load distribution between two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices connected by multiple links or multiple paths by load distribution, and The allocation relationship between data signals and links or paths can also be changed. In this way, since the allocation relationship is appropriately changed and recorded in the database, the link (or path) increase / decrease control negotiation between the load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices may be omitted during load distribution. The number of links or paths can be reduced synchronously, and the amount of traffic at the time of reduction can be reduced.

  In addition, it is possible to have a step of controlling the increase / decrease opportunity of the number of links or the number of paths used for load distribution by time (claim 20).

  As a result, in a network composed of load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices, the number of links or paths used for load distribution between two opposing load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices can be calculated based on time. It can be increased or decreased autonomously. For example, when the time is set and the set time comes, the number of links or paths used for load distribution can be increased or decreased autonomously between two opposing load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices. Become.

  The present invention may further comprise a step of controlling an increase / decrease opportunity of the number of links or paths used for load distribution based on the amount of traffic in the link or path used for load distribution.

  As a result, in a network composed of load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices, the number of links or paths used for load distribution between two opposing load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices can be changed to load distribution. It can be increased or decreased autonomously based on the amount of traffic flowing in the link group or path group used.

  In addition, a step of activating an increase / decrease opportunity for the number of links or the number of paths used for load distribution, triggered by an increase / decrease request from the central control server (claim 22).

  As a result, in the network constituted by the load distribution / variable number variable communication device, the number of links or paths used for load distribution between the two load distribution / variable number variable communication devices facing each other can be set as the central control server. It can be increased or decreased based on the control signal from.

  Also, when increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution, after stopping the transmission of data signals to the link or path that is deleted from the load distribution relationship, After confirming that the data transmission from the device has been stopped, it is possible to comprise a step of stopping reception of the data signal from the link or path to be deleted, and then stopping the link or path.

  As a result, the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device can stop the reception function after the data signal flowing between the opposing devices is surely lost.

  According to the present invention, when transmitting / receiving data signals while distributing loads between two load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatuses and increasing / decreasing the number of links (or the number of paths) used for load distribution, Increase or decrease without loss.

(First Example)
The load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The transmission processing unit 16 transmits a data signal to the adjacent device, and the reception processing unit 17 receives the data signal from the adjacent device. The transmission processing unit 16 and the reception processing unit 17 are integratedly managed as the transmission / reception unit 19 but are activated or stopped independently. The load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus includes a plurality of transmission / reception units 19.

  The load distribution information database 11 records and holds the allocation relationship between the data signal based on the data signal information and the transmission / reception unit 19 group.

  The reserve load distribution information database 13 records and holds the allocation relationship between the data signal after the increase or decrease in the number of links or the number of paths and the transmission / reception unit 19 before increasing or decreasing the number of links or the number of paths.

  The transfer information database 10 records and holds an allocation relationship between the data signal based on the destination information of the data signal and the transmission / reception unit 19 or the transmission / reception unit 19 group.

  The preliminary transfer information database 12 can calculate the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit 19 when transferring a data signal having destination information not recorded in the transfer information database 10 after the increase or decrease in the number of links or the number of paths. Information is provided to the transfer processing unit 14.

  The transfer processing unit 14 divides the data signal information, the allocation relationship held in the transfer information database 10 or the preliminary transfer information database 12, and the allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database 11 or the preliminary load distribution information database 13. Based on this, the transmission / reception unit 19 to which the data signal is allocated is determined.

  The signal editing unit 15 assigns a data signal to the transmission / reception unit 19 based on the processing of the transfer processing unit 14.

  Further, when the number of links or the number of paths is kept constant for a while, the transfer processing unit 14 refers to the transfer information database 10 and the load distribution information database 11 to determine the transmission / reception unit 19 to which the data signal is allocated, The editing unit 15 is controlled.

  In addition, when the transfer processing unit 14 performs transfer processing on a data signal that is not recorded in the load distribution information database 11 or the transfer information database 10, the backup load distribution information database 13 and the backup transfer information database 12 are necessary. Referring to FIG. 5, the transmission / reception unit 19 to which the data signal is allocated is calculated. Then, the transfer processing unit 14 controls the signal editing unit 15 based on the calculation result.

  The transfer information database 10 and the load distribution information database 11, and the backup transfer information database 12 and the backup load distribution information database 13 may be integrated. FIG. 2 shows an apparatus in which the transfer information database 10 and load distribution information database 11 of the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus of FIG. 1 and the backup transfer information database 12 and backup load distribution information database 13 are integrated. The load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus of FIG. 2 includes a load distribution information database 20 with a transfer information database integrated with a transfer information database 10 and a load distribution information database 11, a preliminary transfer information database 12, and a preliminary load distribution information database 13. And a backup load distribution information database 21 with a backup transfer information database.

  When the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, the control unit 18 negotiates increase / decrease control with the opposite load distribution / focusing number variable communication device, and the load distribution information database together with the increase or decrease in the number of links or paths. 11 and the transfer information database 10 are changed. Further, the transmission processing unit 16 and the reception processing unit 17 are activated or stopped. The control unit 18 and the transfer processing unit 14 may be integrated. Alternatively, the control unit 18 and the transmission / reception unit 19 may be integrated.

  What are the control unit 18, the transmission processing unit 16, the reception processing unit 17, the transfer processing unit 14, the signal editing unit 15, the transfer information database 10, the load distribution information database 11, the preliminary transfer information database 12, and the preliminary load distribution information database 13. The bus is connected. However, it is not necessary to connect all functional units via a bus line.

  In addition to Ethernet (registered trademark) signals, the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus performs load distribution processing as well as IPv4 signals, IPv6 signals, signals with shim headers, ATM signals, Fiber Channel signals, SONET / SDH signals (Virtual Container signals) ), Etc. The link type or path type between the two load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatuses facing each other depends on the data signal type for load distribution. For example, when load distribution processing is performed on an Ethernet signal, two opposed load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatuses are connected by an Ethernet link.

  The signal types of the data signal input to the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device and the data signal to be load-distributed may be different. Alternatively, the layers of the data signal input to the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device and the data signal to be load-distributed may be different.

  A load distribution / focusing number variable communication device distributes a data signal group on one or more links or paths to one load distribution / focusing number variable communication device or one data signal group. The control unit 18 is provided with means for converging and transmitting loads on the links or paths and means for increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution.

  The load distribution / focusing number variable communication device is different from the opposite load distribution / focusing number variable communication device in increasing / decreasing control when the number of links (number of paths) used for load distribution is increased / decreased. The control unit 18 is provided with means for negotiating.

  The variable load distribution / focusing number communication apparatus transmits / receives data signal allocation destinations based on data signal information, transfer information database 10 or backup transfer information database 12, and load distribution information database 11 or backup load distribution information database 13. Means for determining the unit 19 is provided in the transfer processing unit 14.

  Further, the contents of the load distribution information database 11, the contents of the backup load distribution information database 13, the contents of the transfer information database 10, and the contents of the backup transfer information database 12 as the number of links or paths used for load distribution increase or decrease. A means for updating is provided in the control unit 18.

  The load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus includes means for recording in the preliminary load distribution information database 13 an allocation relationship between the increased / decreased data signal and the transmission / reception unit before increasing / decreasing the number of links or paths, and the number of links / paths. The control unit 18 includes means for updating the contents of the load distribution information database 11 based on the load distribution information in the preliminary load distribution information database 13 after the number is increased or decreased.

  When the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus transfers a data signal having destination information not recorded in the transfer information database 10 after the increase or decrease in the number of links (number of paths), the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit 19 And a means for updating the transfer information database 10 based on the allocation relationship between the calculated destination information of the data signal and the transmission / reception unit 19. The calculating means has a predetermined arithmetic expression for calculating the allocation relationship by substituting the destination address, the transmission source address, and the identification number of the transmission / reception unit 19 as information of the data signal.

  When reducing the number of links or paths used for load distribution, the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device stops the transmission processing unit 16 in the transmission / reception unit 19 to be deleted from the load distribution / focusing relationship, and then performs reception processing. Means for stopping the unit 17 is provided in the control unit 18.

  The variable load distribution / focusing number communication apparatus includes a means for managing and controlling a link group or path group used for load distribution as one link or path in the control unit 18 (the above-described apparatus configuration is the same). The load distribution / focusing number variable communication device having the above is a combination of claims 5 to 10, or a combination of claims 5 to 10 and 15).

  A method of increasing / decreasing the number of links or the number of paths used for load distribution between two opposing load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices (load distribution / variable number variable method) is a link used for load distribution. Negotiation of increase / decrease control with the opposite load distribution / focusing number variable communication device when increasing / decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution (or at the time of increase / decrease) Data signal information, input link, or data signal and link or path based on input path when increasing or decreasing (or before or after increase or decrease) the number of links or paths used for load distribution And changing the allocation relationship.

  The link or path is activated when the transmission function and the reception function are activated, or the path is activated, and when the transmission function and the reception function are deactivated, the link is deactivated or the path is deactivated.

  In the load distribution / focusing number variable method, when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is reduced, transmission of data signals to the link or path to be deleted from the load distribution / focusing relationship is stopped, and then this link is changed. Alternatively, there is a step of stopping the reception of the data signal from the path and stopping the link or the path.

  In this load distribution / focusing number variable method, when increasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution, the function of receiving data signals transmitted from links or paths added to the load distribution / focusing relationship is provided. After the activation, there may be provided a step of activating a function of transmitting a data signal to the link or path to activate the link or path.

  The variable opportunity of load distribution / focusing number variable is based on the case where the increase / decrease opportunity of the number of links or paths used for load distribution is controlled by time and the amount of traffic in the link or path used for load distribution. There is a case where control is performed and a case where control is performed based on a control signal from the central control server 30. As an example of changing the load distribution number with time as a trigger, it is possible to realize a usage mode in which the load distribution number is increased when the time is 11:00 PM and the load distribution number is decreased when the time is 9:00 AM. (The load distribution / focusing number variable method using the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device is a combination of claims 17, 18, 20, 23, or a combination of claims 17, 18, 21, 23) Or a combination of claims 17, 18, 22, and 23).

  The order of control operations when increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution between the two load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatuses shown in FIG. 3 is shown in FIGS. FIG. 4 shows the optimum control operation when reducing the number of links or paths used for load distribution. FIG. 13 shows the optimal control operation when increasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution. Negotiation of increase / decrease control performed between the two load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatuses is performed in-band or out-band. As negotiation processing for increase / decrease control, additional negotiation processing for adding the transmission / reception unit of each load distribution / focusing number variable communication device to the load distribution relationship, and transmission / reception unit of each load distribution / focusing number variable communication device from the load distribution relationship There are a deletion negotiation process for deletion and a confirmation process for checking whether the addition operation and the deletion operation are proceeding as planned. However, the confirmation process may be omitted.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the deletion procedure of the transmission / reception unit 19 is an in-band or out-band deletion negotiation between the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side and the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side. Processing is performed. Thereby, the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side stops the transmission function in the transmission / reception unit 19-1 on the device 1 side, and then stops the reception function. The control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side stops the transmission function and the reception function of the transmission / reception unit 19-2 on the device 2 side.

  Further, the control unit 18-1 on the apparatus 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the apparatus 2 side change the setting of load distribution / focusing on the respective transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2. Thereby, the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 are completely deleted from the load distribution / focusing relationship, and the function is completed. Finally, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 perform an out-band confirmation process. As a result, an out-of-band available bandwidth can be confirmed.

  Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in-band or out-band deletion negotiation is performed between the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side. As a result, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 change the load distribution / focusing setting for the respective transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2.

  When the load distribution / focusing setting change is completed, in-band or out-band deletion negotiations are again performed between the control units 18-1 and 18-2. As a result, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 stop the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 in the order of transmission function → reception function based on the load distribution / focusing setting changed. The transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 stop the reception function following the transmission function. Further, in each of the transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2, the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 are deleted from the load distribution / focusing relationship.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, in-band or out-band deletion negotiation processing is performed between the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side and the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side. Thereby, the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side stops the transmission function in the transmission / reception unit 19-1 on the device 1 side. The control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side stops the transmission function and the reception function of the transmission / reception unit 19-2 on the device 2 side.

  Furthermore, the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side perform an out-of-band confirmation process. As a result, an out-of-band available bandwidth can be confirmed. At this time, the control unit 18-1 on the apparatus 1 side stops the reception function of the transmission / reception unit 19-1. In addition, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 change the load distribution / focusing setting for the transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2. Thereby, the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 are completely deleted from the load distribution / focusing relationship, and the function is completed.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, in-band or out-band deletion negotiation processing is performed between the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side and the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side. Thereby, the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side stops the transmission function in the transmission / reception unit 19-1 on the device 1 side. The control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side stops the transmission function and the reception function of the transmission / reception unit 19-2 on the device 2 side. The control unit 18-2 changes the load distribution / focusing setting for the transfer processing unit 14-2.

  Subsequently, the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side perform an out-of-band confirmation process. As a result, an out-of-band available bandwidth can be confirmed. At this time, the control unit 18-1 on the apparatus 1 side stops the reception function of the transmission / reception unit 19-1. In addition, the control unit 18-2 changes the load distribution / focusing setting for the transfer processing unit 14-2. Thereby, the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 are completely deleted from the load distribution / focusing relationship, and the function is completed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, when the out-band addition negotiation process is performed between the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side, as shown in FIG. The control units 18-1 and 18-2 instruct the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to start in the order of reception function → transmission function, and the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 switch to the reception function. Subsequently, the transmission function is activated.

  Subsequently, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 change the load distribution / focusing setting for the respective transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2. Thereby, the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 are completely added to the load distribution / focusing relationship, and the activation of the function is completed.

  Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when an outband addition negotiation process is performed between the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side, the control units 18-1 and 18- 2 instructs the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to start in the order of reception function → transmission function, and the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 start the transmission function following the reception function.

  Subsequently, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 change the load distribution / focusing setting for the respective transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2. Further, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 perform in-band or out-band confirmation processing, complete the addition of the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to the load distribution / focusing relationship, and activate the function. To complete.

  Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when an outband addition negotiation process is performed between the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side, the control units 18-1 and 18- 2 instructs the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to start in the order of reception function → transmission function, and the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 start the transmission function following the reception function.

  Subsequently, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 perform in-band or out-band confirmation processing, and change load distribution / focusing setting changes to the respective transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2. Do. Thereby, the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 are completely added to the load distribution / focusing relationship, and the activation of the function is completed.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, when an outband addition negotiation process is performed between the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side, the control units 18-1, 18- 2 instructs the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to activate the reception function, and the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 activate the reception function.

  Subsequently, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 change the load distribution / focusing setting for the respective transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2. Further, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 instruct the respective transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to start the transmission function, and the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 start the transmission function. Let

  Subsequently, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 perform in-band or out-band confirmation processing, thereby completing the addition of the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to the load distribution / focusing relationship. Complete the activation of the function.

  Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when an outband addition negotiation process is performed between the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side, the control units 18-1 and 18- 2 performs load distribution / focusing setting change for each of the transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2.

  Subsequently, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 instruct the respective transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to start in the order of reception function → transmission function, and the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 Then, the transmission function is activated following the reception function. Thereby, the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 are completely added to the load distribution / focusing relationship, and the activation of the function is completed.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, when an outband addition negotiation process is performed between the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side, the control units 18-1, 18- 2 performs load distribution / focusing setting change for each of the transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2.

  Subsequently, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 instruct the respective transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to start in the order of reception function → transmission function, and the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 Then, the transmission function is activated following the reception function.

  Subsequently, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 perform in-band or out-band confirmation processing, thereby completing the addition of the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 to the load distribution / focusing relationship. Complete the activation of the function.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, when an outband addition negotiation process is performed between the control unit 18-1 on the device 1 side and the control unit 18-2 on the device 2 side, the control units 18-1, 18- 2 performs load distribution / focusing setting change for each of the transfer processing units 14-1 and 14-2.

  Subsequently, the control units 18-1 and 18-2 perform out-of-band confirmation processing, and the control units 18-1 and 18-2 receive the reception functions from the transmission and reception units 19-1 and 19-2, respectively. The transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 activate the transmission function following the reception function. Thereby, the transmission / reception units 19-1 and 19-2 are completely added to the load distribution / focusing relationship, and the activation of the function is completed.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus of the second embodiment.

  The load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus of the second embodiment is based on the configuration of the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus of the first embodiment, and the load distribution / focusing number variable communication method of the second embodiment includes: The load distribution / focusing number variable method of the first embodiment is basically used.

  However, when the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is compared with the configuration of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the preliminary transfer information database 12 included in the configuration of the first embodiment is the transfer information database in the second embodiment. 10 has been replaced.

  Unlike the preliminary transfer information database 12, the transfer information database 10 includes data signal information for assigning a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit 19 or a group of transmission / reception units 19 among a plurality of transmission / reception units 19, and a transmission / reception unit 19 group. Since the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit 19 is not held as in the preliminary transfer information database 12, the load distribution / focusing between the two opposing units is held. When increasing or decreasing the number of links (or the number of paths) used for load distribution between the variable number communication devices (or during or after the increase or decrease), the increase or decrease control is not negotiated (claim 19).

  That is, since it is not possible to newly calculate the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit 19, it is not necessary to negotiate the increase / decrease control (the combination of claims 11 to 14 or the combination of claims 11 to 15). Or a combination of claims 15 and 16 or a combination of claims 15 and 17).

  In the second embodiment, when negotiating increase / decrease control is not performed and when load distribution is performed between two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices, either one forcibly changes the load distribution / focusing number. Although there is a possibility, since the link (or path) increase / decrease control negotiation is not performed, the processing procedure can be simplified as compared with the first embodiment.

  However, in order to assign a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit 19 among the plurality of transmission / reception units 19, before and after the increase or decrease in the number of links or the number of paths used for load distribution, Since it has the preliminary load distribution information database 13 for recording and holding the allocation relationship, the two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices facing each other autonomously perform load distribution as in the prior art. Unlike the case, load distribution is performed based on a certain rule. Therefore, even if the link (or path) increase / decrease control negotiation at the time of load distribution is omitted, the number of links or The number of paths can be increased or decreased, and traffic crossing can be reduced as compared with the prior art.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus of the third embodiment.

  The load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus of the third embodiment is based on the configuration of the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus of the first embodiment, and the load distribution / focusing number variable method of the third embodiment includes: The load distribution / focusing number variable method of the first embodiment is basically used.

  However, when the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is compared with the configuration of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the preliminary load distribution information database 13 included in the configuration of the first embodiment is not provided in the third embodiment. (A combination of claims 1 to 4 or a combination of claims 1 to 4 and 15).

  In order to allocate the data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit 19 among the plurality of transmission / reception units 19, the preliminary load distribution information database 13 preliminarily increases / decreases the data signal before / after increase / decrease in the number of links or paths used for load distribution. Since the allocation relationship between the transmission / reception unit 19 and the transmission / reception unit 19 is recorded and maintained, there is no possibility that the data signal is discarded when the load distribution / focusing number is varied. Can be simplified.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between the load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus and the centralized control server 30 according to the fourth embodiment.

  The load distribution / focusing number variable communication device of the fourth embodiment is based on the configuration of the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device of the first embodiment, and the load distribution / focusing number variable communication method of the fourth embodiment is: The load distribution / focusing number variable method of the first embodiment is basically used.

  However, the centralized control server 30 is arranged on the network, and the centralized control server 30 performs proxy control for increasing / decreasing the load distribution / focusing number between the two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices facing each other (billing). Item 5-10, combination of 16, or claim 5-10, 15, 16, combination).

  As a result, the centralized control server 30 that manages the network widely takes into consideration the usage status of the network equipment (for example, link capacity or path capacity), so that the optimal network equipment usage status is obtained from the whole network. The number of links or paths used for load distribution can be controlled.

  According to the present invention, when transmitting / receiving data signals while distributing loads between two load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatuses and increasing / decreasing the number of links (or the number of paths) used for load distribution, Since it can be increased or decreased without loss, it can contribute to effective use of network resources or improvement of communication quality.

The block block diagram which shows the apparatus structure (the 1) of a 1st Example. The block block diagram which shows the apparatus structure (the 2) of a 1st Example. The figure which shows the connection structure of the apparatuses of a 1st Example. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part deletion procedure (the 1) from the load distribution / convergence relationship in the apparatus of the first embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part deletion procedure (the 2) from the load distribution / focusing relationship in the apparatus of the first embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part deletion procedure (the 3) from the load distribution / convergence relationship in the apparatus of a 1st Example. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part deletion procedure (the 4) from the load distribution / focusing relationship in the apparatus of the first embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part addition procedure (the 1) to the load distribution / focusing relationship in the apparatus of the first embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part addition procedure (the 2) to the load distribution / focusing relationship in the apparatus of the first embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part addition procedure (the 3) to the load distribution / focusing relationship in the apparatus of the first embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part addition procedure (the 4) to the load distribution / focusing relationship in the apparatus of the first embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part addition procedure (the 5) to the load distribution / focusing relationship in the apparatus of the first embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part addition procedure (the 6) to the load distribution / focusing relationship in the apparatus of the first embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part addition procedure (the 7) to the load distribution / focusing relationship in the apparatus of the first embodiment. The block block diagram which shows the apparatus structure of a 2nd Example. The block block diagram which shows the apparatus structure of a 3rd Example. The figure which shows the connection relation of the centralized control server in 4th Example, and a load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus. The block block diagram which shows the conventional apparatus structure (the 1). The block block diagram which shows the conventional apparatus structure (the 2). The block block diagram which shows the conventional apparatus structure (the 3). The figure which shows the example of a network comprised by the conventional load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus. The figure which shows the flow of the transfer process / load distribution process of the data signal in the conventional load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus. The figure which shows the flow of the load focusing process / transfer process of the data signal in the conventional load distribution / variable number variable communication apparatus. The figure which shows the example of the conventional load distribution operation | movement. The figure which shows the example of the conventional load focusing operation | movement. The figure which shows the connection of the conventional apparatuses. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission-and-reception part deletion procedure (the 1) from the load distribution / convergence relationship in a prior art. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission-and-reception part deletion procedure (the 2) from the load distribution / convergence relationship in a prior art. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission-and-reception part deletion procedure (the 3) from the load distribution / convergence relationship in a prior art. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission-and-reception part deletion procedure (the 4) from the load distribution / convergence relationship in a prior art. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part addition procedure (the 1) to the load distribution / focusing relationship in a prior art. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part addition procedure (the 2) to the load distribution / convergence relationship in a prior art. The sequence diagram which shows the transmission / reception part addition procedure (the 3) to the load distribution / convergence relationship in a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Apparatus 1-1, 2-1 Transmission / reception part 1-2, 2-2 Control part 10 Transfer information database 11, 11-1, 11-2 Load distribution information database 12 Backup transfer information database 13 Backup load distribution information database 14, 14-1, 14-2 Transfer processing unit 15, 15-1, 15-2 Signal editing unit 16, 16-1, 16-2 Transmission processing unit 17, 17-1, 17-2 Reception processing unit 18, 18-1, 18-2 Control unit 19, 19-1, 19-2 Transceiver 20 Load distribution information database with transfer information database 21 Preliminary load distribution information database with spare transfer information database 30 Centralized control server 40 With load distribution information database Transfer information database

Claims (23)

A transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives data signals to and from adjacent devices connected by a link or path;
A signal editing unit that allocates a data signal received by the transmission / reception unit to any one of the plurality of transmission / reception units;
A load distribution information database that holds an allocation relationship between data signal information and a transmission / reception unit group for allocating a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit among a plurality of transmission / reception units;
With reference to this load distribution information database, a data signal allocation destination transmission / reception unit is determined based on data signal information and the allocation relationship, and an allocation instruction is given to the signal editing unit based on the determined content And a transfer processing unit for providing
When transmitting / receiving a data signal group with load distribution over one or more links or paths to / from the opposite device, between the opposite devices based on the data signal information and the allocation relationship In the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device that increases or decreases the number of links or the number of paths used for load distribution by appropriately determining the transmission / reception unit to which data signals to be transmitted / received are allocated,
Means for negotiating increase / decrease control with the opposite device when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, or before or after increase or decrease;
Means for stopping the reception process after stopping the transmission process of the transmission / reception unit to be deleted from the load distribution relationship when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, or before or after the increase or decrease,
Means for starting or stopping the transmission / reception unit when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, or before or after the increase or decrease;
And a means for changing the content of the load distribution information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, before or after increase or decrease, and . A transfer information database is provided to hold an allocation relationship between data signal information and a transmission / reception unit group for allocating a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit or a transmission / reception unit group among a plurality of transmission / reception units,
The transfer processing unit is configured to determine a data signal allocation destination transmission / reception unit based on data signal information, an allocation relationship held in the transfer information database, and an allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database. Prepared,
2. The load distribution / focusing number according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes means for changing the contents of the transfer information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, before or after increase or decrease. Variable communication device.   3. The load distribution / focusing number variable communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit includes means for managing a link group or a path group used for load distribution as one link or path. Preliminary transfer information database holding information that can calculate the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit is provided,
The transfer processing unit
When transferring a data signal having destination information not recorded in the transfer information database, information for newly calculating the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit or the transmission / reception unit group is acquired from the preliminary transfer information database. Means to
Means for determining a data signal allocation destination transmission / reception unit based on the data signal information, the allocation relationship held in the preliminary transfer information database, and the allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database;
3. The load distribution / focusing number variable communication according to claim 2, wherein the control unit includes means for changing the contents of the preliminary transfer information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased. apparatus. A transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives data signals to and from adjacent devices connected by a link or path;
A signal editing unit that allocates a data signal received by the transmission / reception unit to any one of the plurality of transmission / reception units;
A load distribution information database that holds an allocation relationship between data signal information and a transmission / reception unit group for allocating a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit among a plurality of transmission / reception units;
Transfer processing that refers to this load distribution information database, determines a data signal allocation destination transmission / reception unit based on data signal information and the allocation relationship, and gives an allocation instruction to the signal editing unit based on the determined content The department and
When transmitting / receiving a data signal group with load distribution over one or more links or paths to / from the opposite device, between the opposite devices based on the data signal information and the allocation relationship In the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device that increases or decreases the number of links or the number of paths used for load distribution by appropriately determining the transmission / reception unit to which data signals to be transmitted / received are allocated,
In order to assign a data signal to a specific transmitter / receiver among a plurality of transmitter / receivers, the allocation relationship between the increased / decreased data signal and the transmitter / receiver is recorded in advance before the increase or decrease of the number of links or paths used for load distribution Pre-load distribution information database to be
A controller that changes the contents of the load distribution information database and the preliminary load distribution information database,
This control unit
Before the increase or decrease of the number of links or paths used for load distribution, the allocation relationship between the increased / decreased data signal and the transmission / reception unit is recorded in the preliminary load distribution information database, and the contents of the preliminary load distribution information database are changed. Means,
Means for changing the content of the load distribution information database based on the content of the preliminary load distribution information database after the increase or decrease in the number of links or paths used for load distribution;
A means for starting or stopping the transmission / reception unit when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, or before or after the increase or decrease,
The transfer processing unit
Data signal allocation based on the data signal information and the allocation relationship stored in the preliminary load distribution information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, or during a certain period after increase or decrease And a means for determining a previous transmission / reception unit.   6. The load distribution according to claim 5, wherein the control unit includes means for negotiating increase / decrease control with an opposing device when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased, before, or after increase / decrease. / Focus number variable communication device.   The said control part is provided with the means to stop a reception process, after stopping the transmission process of the transmission / reception part deleted from the relationship of load distribution, when the number of links or the number of paths used for load distribution decreases. The load distribution / focusing number variable communication device described. A transfer information database for recording and holding information on data signals and allocation relations between the transmission / reception unit groups for allocating data signals to specific transmission / reception units or transmission / reception unit groups among a plurality of transmission / reception units,
The transfer processing unit is based on data signal information, an allocation relationship held in the transfer information database, an allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database, or an allocation relationship held in the backup load distribution information database. Means for determining a transmission / reception unit to which a data signal is allocated;
6. The load distribution / focusing number according to claim 5, wherein the control unit includes means for changing the contents of the transfer information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased, decreased, before or after increase or decrease. Variable communication device.   9. The load distribution / variable number variable communication device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit includes means for managing a link group or a path group used for load distribution as a single link or path. A preliminary transfer information database that records and holds information capable of calculating the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit,
The transfer processing unit
When transferring a data signal having destination information not recorded in the transfer information database, information for newly calculating the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit or the transmission / reception unit group is acquired from the preliminary transfer information database. Means to
Based on the data signal information, the allocation relationship held in the backup transfer information database, and the allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database or the backup load distribution information database, a data signal allocation destination transmission / reception unit is determined. Means and
9. The load distribution according to claim 8, wherein the control unit includes means for changing the contents of the preliminary transfer information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased. / Focus number variable communication device. A transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives data signals to and from adjacent devices connected by a link or path;
A signal editing unit that allocates a data signal received by the transmission / reception unit to any one of the plurality of transmission / reception units;
A load distribution information database that holds an allocation relationship between data signal information and a transmission / reception unit group for allocating a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit among a plurality of transmission / reception units;
Transfer processing that refers to this load distribution information database, determines a data signal allocation destination transmission / reception unit based on data signal information and the allocation relationship, and gives an allocation instruction to the signal editing unit based on the determined content The department and
When transmitting / receiving a data signal group with load distribution over one or more links or paths to / from the opposite device, between the opposite devices based on the data signal information and the allocation relationship In the load distribution / focusing number variable communication device that increases or decreases the number of links or the number of paths used for load distribution by appropriately determining the transmission / reception unit to which data signals to be transmitted / received are allocated,
Performing start or stop control of the transmission processing and reception processing of the transmission / reception unit, comprising a control unit for changing the content of the load distribution information database,
This control unit
Means for stopping the reception process after the transmission process of the transmission / reception unit to be deleted from the load distribution relationship when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is reduced or before or after the decrease or increase / decrease;
Means for starting or stopping the transmission / reception unit when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, or before or after the increase or decrease;
And a means for changing the contents of the load distribution information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, or before or after increase or decrease. A transfer information database that records and holds information and an allocation relationship between a transmission / reception unit group and information for allocating a data signal to a specific transmission / reception unit or a transmission / reception unit group among a plurality of transmission / reception units,
The transfer processing unit is configured to determine a data signal allocation destination transmission / reception unit based on data signal information, an allocation relationship held in the transfer information database, and an allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database. Prepared,
12. The load distribution / focusing number according to claim 11, wherein the control unit includes means for changing the contents of the transfer information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased, before or after increase or decrease. Variable communication device.   13. The load distribution / variable number variable communication device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit includes means for managing a link group or a path group used for load distribution as a single link or path. A preliminary transfer information database that records and holds information capable of calculating the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit,
The transfer processing unit
When transferring a data signal having destination information not recorded in the transfer information database, information for newly calculating the allocation relationship between the data signal and the transmission / reception unit or the transmission / reception unit group is acquired from the preliminary transfer information database. Means to
Means for determining a data signal allocation destination transmission / reception unit based on the data signal information, the allocation relationship held in the preliminary transfer information database, and the allocation relationship held in the load distribution information database;
13. The load distribution / focusing number variable communication according to claim 12, wherein the control unit includes means for changing the contents of the preliminary transfer information database when the number of links or paths used for load distribution is increased or decreased. apparatus.   The transmission / reception unit converts the input data signal into another communication protocol, or encapsulates or decapsulates into another layer communication protocol, and converts the communication protocol, or encapsulates or decapsulates the data signal. 12. The load distribution / variable number variable communication device according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting and receiving a group by distributing the load on one or more links or paths.   7. The load distribution / focusing number variable communication device according to claim 1 or 6, further comprising means for acting as a proxy for load distribution / focusing number increase / decrease negotiation between two load distribution / focusing number variable communication devices opposed to the centralized control server. . Load distribution executed by the load distribution / variable number variable communication device between two load distribution / variable number variable communication devices that transmit and receive data signals by distributing the load on one or more links or paths. In load distribution / focusing variable method to increase or decrease the number of links or paths used,
Increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution;
Negotiating increase / decrease control with the opposite load distribution / focusing number variable communication device when increasing / decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution;
The data signal information, or the step of changing the allocation relationship between the data signal based on the input path or the input path and the link or path when increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution Load distribution / variable focusing method.   When increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution, stop sending data signals to links or paths that are deleted from the load distribution relationship, and then receive data signals from these links or paths. The load distribution / focusing number variable method according to claim 17, further comprising a step of stopping and stopping a link or a path. Load distribution executed by the load distribution / variable number variable communication device between two load distribution / variable number variable communication devices that transmit and receive data signals by distributing the load on one or more links or paths. In the load distribution / focusing number variable method to increase or decrease the number of links or paths used,
Increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution;
After stopping the transmission of the data signal to the link or path to be deleted from the load distribution relationship, stopping the reception of the data signal from the link or path;
The data signal information, or the step of changing the allocation relationship between the data signal based on the input path or the input path and the link or path when increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution A load distribution / focusing number variable method characterized by the above.   20. The load distribution / focusing number variable method according to claim 17 or 19, further comprising a step of controlling an increase / decrease opportunity of the number of links or paths used for load distribution by time.   20. Load distribution / focusing according to claim 17 or 19, further comprising a step of controlling an increase / decrease opportunity of the number of links or paths used for load distribution based on a traffic amount in a link or path used for load distribution. Number variable method.   20. The load distribution / focusing number variable method according to claim 17 or 19, further comprising a step of activating an increase / decrease opportunity for the number of links or paths used for load distribution in response to an increase / decrease request from the central control server. When increasing or decreasing the number of links or paths used for load distribution,
After stopping transmission of data signals to the link or path to be deleted due to the load distribution relationship, the link to be deleted after confirming that data transmission from the opposite device has been stopped by negotiation with the opposite device 18. The load distribution / focusing number variable method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of stopping reception of a data signal from the path and then stopping the link or stopping the path.

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