JP2008117300A - Retrieval device, data processor and retrieval method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a retrieval device updating a database without stopping retrieval processing to consume no surplus electric power. <P>SOLUTION: The retrieval device comprises a computing unit 31 composed of a plurality of computing elements and a memory and constructing internal configuration based on set information; a set information changing unit 33 storing the set information and sending specified set information to the computing unit 31; and a processor 32 informing the computing unit 31 of internal configuration change instructions when there is an update request of the database for retrieval. The computing unit 31 constructs internal configuration for operating one memory and a retrieval processing circuit for a period in which only the retrieval processing is carried out, writes the updated retrieval database in the other memory upon receiving internal configuration change instructions, and then changes to internal configuration for carrying out retrieval processing to the retrieval database after updated while maintaining retrieval processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a search device that performs data search processing, and more particularly to a search device that performs data search processing without interruption when updating a search database.

  Search processing is used in various fields in various fields, such as packet routing in communication networks, detection of malicious codes in packets, and keyword detection in sentences in the database field. In particular, with the recent increase in the amount of data and the advancement of processing in the information communication field in general, on-demand dynamic data analysis such as high speed and multi-functionality is required for search processing.

  For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a communication control device equipped with a plurality of FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) having different circuits and having a function of switching and using these FPGAs according to communication contents. . This communication control device further has a function of changing the control circuit without interrupting communication by mounting means for rewriting the internal circuits of the plurality of FPGAs.

  Non-Patent Document 1 below points out that depending on the data structure of the table, it is necessary to rearrange the entire table, and it is difficult to execute table update. And, as a avoidance method, there are two methods: a method of stopping the search while the table is rearranged by postponing the update process until the period when the activity (search process) is small, and a method of preparing two identical tables. is suggesting.

JP 2000-174844 A By Rich Seifert, translated by Akira Mamiya, "LAN switching thorough commentary", published by Nikkei Business Publications, August 6, 2001, P83-84

  However, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, when packet search processing is performed by the communication control device, database change for search held in the FPGA memory is also made redundant by a plurality of FPGAs. It is necessary to take a configuration. Therefore, even when the database is not changed, there is a problem that extra power is consumed by the number of redundant FPGAs.

  Further, the technique described in Non-Patent Document 1 has a problem in that search performance is suddenly deteriorated because it is necessary to stop the process when performing the update process. The method of preparing two tables can avoid the problem of search performance, but has a problem that power is consumed even for tables that are not used at all times.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and achieves a database update without stopping a search process, and further obtains a search apparatus that does not consume power for a redundant configuration device. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a search device having a function of searching a search database based on search key information, and includes a plurality of arithmetic units and memories. An internal unit that includes a calculation unit that operates by constructing an internal configuration based on setting information that is configuration data for an element, a memory that stores the search database, and a search processing circuit that implements the search function A plurality of setting information for constructing a configuration is stored, setting information changing means for sending designated setting information to the calculating means, and when there is a search database update request from the outside, the calculating means Control means for notifying an internal configuration change instruction to the calculation means, and the calculation means is based on specific setting information for a period during which only the search processing is executed. When one internal memory and a search processing circuit are operated depending on the internal configuration and the internal change instruction is received or when an update of the search database is detected by itself, the memory other than the memory being searched The search database updated in this way is written, and the search process for the updated search database can be executed while maintaining the search process based on setting information other than the specific setting information. The search process is continued while changing the internal configuration according to the update of the database.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a search function without interruption while suppressing power consumption by adopting a logical redundant circuit configuration on a rewritable processor only when updating a database.

  Embodiments of a search device, a search method, and a data processing device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration of a first embodiment of a search device according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, a device mounted on a router will be described as an example of a search device and a data processing device according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the network of the first embodiment includes a router 1, a PC terminal 2, the Internet 3, a server group 4, an access point 5, a wireless terminal 6, an intranet 7, a control PC 8, a control link 9, and a link 10. It consists of The router 1 is connected to the Internet 3, the intranet 7, and the server group 4 through links 10, respectively, and transfers packets between networks. The access point 5 is connected to the Internet 3 or the intranet 7 via a link 10. The PC terminal 2 performs mutual communication between the terminals via the link 10 and the wireless terminal 6 via the access point 5. The control PC 8 is connected to the router 1 by the control link 9 and transmits data for updating the database to the router 1.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the router 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the router 1 includes a transmission / reception unit 11, a transfer unit 12, a device 13, an external memory 14, and a controller 15. The transmission / reception unit 11 and the transfer unit 12 are connected by a transfer path 21, and the transfer unit 12 and the device 13 are connected by a search path 22. The device 13, the external memory 14, and the controller 15 are connected to the external bus connection line 24. Via the external bus 23.

  Next, the function of each component will be described. The transmission / reception unit 11 is connected to the Internet 3, the server group 4, and the intranet 7 by links 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an Ethernet (registered trademark) frame. The transmission / reception unit 11 transfers the IPv4 packet 102 obtained by removing the MAC (Media Access Control) header 101 and the FCS (Frame Check Sequence) 103 from the Ethernet (registered trademark) frame 100 of FIG. 3 received from the link 10 to the transfer unit 12. In addition, the MAC header 101 and the FCS 103 are added to the IPv4 packet 102 sent from the transfer unit 12 and transmitted to the link 10.

  The transfer unit 12 extracts information (hereinafter referred to as search key information) necessary for search processing for obtaining routing information necessary for transfer of the frame from the received frame, and the device 13 via the search path 22. Send search key information to Also, a search result (routing information) is received from the device 13 via the search path 22 and the received frame is transferred to the transmission / reception unit 11 using the transfer path 21 based on the search result.

  In the present embodiment, the search key information includes the destination address transmission source address, protocol, total length, identifier, flag, fragment offset, and transport layer (TCP or UDP) included in the network layer (IPv4) header. A destination port number, a transmission source port number, and a sequence number (only in the case of TCP) included in the header are included. Hereinafter, the search key information will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the IPv4 header 104, the TCP header 105, and the UDP header 106 are encapsulated in an Ethernet (registered trademark) frame 100.

  FIG. 4 shows a format of an IPv4 header which is a network layer header. The TOS field (TOS) 201 in the third byte from the beginning of the IPv4 header, the total length 202 in the fourth byte, the identifier 203 in the fifth byte, and the upper three bits in the seventh byte are flags (Flag) ) 204, the lower 5 bits of the 7th byte and the 8th byte are the fragment offset (Fragment Offset) 205, the 10th byte is the protocol (Protocol) 206, the 13th byte is the source IP address (Source Address) 207, and the 17th byte A destination IP address (Destination Address) 208 is located in the eye.

  FIG. 5 shows a format of a TCP header which is a transport layer header. Source port number 301 at the first byte from the beginning of the TCP header, destination port number 302 at the third byte, sequence number 303 at the fifth byte, and confirmation response at the ninth byte A number (Acknowledgement Number) 304 is located.

  FIG. 6 shows a format of a UCP header which is a transport layer header. The source port number (Source Port) 401 is located in the first byte of the UDP header, and the destination port number (Destination Port) 402 is located in the third byte.

  In this embodiment, IPv4 is used as the network layer protocol and TCP or UDP is used as the transport layer protocol. However, the present invention is not limited to these protocols. For example, the network layer protocol may be IPv6, and the transport layer protocol may be RDP. In this embodiment, the case where an Ethernet (registered trademark) frame is used as a packet trailer will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the Ethernet (registered trademark) frame. For example, the present invention can be similarly implemented when ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) or FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface) is used.

  Moreover, the item of said search key information is an example, and if it is the information which can search routing information, it will not restrict to this. Depending on the search method and protocol, some of the search key information items may not be used, and items other than the above may be included.

  The device 13 acquires the database stored in the external memory 14 via the external bus 23 and the external bus connection line 24, and performs a search process on the database using the search key information sent from the search path 22 as a search key. To obtain routing information as a search result. Then, the device 13 notifies the transfer unit 12 of the search result via the search path 22.

  The external memory 14 stores a database sent from the control PC 8 via the control link 9. The database is used for searching routing information using search key information, and includes a correspondence between the search key information and routing information.

  The controller 15 converts data from the outside of the router 1 such as sent from the control PC 8 through the control link 9 into a data format used by the external bus 23 in the router 1.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the device 13 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the device 13 includes an arithmetic unit 31, a processor 32, and a setting information change unit 33. The arithmetic unit 31 is connected to the search path 22. The internal bus 34 is connected to the external bus connection line 24 and the internal bus connection line 35, and performs data input / output with the outside of the device 13. The setting information change unit 33 is connected to the arithmetic unit 31 and the processor 32 by a setting information notification line 36, respectively. The processor 32 and the arithmetic unit 31 are connected by a connection line 37.

  Next, the function of each component will be described. The arithmetic unit 31 includes a large number of arithmetic units and memories. The arithmetic unit 31 receives the setting information stored therein from the setting information changing unit 33 and reflects the setting information on each arithmetic unit and memory to construct an internal configuration based on the setting information. Operate.

  The setting information is a constant value that needs to be set for each component such as an arithmetic unit and a memory mounted on the arithmetic unit 31, arithmetic operation designation and logical operation designation in each arithmetic unit, and wiring between the respective components Configuration data storing connection information and the like.

  The processor 32 controls the operation of the entire device 13 and sends the setting information to the setting information changing unit 33 through the setting information notification line 36 to instruct setting information registration and setting information change.

  The setting information changing unit 33 receives the setting information sent from the processor 32 and registers (stores) the setting information in accordance with a registration instruction from the processor 32. Further, when there is an instruction to change the setting information from the processor 32, the setting information stored therein is changed based on the instruction. A plurality of setting information can be stored. Further, when there is an instruction to send the setting information from the processor 32 or the arithmetic unit 31, the setting information changing unit 33 sends the instructed setting information to the arithmetic unit 31.

  Next, an internal configuration based on the setting information of the device 13 will be described with an example. In this embodiment, a case where two search circuits are provided is described as an example, but the number of search circuits is not limited to two. Hereinafter, three types of internal configurations corresponding to three types of setting information (first setting information, second setting information, and third setting information) will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31 based on the first setting information. When the arithmetic unit 31 is based on the first setting information, the first search processing circuit 42, the selection circuit 41, the RAM update circuit, as shown in FIG. 8, using the memory and the arithmetic unit in the arithmetic unit 31. 43, a first built-in RAM 44, a second built-in RAM 45, and a multiplexing circuit 47. The circuit connection line 51 connects the selection circuit 41 and the first search processing circuit 42, the circuit connection line 52 connects the first search processing circuit 42 and the multiplexing circuit 47, and the signal line 53 is a RAM update circuit. A signal from 43 to the selection circuit 41 is transmitted.

  The selection circuit 41 performs a search process based on an internal configuration change instruction sent from the RAM update circuit 43 via the signal line 53 or sent from the processor 32 via the connection line 37 (output of search key information). This is a circuit for selecting a destination path). When the above-described search circuit change instruction is issued, the selection circuit 41 transfers from the first search processing circuit 42 to the second search processing circuit 46 described later or from the second search processing circuit 46 to the first search processing circuit. 42 is a circuit for selecting the output destination of the search key information by switching to 42 respectively.

  The first search processing circuit 42 performs a search process on the database stored in the first built-in RAM 44 using the search key information input from the selection circuit 41 as a search key, and the search result is connected to the circuit connection line 52. It is a circuit that outputs to the search path 22 via.

  The RAM update circuit 43 takes in the database stored in the external memory 14 via the external bus connection line 24, the external bus 23, and the internal bus connection line 35, and transfers it to the first built-in RAM 44 or the second built-in RAM 45. A circuit for writing.

  The first built-in RAM 44 and the second built-in RAM 45 are memories that store the database sent from the RAM update circuit 43 as a database for search. The search key item is an address, and the route information corresponding to the item is stored as the value of the address position. The first built-in RAM 44 uses the search key information input from the first search processing circuit 42 and the second built-in RAM 45 uses the search key information input from the second search processing circuit 46 as addresses, respectively. Are output as search results to the first search processing circuit 42 or the second search processing circuit 46 to which the search key information is input.

  The multiplexing circuit 47 multiplexes the search results output from the first search processing circuit 42 or the second search processing circuit 46 and outputs the result to the search path 22.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31 based on the second setting information. When the arithmetic unit 31 is based on the first setting information, the first search processing circuit 42, the selection circuit 41, the RAM update circuit, as shown in FIG. 9, using the memory and the arithmetic unit in the arithmetic unit 31. 43, a first built-in RAM 44, a second built-in RAM 45, a multiplexing circuit 47, and a second search processing circuit 46. The circuit connection line 51 connects the selection circuit 41 and the first search circuit 42, the circuit connection line 52 connects the first search processing circuit 42 and the multiplexing circuit 47, and the signal line 53 is selected from the RAM update circuit. The signal to the circuit 43 is transmitted, the circuit connection line 54 connects the selection circuit 41 and the second search circuit 46, and the circuit connection line 55 connects the second search circuit 46 and the multiplexing circuit 47.

  The first search processing circuit 42, the selection circuit 41, the RAM update circuit 43, the first built-in RAM 44, and the second built-in RAM 45 in FIG. 9 are the same as those in FIG. 8 configured by the first setting information. The same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  The second search processing circuit 46 performs a search process on the database stored in the second built-in RAM 45 using the search key information input from the selection circuit 41 as a search key, and sends the search result to the circuit connection line 52. It is a circuit that outputs to the search path 22 via.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31 based on the third setting information. When the arithmetic unit 31 is based on the third setting information, as shown in FIG. 10, the selection circuit 41, the RAM update circuit 43, the first built-in RAM 44, A second built-in RAM 45, a multiplexing circuit 47, and a second search processing circuit 46 are included. The signal line 53 transmits a signal from the RAM update circuit to the selection circuit 43, the circuit connection line 54 connects the selection circuit 41 and the second search circuit 46, and the circuit connection line 55 is the second search circuit 46. And the multiplexing circuit 47 are connected.

  Each component in FIG. 10 is the same as that in FIG. 8 configured by the first setting information or FIG. 9 configured by the second setting information, and thus the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a database update method during the search operation of this embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the internal configuration based on the first setting information (see FIG. 8) will be described as the initial operation state in the arithmetic unit 31, but the internal configuration based on the third setting information (see FIG. 10). It is good also as an initial state. Further, as an initial state, it is assumed that the first built-in RAM 44 and the second built-in RAM 45 store arbitrary databases used for searching. It is assumed that the setting information changing unit 33 stores the first setting information, the second setting information, and the third setting information.

  First, the initial state before database update will be described. The arithmetic unit 31 has the internal configuration of FIG. 8 based on the first setting information. When the search key information is input from the search path 22, the selection circuit 41 outputs the search key information to the first search processing circuit 42 via the circuit connection line 51. The first search processing circuit 42 searches the database stored in the first built-in RAM 44 using the input search key information, and outputs the search result to the multiplexing circuit 47. The multiplexing circuit 47 multiplexes the search results and outputs them to the transfer unit 12 via the circuit connection line 52 and the search path 22.

  Next, the control PC 8 sends the changed data in the new database to the router 1 via the control link 9. The database is updated, for example, when the control PC 8 determines that the transfer route needs to be changed, added, or deleted from the state of the network related to the router 1. The controller 15 converts the new database sent from the control link 9 from the data format used by the control link 9 to the data format used by the external bus 23, and outputs it to the external memory 14 via the external bus connection line 24. . The external memory 14 stores this new database.

  Next, the control PC 8 sends an internal configuration change instruction to the processor 32 in the device 13 in the router 1. When receiving the internal configuration change instruction, the processor 32 sends the internal configuration change instruction to the selection circuit 41 of the arithmetic unit 31 and the RAM update circuit 43 via the connection line 37.

  When the RAM update circuit 43 receives the internal configuration change instruction, the RAM update circuit 43 reads the new database stored in the external memory 14 via the internal bus connection line 35, the internal bus 34, the external bus connection line 24, and the external bus 23. The new database read out is written into the internal RAM 45 of No. 2. When the writing of the new database to the second built-in RAM 45 is completed, the setting information change unit 33 is instructed to change to the second setting information via the setting information notification line 36. The setting information changing unit 33 reads out the stored second setting information and sends the second setting information to the arithmetic unit 31.

  If the control PC 8 does not send out an internal configuration change instruction and the RAM update circuit 43 polls the external memory 14 and detects a change in the database stored in the external memory 14, the internal configuration change instruction is issued. You may make it send out. In this case, when the RAM update circuit 43 detects a change in the database stored in the external memory 14, the RAM update circuit 43 reads the new database from the external memory 14, writes the read new database in the second built-in RAM 45, and the signal line 53. An internal configuration change instruction is sent to the selection circuit 41 via the route. When the writing of the new database to the second built-in RAM 45 is completed, the setting information change unit 33 is instructed to change to the second setting information via the setting information notification line 36. The setting information changing unit 33 reads the stored second setting information and sends the second setting information to the arithmetic unit 31.

  Then, the arithmetic unit 31 loads the second setting information received from the setting information changing unit 33, and configures an internal circuit or the like (the internal configuration shown in FIG. 9) based on the second setting information. The selection circuit 41 switches the search key information transmission destination from the first search processing circuit 42 to the second search processing circuit 46 in accordance with the internal configuration change instruction sent from the processor 32 or the RAM update circuit 43. When this switching is completed, the second search processing circuit 46 performs a search process on the new database held in the second built-in RAM 45 and outputs the search result to the multiplexing circuit 47. The multiplexing circuit 47 multiplexes the search results and outputs them to the transfer unit 12 via the circuit connection line 52 and the search path 22.

  Note that the search key information transmission destination of the selection circuit 41 is switched at the break of the search key information so that the search key information is cut off halfway by the switching and is not sent to the search processing circuit.

  Next, when the processor 32 detects that the arithmetic unit 31 has loaded the second setting information, the search result for the search key information that was being searched by the first search processing circuit 42 from that point is the search path. After a predetermined time of about the time until output from 22, the change instruction to the third setting information is sent to the setting information changing unit 33. Then, the setting information change unit 33 reads the stored third setting information and outputs it to the arithmetic unit 31.

  Instead of detecting that the processor 32 has loaded the second setting information, the selection circuit 41 receives an internal configuration change instruction from the RAM update circuit 43, and from that point on, the first search processing circuit 42 performs the search processing. The selection circuit 41 instructs the setting information changing unit 33 to change to the third setting information after the elapse of a predetermined period of time until the search result for the search key information that was in the middle is output from the search path 22. You may make it send out.

  Next, the arithmetic unit 31 loads the third setting information received from the setting information change unit 33, and configures an internal circuit or the like (the internal configuration shown in FIG. 9) based on the third setting information. The control PC performs a search process on the search key information using the second search processing circuit 46 until the next database change.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of internal configurations of the arithmetic unit 31 are prepared based on the setting information, and the two search circuits and the search memory are provided only when the database is updated, and only the search process is performed. Only activated one of the two search circuits. For this reason, even during a search operation, the database can be changed without stopping the search operation, and power is not consumed for components that are not in use. Can be reduced.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the arithmetic unit 31a based on the third setting information of the second embodiment of the search device according to the present invention. Also in the present embodiment, a device mounted on a router as a search device will be described as an example. The router of this embodiment is the same as the router 1 of FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, and the network configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment of FIG. The functional configuration of the device according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7 except that the control unit 31 is replaced with the control unit 31a. That is, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31a loaded according to the setting information. Hereinafter, description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts different from those of the first embodiment will be described. In addition, components having the same functions as those in Embodiment 1 are described with the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 11 shows an internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31a based on the fourth setting information. When the arithmetic unit 31a is based on the fourth setting information, as shown in FIG. 11, the first search processing circuit 42, the selection circuit 41, the first arithmetic unit 31a are used by using the memory and the arithmetic unit in the arithmetic unit 31a. The built-in RAM 44, the second built-in RAM 45, and the multiplexing circuit 47 are configured. The difference from the internal configuration (see FIG. 8) based on the first setting information of the first embodiment is that the RAM update circuit 43 is not provided. Components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 12 shows the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31a based on the fifth setting information. When the arithmetic unit 31a is based on the fifth setting information, as shown in FIG. 12, the selection circuit 41, the first internal RAM 44, and the second internal RAM 45 are used using the memory and arithmetic unit in the arithmetic unit 31a. , A multiplexing circuit 47, and a second search processing circuit 46. The difference from the internal configuration (see FIG. 10) based on the second setting information of the first embodiment is that there is no RAM update circuit 43. Components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a database update method during the search operation of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the internal configuration based on the fourth setting information (see FIG. 11) will be described as the initial operation state in the arithmetic unit 31, but the internal configuration based on the fifth setting information (see FIG. 12). It is good also as an initial state. Further, as an initial state, it is assumed that the first built-in RAM 44 and the second built-in RAM 45 store arbitrary databases used for searching. It is assumed that the setting information changing unit 33 stores the above-described fourth setting information, fifth setting information, and the second setting information described in the first embodiment.

  First, the initial state before database update will be described. The arithmetic unit 31a has the internal configuration shown in FIG. 11 based on the fourth setting information. When the search key information is input from the search path 22, the selection circuit 41 outputs the search key information to the first search processing circuit 42 via the circuit connection line 51. The first search processing circuit 42 searches the database stored in the first built-in RAM 44 using the input search key information, and outputs the search result to the multiplexing circuit 47. The multiplexing circuit 47 multiplexes the search results and outputs them to the transfer unit 12 via the circuit connection line 52 and the search path 22.

  In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the RAM update circuit 43 is removed when the database is not changed (only the search process is performed). It is possible to reduce the power that is constantly consumed to operate the circuit 43.

  Next, the control PC 8 sends the changed data in the new database to the router 1 via the control link 9. The database is updated when, for example, the control PC 8 determines that the transfer route needs to be changed, added, or deleted based on the state of the network to which the router 1 is related. The controller 15 converts the new database sent from the control link 9 from the data format used by the control link 9 to the data format used by the external bus 23, and outputs it to the external memory 14 via the external bus connection line 24. . The external memory 14 stores this new database.

  Next, the control PC 8 sends an internal configuration change instruction to the processor 32 in the device 13 in the router 1. Upon receiving this internal configuration change instruction, the processor 32 instructs the setting information change unit 33 to change to the first setting information of the first embodiment via the setting information notification line 36. The processing until the updated database is written in the second memory after the instruction to change the first setting information is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Thereafter, the setting information change unit 33 is instructed to change to the second setting information via the setting information notification line 36. The setting information changing unit 33 reads the stored second setting information and sends the second setting information to the arithmetic unit 31.

  Then, the arithmetic unit 31a loads the second setting information received from the setting information changing unit 33, and the internal circuit based on the second setting information (the internal configuration shown in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment). Constitute. The selection circuit 41 switches the search key information transmission destination from the first search processing circuit 42 to the second search processing circuit 46 in accordance with the internal configuration change instruction sent from the processor 32 or the RAM update circuit 43. When this switching is completed, the second search processing circuit 46 performs a search process on the new database held in the second built-in RAM 45.

  Next, when the processor 32 detects that the arithmetic unit 31 has loaded the second setting information, the search result for the search key information that was being searched by the first search processing circuit 42 from that point is the search path. After a predetermined time of about the time until output from 22, the change instruction to the third setting information is sent to the setting information changing unit 33. Then, the setting information change unit 33 reads the stored third setting information and outputs it to the arithmetic unit 31.

  Instead of detecting that the processor 32 has loaded the second setting information, the selection circuit 41 receives an internal configuration change instruction from the RAM update circuit 43, and from that point on, the first search processing circuit 42 performs the search processing. The selection circuit 41 instructs the setting information changing unit 33 to change to the fifth setting information after the elapse of a predetermined period of time until the search result for the search key information that was in the middle is output from the search path 22. You may make it send out.

  Next, the arithmetic unit 31 loads the fifth setting information received from the setting information change unit 33, and configures an internal circuit and the like (the internal configuration shown in FIG. 12) based on the fifth setting information. Then, until the control PC 8 performs the next database change, the search processing is performed on the search key information using the second search processing circuit 46.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the RAM update circuit 43 is provided only during the operation of performing database update, and the RAM update circuit 43 is not provided when only the search process is performed. For this reason, the power consumption in the search processing operation can be reduced compared to the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the router 1b according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the router 1 of the first embodiment and the router 1b of the present embodiment are replaced in FIG. 1, and the router 1b is replaced with the transfer unit 12 and the device 13 of the first embodiment. Each is provided with a transfer unit 12b and a device 13b. The device 13 of the first embodiment is connected to the external bus 23 by the external bus connection line 24, but the device 13b of the present embodiment is not connected to the external bus 23. Except for these differences, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the device 13b. The device 13b according to the present embodiment includes an arithmetic unit 31b instead of the arithmetic unit 31 of the device 13 according to the first embodiment, and is otherwise similar to the first embodiment. Components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the transfer unit 12b extracts the search key information from the received frame in the same manner as the transfer unit 12 in the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, the transfer unit 12b adds a header to the search key information after the extraction. In addition, it is sent to the device 13b via the search path 22. Further, the transfer unit 12b is connected to the external bus 23 via the external bus connection line 25. When receiving an internal configuration change instruction from the control PC 8, the transfer unit 12b specifies the header portion added to the search key information for the device 13b. An instruction is given to rewrite a field (RAM change instruction field described later).

  FIG. 15 shows the format of the search key information with header 500 sent to the device 13b. The header 501 includes a RAM change instruction field 502. In this embodiment, the header 501 is described as being only the RAM change instruction field 502. However, in addition to the RAM update instruction field 502, the header 501 may include information related to circuit settings.

  In the present embodiment, since the device 13b is not connected to the external bus 23, an internal configuration change instruction from the processor 32 includes a RAM change instruction field 502 included in the header of search key information added by the transfer unit 12b. Will be notified.

  Next, an internal configuration based on the setting information of the device 13b will be described with an example.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31b based on the sixth setting information. The difference from the configuration based on the first setting information in the first embodiment (see FIG. 8) is that a header analysis circuit 48 that performs header analysis of the search key information with header 500 sent from the transfer unit 12b, and a selection circuit 41. And a signal line 56 connecting the RAM update circuit 43 is added. The rest is the same as the configuration based on the first setting information of the first embodiment (see FIG. 8). The same components as those based on the first setting information in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31b based on the seventh setting information. The difference from the configuration based on the second setting information in the first embodiment (see FIG. 9) is that a header analysis circuit 48 that performs header analysis of search key information with header sent from the transfer unit 12b, a selection circuit 41, A signal line 56 for connecting the RAM update circuit 43 is added. Other than that, it is the same as the configuration based on the second setting information of the first embodiment (see FIG. 9). Components similar to those of the configuration based on the second setting information in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31b based on the eighth setting information. The difference from the configuration based on the third setting information in the first embodiment (see FIG. 10) is that a header analysis circuit 48 that performs header analysis of the search key information with header 500 sent from the transfer unit 12b, and a selection circuit 41. And a signal line 56 connecting the RAM update circuit 43 is added. Other than that, it is the same as the configuration (see FIG. 10) based on the third setting information of the first embodiment. Components similar to those of the configuration based on the third setting information in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a database update method during the search operation according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the internal configuration based on the sixth setting information (see FIG. 16) will be described as the initial operation state in the arithmetic unit 31b, but the internal configuration based on the eighth setting information (see FIG. 18). It is good also as an initial state. Further, as an initial state, it is assumed that the first built-in RAM 44 and the second built-in RAM 45 store arbitrary databases used for searching. It is assumed that the setting information changing unit 33 stores the above-described sixth setting information, seventh setting information, and eighth setting information.

  First, the initial state before database update will be described. The arithmetic unit 31b has the internal configuration of FIG. 16 based on the sixth setting information. When the header analysis circuit 48 of the arithmetic unit 31b receives the search key information with header 500 via the search path 22, it analyzes the contents of the header 501 in the search key information with header 500. Then, it is confirmed whether the RAM update instruction field 502 is a value indicating that there is no internal configuration change instruction or a value indicating the presence. Since there is no internal configuration change instruction in the initial state, a value indicating that there is no internal configuration change instruction is written in the RAM update instruction field 502.

  Upon receiving the search key information with header 500 via the search path 22, the selection circuit 41 sends the search key information 503 out of the search key information with header 500 to the first search processing circuit 42 via the circuit connection line 51. Output. The first search processing circuit 42 searches the database stored in the first built-in RAM 44 using the input search key information, and transfers the search result via the circuit connection line 52 and the search path 22. Output to unit 12b. The header-equipped search key information 500 input from the search path 22 is added with the header 501 by the transfer unit 12b as described above. In the initial state in which only the search process is performed, the transfer unit 12b sets the value of the RAM change instruction field 502 of the header 501 as a value indicating that there is no internal configuration change instruction.

  Next, the control PC 8 sends the changed data of the new database to the router 1b via the control link 9. The controller 15 converts the new database sent from the control link 9 from the data format used by the control link 9 to the data format used by the external bus 23, and outputs it to the external memory 14 via the external bus connection line 24. . The external memory 14 stores this new database.

  Next, the control PC 8 sends an internal configuration change instruction to the transfer unit 12b in the router 1b. When the transfer unit 12b receives this internal configuration change instruction, the search key information with header to which the header 501 is added with the value of the RAM update instruction field 502 of the search key information with header 500 as a value indicating that there is an internal configuration change instruction. 500 is generated. Then, the generated search key information with header 500 is sent to the device 13b via the search path 22.

  Next, the header analysis circuit 48 in the arithmetic unit 31b of the device 13b receives the search key information with header 500 via the search path 22 and analyzes the header. When it is confirmed that the RAM update instruction field 502 is a value indicating that there is an internal configuration change instruction, the internal configuration change instruction is sent to the RAM update circuit 43 using the signal line 56.

  The selection circuit 41 receives the search key information with header 500 via the search path 22, and sends the search key information 503 among the search key information with header 500 to the first search processing circuit 42 via the circuit connection line 51. Output. The first search processing circuit 42 searches the database stored in the first built-in RAM 44 using the input search key information, and outputs the search result to the multiplexing circuit 47. The multiplexing circuit 47 multiplexes the search results and outputs them to the transfer unit 12 b via the circuit connection line 52 and the search path 22.

  Next, when the RAM update circuit 43 receives the internal configuration change instruction from the header analysis circuit 48, the RAM update circuit 43 is stored in the external memory 14 via the internal bus connection line 35, the internal bus 34, the external bus connection line 24, and the external bus 23. The read new database is read out, the read new database is written into the second built-in RAM 45, and an internal configuration change instruction is given to the selection circuit 41 via the signal line 53. When the writing of the new database to the second internal RAM 45 is completed, the setting information change unit 33 is instructed to change to the seventh setting information via the setting information notification line 36. The setting information changing unit 33 reads the stored seventh setting information and sends the seventh setting information to the arithmetic unit 31b.

  Next, the arithmetic unit 31b loads the seventh setting information received from the setting information changing unit 33, and configures an internal circuit and the like (the internal configuration shown in FIG. 17) based on the seventh setting information. The selection circuit 41 switches the search key information transmission destination from the first search processing circuit 42 to the second search processing circuit 46 in accordance with the internal configuration change instruction sent from the RAM update circuit 43. When this switching is completed, the second search processing circuit 46 performs a search process on the new database held in the second built-in RAM 45.

  Next, when the processor 32 detects that the arithmetic unit 31b has loaded the seventh setting information, the search result for the search key information that was being searched by the first search processing circuit 42 from that point is the search path. After a predetermined time of about the time until the output from 22, an instruction to change the eighth setting information is sent to the setting information changing unit 33. Then, the setting information change unit 33 reads the stored eighth setting information and outputs it to the arithmetic unit 31b.

  Instead of detecting that the processor 32 has loaded the seventh setting information, the selection circuit 41 receives the internal configuration change instruction from the RAM update circuit 43, and from that time, the first search processing circuit 42 performs the search processing. The selection circuit 41 instructs the setting information changing unit 33 to change to the eighth setting information after a predetermined time of about the time until the search result for the search key information that was in the middle is output from the search path 22. You may make it send out.

  Next, the arithmetic unit 31b loads the eighth setting information received from the setting information changing unit 33, and configures an internal circuit and the like (the internal configuration shown in FIG. 18) based on the eighth setting information. Then, the search process is performed on the search key information using the second search processing circuit 46 until the control PC makes the next database change.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the transfer unit 12b adds the header 501 including the RAM update field 502 to the search key information, and instructs the internal configuration change by the value of the RAM update field 502. For this reason, it is possible to instruct the device 13b to change the internal configuration without going through the external bus 23.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the router 1c according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the router 1 of the first embodiment is replaced with the router 1c of the present embodiment in FIG. 1, and the router 1c further adds a search FIFO 16 to the above-described third embodiment, A device 13c is provided instead of 13b. Further, instead of the search path 22 of the third embodiment, a search path 26 that connects the device 13b and the search FIFO 16 and a search path 27 that connects the search FIFO 16 and the transfer unit 12b are added. Except for these differences, the configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment. Components having the same functions as those in the first or third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the transfer unit 12b generates the search key information with header 500 by adding the header 501 to the search key information extracted from the received frame. The format and contents of the search key information with header 500 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the search key information with header 500 generated by the transfer unit 12b is output to the device 13c after passing through the search FIFO 16 via the search path. The search result from the device 13c is output to the transfer unit 12b via the search path 27.

  In this embodiment, the ratio of the search processing capability when the database is being updated and when only normal search processing is being performed is 1: 2. The search FIFO 16 is a storage unit for preventing the search key information from overflowing during the database update in which the search processing capability of the device 13c is lower than that of the normal search process. The search FIFO 16 sequentially stores the search key information with header 500 output from the transfer unit 12b, and outputs the search key information with header 500 to the device 13c in the stored order. In order to prevent processing overflow of the search key information with header 500 due to a decrease in search processing capability, the search FIFO 16 causes the header analysis circuit 48 when, for example, output of search results from the output search key information with header 500 stops. The output of the search key information with header 500 is stopped, and the search key information with header 500 that is not output until the start of output of the search result is held.

  Next, an internal configuration based on the setting information of the device 13c will be described with an example. The functional configuration of the device 13c of the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment except that the arithmetic unit 31b of the third embodiment is replaced with the arithmetic unit 31c.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31c based on the ninth setting information. The configuration of FIG. 20 is obtained by replacing the selection circuit 41 with a distribution circuit 49 in the configuration based on the seventh setting information of the third embodiment (see FIG. 17).

  The distribution circuit 49 outputs the input search key information 503 to the first search processing circuit 42 or the second search processing circuit 46 in a round robin manner.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31c based on the tenth setting information. The configuration of FIG. 21 is obtained by replacing the selection circuit 41 with a distribution circuit 49 in the configuration based on the sixth setting information of the third embodiment (see FIG. 16).

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 31c based on the eleventh setting information. The configuration of FIG. 22 is obtained by replacing the selection circuit 41 with a distribution circuit 49 in the configuration based on the eighth setting information of the third embodiment (see FIG. 18).

  Next, a database update method during the search operation of this embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, as an example, when updating the database, the ninth setting information (see FIG. 20) ⇒ the tenth setting information (see FIG. 21) ⇒ the ninth setting information (see FIG. 20). ⇒ The procedure for loading in the order of eleventh setting information (see FIG. 22) will be described, but the ninth setting information (see FIG. 20) ⇒ eleventh setting information (see FIG. 22) ⇒ ninth setting information ( The load may be performed in the order of the tenth setting information (see FIG. 21). As an initial state, it is assumed that the first built-in RAM 44 and the second built-in RAM 45 store any identical database used for search. It is assumed that the setting information changing unit 33 stores the ninth setting information, the tenth setting information, and the eleventh setting information.

  First, the initial state before database update will be described. The arithmetic unit 31c has the internal configuration of FIG. 20 based on the ninth setting information. When the header analysis circuit 48 of the arithmetic unit 31 c receives the search key information with header 500 via the search path 22, it analyzes the header 501. Then, it is confirmed that the RAM update instruction field 502 is a value indicating that there is no internal configuration change instruction.

  The distribution circuit 49 sends the search key information 503 output from the header analysis circuit 48 to the first search processing circuit 42 via the circuit connection line 51 or via the circuit connection line 54 in a round robin manner. To the second search processing circuit 46. The first search processing circuit 42 and the second search processing circuit 46 use the search key information 503 output from the distribution circuit 49 to store the databases stored in the first internal RAM 44 and the second internal RAM 45, respectively. The search result is output to the multiplexing circuit 47. The multiplexing circuit 47 multiplexes the search results output from the first search processing circuit 42 and the second search processing circuit 46 and outputs them to the transfer unit 12 b via the search path 27.

  Here, the difference from the third embodiment is that two search circuits of the first search processing circuit 42 and the second search processing circuit 46 are used as an internal configuration based on the ninth setting information. Due to this difference, the search processing capability can be doubled as compared with the first to third embodiments.

  Next, the control PC 8 sends the changed data of the new database to the router 1c via the control link 9. The controller 15 converts the new database sent from the control link 9 from the data format used by the control link 9 to the data format used by the external bus 23, and outputs it to the external memory 14 via the external bus connection line 24. . The external memory 14 stores this new database.

  Next, the control PC 8 sends an internal configuration change instruction to the transfer unit 12b in the router 1c. When the transfer unit 12b receives this internal configuration change instruction, the search key information with header to which the header 501 is added with the value of the RAM update instruction field 502 of the search key information with header 500 as a value indicating that there is an internal configuration change instruction. 500 is generated. Then, the generated search key information with header 500 is output to the device 13c via the search path 26 and the search FIFO 16.

  Next, when the header analysis circuit 48 in the arithmetic unit 31c of the device 13c receives the search key information with header 500 via the search path 26, the header analysis circuit 48 analyzes the header 501. When it is confirmed that the RAM update instruction field 502 in the header 501 has a value indicating that there is an internal configuration change instruction, a search key distribution stop instruction is sent to the distribution circuit 49 using the signal line 56. .

  When the distribution circuit 49 receives the search key information with header 500 via the search path 26, the distribution key 49 receives the search key information 503 from the search key information with header 500 via the circuit connection line 51 by the round robin method. The data is output to the search processing circuit 42 or the second search processing circuit 46 via the circuit connection line 54. The first search processing circuit 42 and the second search processing circuit 46 use the search key information 503 output from the distribution circuit 49 to store the databases stored in the first internal RAM 44 and the second internal RAM 45, respectively. The search result is output to the multiplexing circuit 47. The multiplexing circuit 47 multiplexes the search results output from the first search processing circuit 42 and the second search processing circuit 46 and outputs them to the transfer unit 12 b via the search path 27.

  The distribution circuit 49 that has received the distribution stop instruction from the header analysis circuit 48 stops the distribution of the search key information 503 to the second search processing circuit 46 and sends the search key information 503 only to the first search processing circuit 42. To do. Then, after an elapse of an arbitrary predetermined time such that the search result for the search key 503 that was being searched by the second search processing circuit 46 is output, the distribution circuit 49 sends the tenth information to the setting information change unit 33. Sends an internal configuration change instruction to the setting information. The setting information changing unit 33 reads the stored tenth setting information and sends the tenth setting information to the arithmetic unit 31c.

  Next, the arithmetic unit 31c loads the tenth setting information received from the setting information change unit 33, and configures an internal circuit and the like (the internal configuration shown in FIG. 21) based on the tenth setting information.

  Next, the RAM update circuit 43 reads a new database stored in the external memory 14 via the internal bus connection line 35, the internal bus 34, the external bus connection line 24, and the external bus 23, and stores it in the second internal RAM 45. Write the new database that was read. When the writing of the new database to the second built-in RAM 45 is completed, a search processing circuit change instruction is sent to the distribution circuit 49 using the signal line 53, and to the setting information change unit 33 via the setting information notification line 36. The internal configuration change instruction to the ninth setting information is sent out.

  Next, the arithmetic unit 31c loads the ninth setting information received from the setting information change unit 33, and configures an internal circuit and the like (the internal configuration shown in FIG. 20) based on the ninth setting information.

  The distribution circuit 49 that has received the search processing circuit change instruction stops distributing the search key information 503 to the first search processing circuit 42 and sends the search key information 503 to the second search processing circuit 46. Then, after an arbitrary predetermined time has passed so that a search result for the search key 503 that was being searched by the first search processing circuit 42 has elapsed, the distribution circuit 49 sends the eleventh to the setting information change unit 33. Sends an internal configuration change instruction to the setting information. The setting information change unit 33 reads the eleventh setting information stored therein and sends the eleventh setting information to the arithmetic unit 31c.

  Next, the arithmetic unit 31c loads the eleventh setting information received from the setting information change unit 33, and configures an internal circuit and the like (the internal configuration shown in FIG. 22) based on the eleventh setting information.

  Next, the RAM update circuit 43 reads a new database stored in the external memory 14 via the internal bus connection line 35, the internal bus 34, the external bus connection line 24, and the external bus 23, and stores it in the first internal RAM 44. Write the new database that was read. When the writing of the new database to the second built-in RAM 45 is completed, a search processing circuit change instruction is sent to the distribution circuit 49 using the signal line 53, and the setting information change unit is further sent via the setting information notification line 36. An internal configuration change instruction for the ninth setting information is sent to 33.

  Next, the arithmetic unit 31c loads the ninth setting information received from the setting information change unit 33, and configures an internal circuit and the like (the internal configuration shown in FIG. 20) based on the ninth setting information.

  Further, the distribution circuit 49 that has received the search processing circuit change instruction outputs the search information key 503 to the first search processing circuit 42 or the second search processing circuit 46 by the line-robin method as in the initial state. . Until the control PC 8 changes the next database, the search key information is searched using the two search processing circuits of the first search processing circuit 42 and the second search processing circuit 46 by the land robin method. I do.

  In the present embodiment, the selection circuit 41 of the third embodiment is changed to the distribution circuit 49 and the search FIFO 16 is added to the router 1c. For example, in the first or second embodiment, the selection circuit 41 is similarly distributed. Instead of the circuit 49, a search FIFO 16 may be added to use two search processing circuits of the first search processing circuit 42 and the second search processing circuit 46 in the normal processing by the land robin method.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, during normal search processing (except when the database is changed), search processing is performed using two search processing circuits, the first search processing circuit 42 and the second search processing circuit 46. I did it. For this reason, at the time of normal search processing, the processing capability can be doubled compared to the first to third embodiments.

Embodiment 5.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the arithmetic unit 31d based on the twelfth setting information of the fifth embodiment of the search device according to the present invention. Also in the present embodiment, a device mounted on a router as a search device will be described as an example. The router of the present embodiment is the same as the router 1b shown in FIG. 13 of the third embodiment. The network configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the functional configuration of the device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 14 except that the arithmetic unit 31b is replaced with the arithmetic unit 31d.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the arithmetic unit 31d based on the twelfth setting information of the present embodiment is replaced with the arithmetic unit 31c based on the ninth setting information of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. An internal search FIFO 50 is added. Hereinafter, parts similar to those in the first, third, or fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted, and parts different from those in the first, third, or fourth embodiment are described.

  The in-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 is provided for the same purpose as the search FIFO 16 of the fourth embodiment, and the search key information overflows during the database update in which the search processing capability in the device 13d is lower than the normal search processing. It is a storage means for preventing. The intra-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 sequentially stores the search key information with header 500 output from the search path 22, and outputs the search key information with header 500 in the order stored in the header analysis circuit 48. In order to prevent processing overflow of the search key information with header 500 due to a decrease in search processing capability, for example, after the search result for the output search key information with header 500 is output, the next search key information with header 500 is output.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the arithmetic unit 31d based on the thirteenth setting information of the present embodiment. The difference from the arithmetic unit 31c based on the tenth setting information of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 21 is that an intra-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 is added.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the arithmetic unit 31d based on the fourteenth setting information of the present embodiment. The difference from the arithmetic unit 31c based on the eleventh setting information of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 22 is that an intra-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 is added.

  Next, a database update method during the search operation of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as an example, when updating the database, the twelfth setting information (see FIG. 23) ⇒ the thirteenth setting information (see FIG. 24) ⇒ the twelfth setting information (see FIG. 23). ⇒ The procedure for loading in the order of the 14th setting information (see FIG. 25) will be described, but the 12th setting information (see FIG. 23) ⇒ 14th setting information (see FIG. 25) ⇒ 12th setting information ( 23) ⇒The 13th setting information (see FIG. 24) may be loaded in this order. As an initial state, it is assumed that the first built-in RAM 44 and the second built-in RAM 45 store any identical database used for search. It is assumed that the setting information changing unit 33 stores the above-described twelfth setting information, thirteenth setting information, and fourteenth setting information. In the following, only the parts different from the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment will be described, but other processes are the same as those in the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment.

  First, the initial state before database update will be described. The arithmetic unit 31d has the internal configuration of FIG. 23 based on the twelfth setting information. The search key information with header 500 input from the search path 22 is temporarily stored in the search FIFO 50 within the arithmetic unit, and the search key information with header 500 is output to the header analysis circuit 48 in the stored order. When the header analysis circuit 48 receives the search key information with header 500 via the search path 22, the header analysis circuit 48 analyzes the header 501. Then, it is confirmed that the RAM update instruction field 502 is a value indicating that there is no internal configuration change instruction.

  The distribution circuit 49 receives the search key information with header 500 received via the search path 22, and searches the search key information 503 of the search key information with header 500 via the circuit connection line 51 by the round robin method. The data is output to the first search processing circuit 42 or to the second search processing circuit 46 via the circuit connection line 54. The first search processing circuit 42 and the second search processing circuit 46 use the search key information 503 output from the distribution circuit 49 to store the databases stored in the first internal RAM 44 and the second internal RAM 45, respectively. The search result is output to the multiplexing circuit 47. The multiplexing circuit 47 multiplexes the search results output from the first search processing circuit 42 and the second search processing circuit 46 and outputs them to the transfer unit 12 b via the search path 27.

  The difference from the fourth embodiment is that, instead of the search FIFO 16, the intra-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 stores the header-attached search key information 500 and sequentially outputs it, but the other points are the same as in the fourth embodiment. It becomes operation. Also for the procedure for changing the internal configuration when the database is changed, the ninth setting information (see FIG. 20) according to the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 20) ⇒ the tenth setting information (see FIG. 21) ⇒ the ninth setting information (see FIG. 20) ⇒ This is the same as the eleventh setting information (see FIG. 22). However, in this process, instead of the search FIFO 16, the intra-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 stores the search key information 500 with a header.

  Thus, if the intra-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 is provided in the arithmetic unit 31d, it can be configured in the memory and the arithmetic unit originally provided in the arithmetic unit 31d. Therefore, the number of parts is the same as in the third embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced because it is not necessary to provide the search FIFO 16 in the router 1c as compared with the fourth embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the intra-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 is always provided. However, as in the case of the RAM update circuit 43 of the second embodiment, the circuit is used except when updating the database (during normal inspection bad processing). May not be provided. In this way, power consumption can be reduced. In that case, at the time of normal search processing, the header analysis circuit 48 receives the search key information with header 500 from the search path 22 without going through the intra-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 as in the third embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the selection circuit 41 of the third embodiment is replaced with the distribution circuit 49 and the intra-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 is added. However, in the first or second embodiment, the selection circuit 41 is similarly replaced with the distribution circuit 49. Instead, the same operation may be performed by adding an intra-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the in-arithmetic unit search FIFO 50 is provided in the arithmetic unit 31d. For this reason, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the fourth embodiment.

  As described above, the search circuit according to the present invention is useful for data processing that performs data search, and is particularly suitable for an information communication system that updates a search database without interrupting search processing.

It is a figure which shows the network structure of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a router according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an Ethernet (trademark) frame format. It is a figure which shows the format of an IPv4 header. It is a figure which shows the format of a TCP header. It is a figure which shows the format of a UDP header. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on first setting information according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on second setting information according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on third setting information according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on fourth setting information according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on fifth setting information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a router according to a third embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a device according to a third embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows the format of search key information with a header. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on sixth setting information according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on seventh setting information according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on eighth setting information according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a router according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on ninth setting information according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on tenth setting information according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on eleventh setting information according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on twelfth setting information according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on thirteenth setting information according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an arithmetic unit based on fourteenth setting information according to the fifth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1b, 1c Router 2 PC terminal 3 Internet 4 Server group 5 Access point 6 Wireless terminal 7 Intranet 8 Control PC
9 Control link 10 Link 11 Transmission / reception unit 12, 12b Transfer unit 13, 13b, 13c, 13d Device 14 External memory 15 Controller 16 Search FIFO
21 Transfer path 22, 26, 27 Search path 23 External bus 24 External bus connection line 31, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d Arithmetic unit 32 Processor 33 Setting information change unit 34 Internal bus 35 Internal bus connection line 36 Setting information notification line 37 Connection line 41 selection circuit 42 first search processing circuit 43 RAM update circuit 44 first built-in RAM
45 Second built-in RAM
46 Second search processing circuit 47 Multiplexing circuit 48 Header analysis circuit 49 Distribution circuit 50 Intra-unit search FIFO
51, 52 Circuit connection line 53, 56 Signal line 54 Circuit connection line 55 Circuit connection line 100 Ethernet (registered trademark) frame 101 MAC header 102 IPv4 packet 103 FCS
104 IPv4 header 105 TCP header 106 UDP header 201 TOS field 202 Total length 203 Identifier 204 Flag 205 Fragment offset 206 Protocol 207 Source IP address 208 Destination IP address 301 Source port number 302 Destination port number 303 Sequence number 304 Confirmation response number 401 Source port number 402 Destination port number 500 Search key information with header 501 Header 502 RAM update instruction field 503 Search key information

Claims (16)

A search device having a function of searching a search database based on search key information,
Computation means composed of a plurality of computing units and memories, and operates by constructing an internal configuration based on setting information that is configuration data for each component;
A plurality of setting information for constructing an internal configuration including a memory for storing the search database and a search processing circuit for realizing the search function is stored, and the designated setting information is stored in the computing means. Setting information changing means to be transmitted;
Control means for notifying the arithmetic means of an internal configuration change instruction when there is an update request for the search database from the outside;
With
The computing means is
For the period in which only search processing is executed, one memory and search processing circuit are operated by an internal configuration based on specific setting information,
When the internal change instruction is received or when an update of the search database is detected by itself, the updated search database is written to a memory other than the memory being searched, and the specific database Based on setting information other than the setting information, the internal processing is changed to an internal configuration capable of executing search processing for the updated search database while maintaining the search processing,
A search device, wherein search processing is continued while changing an internal configuration in accordance with the update of the database. The computing means is
As an initial state, a first internal configuration in which a first search processing circuit performs a search process on a first memory in which a search database is stored, based on first setting information corresponding to the specific setting information Build
When the internal configuration change instruction is received or when the update of the search database is detected by itself, the updated search database is written in the second memory, and then corresponds to the other setting information. A second search processing circuit capable of executing a search process on the second memory while maintaining a configuration for realizing the search process on the first memory based on the second setting information; Build the internal configuration of
In a state in which the first search processing circuit constructed in the initial state is not included based on the third setting information corresponding to the specific setting information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the construction of the second internal configuration. And constructing a third internal configuration in which the second search processing circuit performs search processing on the second memory,
Thereafter, each time the search database is updated, the process of writing the updated search database into the other memory other than the memory being searched, and the first internal configuration or the third internal configuration from the second internal configuration The search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search process is continued by repeating the transition to the internal configuration of the search. The first internal configuration further includes the second memory other than the first memory being searched, and a RAM that detects an update of the search database and writes the updated search database to the second memory. An update circuit,
The third internal configuration further includes a first memory other than the second memory being searched, and a RAM that detects an update of the search database and writes the updated search database to the first memory. An update circuit,
3. The search device according to claim 2, wherein when the RAM update circuit detects an update of the search database, the updated search database is written to the corresponding first memory or second memory. . The first internal configuration further includes the second memory other than the first memory being searched,
The third internal configuration further includes the first memory other than the second memory being searched,
When the internal configuration change instruction is received, the first internal configuration and the third internal configuration are changed to an internal configuration including a RAM update circuit for updating the search database, and the RAM configuration circuit corresponds to the internal configuration change instruction. 3. The search device according to claim 2, wherein the updated search database is written in the first memory or the second memory. The second internal configuration further includes a selection circuit that selects any one search processing circuit as an output destination of the search information key,
The selection circuit updates the output destination of the search information key from one search processing circuit during the search processing at the timing of the search key information break so that the search key information is not interrupted and sent to the search processing circuit. 5. The search apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the subsequent search database is switched to the other search processing circuit capable of searching. A search device having a function of searching a search database based on search key information,
Computation means composed of a plurality of computing units and memories, and operates by constructing an internal configuration based on setting information that is configuration data for each component;
A plurality of setting information for constructing an internal configuration including a memory for storing the search database and a search processing circuit for realizing the search function is stored, and the designated setting information is stored in the computing means. Setting information changing means to be transmitted;
Control means for notifying the arithmetic means of an internal configuration change instruction when there is an update request for the search database from the outside;
With
The computing means is
For the period in which only search processing is executed, an internal configuration is built that includes two or more memories that store the same search database and search processing circuits that individually correspond to each memory, based on specific setting information The search process is executed while appropriately switching the search processing circuit,
When the internal change instruction is received or when the update of the search database is detected by itself, based on the setting information other than the specific setting information, while continuing the search process by the search database, A process for changing the internal configuration to which at least one search processing circuit has been deleted, and a process for writing the updated search database to the memory corresponding to the deleted search processing circuit, for a search after updating all the memories Run until you write the database,
After that, by changing to the internal configuration based on the specific setting information, the search process in the period is executed,
Thereafter, the search device continues the search process while changing the internal configuration in accordance with the update of the database. The computing means is
As an initial state, based on the first setting information corresponding to the specific setting information, the search process is performed on the first search processing circuit that performs the search process on the first memory or the second memory. Selecting a second search processing circuit as appropriate, and constructing a first internal configuration in which the selected search processing circuit performs search processing on a search database stored in a corresponding memory;
When receiving the internal configuration change instruction or when detecting an update of the search database by itself,
The search processing by the second search processing circuit is stopped, the second search processing circuit is deleted based on the second setting information corresponding to the other setting information, and the first search processing circuit is Constructing a second internal configuration for performing a search process on the first memory, and then writing an updated search database in the second memory;
Further, the first internal configuration based on the first setting information is constructed, a second search processing circuit corresponding to a second memory in which the updated search database is written is operated, and the first The search processing by the first search processing circuit is stopped, the first search processing circuit is deleted based on the third setting information corresponding to the other setting information, and the second search processing circuit Building a third internal configuration for performing a search process on the memory, and then writing the updated search database to the first memory;
Further, the first internal configuration based on the first setting information is constructed, the search processing circuit appropriately selected performs search processing on the search database stored in the corresponding memory,
The search device according to claim 6, wherein the search process is continued by repeating the transition of the internal configuration every time the search database is updated. The first internal configuration is further instructed when the output destination of the search information key is switched between the first search processing circuit and the second search processing circuit and a distribution stop instruction is received. A distribution circuit for stopping output of the search information key to the search processing circuit or the second search processing circuit,
The second internal configuration further includes a RAM update circuit that detects an update of the search database and writes the updated search database to the second memory, and the distribution circuit,
The third internal configuration further includes a RAM update circuit that detects an update of the search database and writes the updated search database to the first memory, and the distribution circuit,
When the RAM update circuit receives the internal configuration instruction or detects an update of the search database, it instructs the distribution circuit to stop distributing the search information key to the corresponding search processing circuit,
In the initial state, the distribution circuit switches the output destination of the search information key in a round robin manner, and stops outputting the search information key to the corresponding search processing circuit according to the distribution stop instruction from the RAM update circuit. The search device according to claim 7, wherein the search device is characterized. The first internal configuration is:
A FIFO memory for storing the search information keys and outputting the search information keys to a distribution circuit in the order of storage;
Further comprising
9. The search apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the FIFO memory changes a search information key output frequency according to a search processing speed. The search key information is set as search key information with a header indicating the presence or absence of an internal configuration change instruction,
The search device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the computing means analyzes a header of search key information to check whether there is an internal configuration change instruction.   The search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information changing unit creates the plurality of setting information according to an instruction of setting information from the control unit.   The search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information changing unit creates and updates the plurality of setting information based on an external input. The updated search database is stored in an external memory outside the device,
The search device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit acquires the updated search database from the external memory.   A data processing apparatus comprising the search device according to claim 1. The search device according to claim 7;
A FIFO memory for storing the search information keys and outputting the search information keys to a distribution circuit in the order of storage;
With
The data processing apparatus, wherein the FIFO memory changes a search information key output frequency according to a search processing speed. A search method for performing a process of searching a search database based on search key information,
A setting information storage step for storing a plurality of setting information for constructing an internal configuration including a memory for storing the search database and a search processing circuit for realizing the search processing;
For the period in which only the search processing is performed, a search processing step of performing search processing by operating one memory and a search processing circuit with an internal configuration based on specific setting information;
When the internal change instruction is received or when the update of the search database is detected by itself, an internal structure change instruction step for notifying the internal structure change instruction;
An update data storage step of writing an updated search database to a memory other than the memory being searched when the internal configuration change instruction is notified;
After completion of the update data storage step, based on setting information other than the specific setting information, the internal processing is changed to an internal configuration capable of executing search processing for the updated search database while maintaining the search processing. A search process step at the time of performing a search process for a predetermined time; and
An internal configuration re-changing step for constructing an internal configuration for performing only the search processing after the update-time search processing step is completed;
Including
A search method characterized by repeating the search processing step, the internal configuration change instruction step, the update data storage step, the update time search processing step, and the internal configuration rechange step according to the update of the database.

Images