JP2009188655A - Communication control method, information processing system, information processor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adequately assign a communication bandwidth of relevant communication in accordance with a priority preset for communication and a communicating condition of the entire network in an information processing system. <P>SOLUTION: In a communication control method of information processing system including a plurality of information processors connected for communication via the network, the information processor transmits, prior to starting communication with the other information processors, a bandwidth assigning request to request a communication bandwidth for the relevant communication, together with a priority of the relevant communication, to a particular information processor among the plurality of information processors. The particular information processor receives the bandwidth assigning request and stores the priority of each current communication on the network. Upon reception of the bandwidth assigning request, the particular information processor determines, moreover, the communication bandwidth to be assigned to the relevant bandwidth assigning request by comparing the priority included in the relevant bandwidth assigning request with the stored priority of the other communication and transmits the determined communication bandwidth to the information processor having transmitted the request. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication control method, an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and a program. In particular, the communication bandwidth of the communication can be appropriately allocated according to the priority set for communication and the communication status of the entire network. The present invention relates to a communication control method, an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and a program.

  As high-performance network devices are becoming more widespread, for example, even in general homes, there are cases where a so-called home LAN is constructed by connecting a plurality of personal computers with a high-speed LAN such as 1000BASE-T. ing. There is also a rapid movement to connect home appliances that have been used alone, such as TVs and video recorders, via a network to further improve convenience. Video data, etc. will be added to these devices in the future. When a configuration in which storage such as NAS (Network Attached Storage) for storing large volumes of data is connected to multiple home LANs and video images are freely accessible from each device will be introduced to many homes. It is considered.

  In the environment as described above, various data transfer processes such as various types of inter-device control signal data, video data, streaming data, and the like are performed at any time between computers equipped with a large-capacity storage. It is necessary to adjust the communication bandwidth between each data transfer process so that the data transfer process can be performed quickly and reliably.

  For example, a data packet transferred to prevent data stored due to a failure of a specific storage device from being lost (data loss occurs) is discarded because sufficient communication bandwidth cannot be secured. When the data packet is retransmitted as a result, it takes a long time to complete the data transfer process, and the possibility of data loss due to the failure is increased. It is also anxious to prevent such a situation and avoid data loss.

For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe techniques for appropriately controlling communication on a computer network. Patent Document 1 includes a packet priority set according to the importance of data to be transmitted and a service program for executing packet flow control according to the priority, etc. The method to do is proposed. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 is a setting in which the setting priority of all routers is initially set to a normal priority and then the setting priority of a router that connects to a specific server and forwards packets transmitted by the router is changed to a specified priority. A network priority transfer setting device is proposed that includes a changing unit and is controlled by a router based on the changed priority data. Patent Document 3 proposes a method of setting IP packet priorities for each session in the Internet and controlling transmission / reception of IP packets by a router based on the priorities.
JP 2003-124988 A JP 2002-84314 A JP 2001-333103 A

  The techniques described in these documents set priority for each data transfer process and communication session, and perform priority control based on the priority. In order to communicate reliably between information processing devices such as a large number of computers connected to the network, not only the priority of each data transfer and communication session itself associated with the communication is set, but also the communication is set. It is desired to appropriately allocate the communication bandwidth of the communication according to the priority and the communication status of the entire network.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above and other problems, and prior to the start of communication between information processing apparatuses, the priority set for the communication, the communication status of the entire network, and the like. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication control method, an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and a program that can appropriately allocate the communication bandwidth of the communication.

In order to achieve the above and other objects, one aspect of the present invention provides:
A communication control method in an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices that are communicably connected via a network,
The information processing apparatus is
Prior to starting communication with the other information processing apparatus, a bandwidth allocation request for requesting a communication bandwidth for the communication is issued to a specific information processing apparatus in the plurality of information processing apparatuses. , Send with the priority set for that communication,
The specific information processing apparatus is
Receiving the bandwidth allocation request;
Storing the priority set for each communication currently being performed on the network;
When receiving the bandwidth allocation request, the communication bandwidth to be allocated to the bandwidth allocation request by comparing the priority included in the bandwidth allocation request with the priority of other communication storing the priority. Decide
The determined communication bandwidth is transmitted to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the bandwidth allocation request.

Another aspect of the present invention is as follows:
A communication control method in an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices communicably connected via a network including a first network and a second network,
The information processing apparatus is
Prior to starting communication with the other information processing apparatus, a bandwidth allocation request for requesting a communication bandwidth for the communication is issued to a specific information processing apparatus in the plurality of information processing apparatuses. , Send with the priority set for that communication,
The specific information processing apparatus is
Receiving the bandwidth allocation request;
Storing the priority set for each communication currently being performed on the network;
When the bandwidth allocation request is received, the communication bandwidth allocated to the bandwidth allocation request is determined by comparing the priority included in the bandwidth allocation request with the priority of another communication storing the priority. Decide
Assigning the communication bandwidth of the first network as a default in the determination, assigning the communication bandwidth of the second network when the communication bandwidth of the first network cannot be assigned,
The determined communication bandwidth is transmitted to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the bandwidth allocation request.

  According to the present invention, prior to the start of communication between information processing apparatuses, the communication bandwidth of the communication is appropriately allocated according to the priority set for the communication and the communication status of the entire network. be able to.

From the description of this specification and the drawings, at least the following matters are made clear.
1st invention is the communication control method in the information processing system comprised including the several information processing apparatus connected so that communication was possible via a network,
The information processing apparatus is
Prior to starting communication with the other information processing apparatus, a bandwidth allocation request for requesting a communication bandwidth for the communication is issued to a specific information processing apparatus in the plurality of information processing apparatuses. , Send with the priority set for that communication,
The specific information processing apparatus is
Receiving the bandwidth allocation request;
Storing the priority set for each communication currently being performed on the network;
When receiving the bandwidth allocation request, the communication bandwidth to be allocated to the bandwidth allocation request by comparing the priority included in the bandwidth allocation request with the priority of other communication storing the priority. Decide
The determined communication bandwidth is transmitted to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the bandwidth allocation request.

  According to the present invention, prior to the start of communication between information processing apparatuses, the communication bandwidth of the communication is appropriately allocated according to the priority set for the communication and the communication status of the entire network. be able to.

  According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus for setting the communication bandwidth is not necessarily a router, and may be an arbitrary information processing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately allocate a communication bandwidth for communication within the same network (a network constituted only by a switch and a hub) that does not pass through a router.

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the priority is set according to the urgency or purpose of the communication.
According to the present invention, a communication bandwidth can be appropriately allocated according to the urgency or purpose of each communication.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the priority is higher in priority than communication performed for other purposes with respect to communication of a control signal for controlling data transfer performed between the information processing apparatuses. A bandwidth is set so as to be allocated.
According to the present invention, it is possible to allocate a communication bandwidth with priority over communication performed for other purposes with respect to communication of control signals having a high degree of urgency and importance for data maintenance and the like.

According to a fourth invention, in the first invention, the bandwidth allocation request includes information specifying a communication bandwidth of the communication to be started, and the specific information processing apparatus A communication bandwidth to be allocated to the bandwidth allocation request is determined in accordance with information specifying a width.
According to the present invention, a communication bandwidth can be allocated according to a requested communication bandwidth.

According to a fifth aspect, in the first aspect, the specific information processing apparatus determines whether the communication to be started is performed in a bandwidth sharing type or a band occupation type. The communication bandwidth to be allocated to the allocation request is determined.
According to the present invention, a communication bandwidth can be allocated according to a communication form (network form).

In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, when the specific information processing apparatus needs to change the communication bandwidth of another communication currently being performed when determining the communication bandwidth, Information indicating the changed communication bandwidth is transmitted to the information processing apparatus performing other communication.
According to the present invention, since notification is made only when the communication bandwidth is changed, the amount of communication can be minimized.

A seventh invention is a communication control method in an information processing system configured to include a plurality of information processing devices communicably connected via a network including a first network and a second network,
The information processing apparatus is
Prior to starting communication with the other information processing apparatus, a bandwidth allocation request for requesting a communication bandwidth for the communication is issued to a specific information processing apparatus in the plurality of information processing apparatuses. , Send with the priority set for that communication,
The specific information processing apparatus is
Receiving the bandwidth allocation request;
Storing the priority set for each communication currently being performed on the network;
When the bandwidth allocation request is received, the communication bandwidth allocated to the bandwidth allocation request is determined by comparing the priority included in the bandwidth allocation request with the priority of another communication storing the priority. Decide
Assigning the communication bandwidth of the first network as a default in the determination, assigning the communication bandwidth of the second network when the communication bandwidth of the first network cannot be assigned,
The determined communication bandwidth is transmitted to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the bandwidth allocation request.
According to the present invention, when the communication bandwidth of the first network cannot be allocated, the communication bandwidth of the second network is used. For this reason, it is possible to prevent communication interruption and communication speed reduction due to congestion of the first network.

  The eighth invention is a system for realizing the communication control method according to the first invention, the ninth invention and the tenth invention are respectively a specific information processing apparatus and a program used therefor in the first invention, Each has the effect corresponding to the first invention.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a network to which a communication control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As such a network, for example, a closed network such as a so-called home LAN can be specifically considered. The network of the present embodiment includes two LANs, LAN1 (first network) and LAN2 (second network), to which server computers S1 to S4 as information processing apparatuses are connected. Also connected to the LAN 1 are client computers C1 to C3 as information processing apparatuses that use services provided by the server computers S1 to S4. As will be described later, such connection by two LANs is not an essential configuration for the present invention.

  LAN1 and LAN2 include 1000BASE-T standard network, IEEE802.3z compliant network using optical fiber, wired network such as PLC (Power Line Communication), or network compliant with IEEE802.11a ordinarily called wireless LAN In general, it includes all networks that can be used for communication between computers.

  Also, from the viewpoint of network usage, data transmission between nodes is performed by occupying the communication band (line itself) between them (hereinafter referred to as “band occupation” type) and communication bandwidth between nodes. Any of those shared by a plurality of data transfer channels (hereinafter referred to as “bandwidth sharing” type) may be included. From such a classification, the 1000BASE-T standard network and the IEEE802.3z compliant network are band-occupied, and the PLC and wireless LAN are band-sharing.

  In the present embodiment of FIG. 1, for example, the LAN 1 connecting the server computers S1 to S4 and the client computers C1 to C3 is a bandwidth sharing network such as a wireless LAN, and the LAN 2 connecting only the server computers S1 to S4 is 1000BASE. Although the present invention is described as being a band-occupied network such as -T, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. In the configuration shown in the figure, the networks LAN1 and LAN2 are completely independent of other networks. However, the configuration for connecting to other networks such as the Internet is not excluded. Each network LAN1 and LAN2 includes a router or the like. Network equipment may also be included.

  The server computers S1 to S4 are, for example, NAS (Network Attached Storage) servers and video servers having a large-capacity storage device, and the client computers C1 to C3 are general personal computers, portable video display terminals, It includes existing so-called Internet home appliances such as large-screen TVs and video recorders and various devices that can be connected to a home LAN in the future.

  Data transfer related to various services between the client computers C1 to C3 and each of the server computers S1 to S4 (for example, video data reading and streaming from the video server, data storage to the NAS server) is performed only through the LAN1, and the server computer S1 Data transfer between .about.S4 can be performed through both LAN1 and LAN2.

  For data transfer between server computers, data transfer that occurs due to rebuilding of RAID (Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks) composed of multiple storage devices managed by the NAS server, or a failure or failure is expected Transfer for saving data from the storage device to the normal storage device.

  Data maintenance is necessary to prevent loss of data (data lost) stored in the storage devices connected to the networks LAN1 and LAN2 of this embodiment, such as rebuilding the RAID and saving data with urgency. Includes all possible data transfer processes.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server computers S1 to S4 connected to the networks LAN1 and LAN2 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, each of the server computers S1 to S4 is a computer having a general network connection function, and the CPU 204, the flash memory 206, the main memory 208, the cache memory 210, the storage interface 212, the One network interface 214 and a second network interface 216 are connected to each other.

  The communication control program and other service programs according to this embodiment are stored in a storage device (not shown) connected via the storage interface 212, and are read out in a timely manner, and the CPU 204, flash memory 206, and main memory 208 are read out. Executed by the cache memory 210. In the server computers S1 to S4 of the present embodiment, for example, the first network interface 214 and the second network interface 216 are each a LAN card as hardware, and the LAN 1 is the second network interface 214. The LAN 2 is connected to each network interface 216.

  When the power of the server computer is turned on, the CPU 204 reads the activation program stored in the flash memory 206 via the internal bus 202, and according to the activation program, the main memory 208, the cache memory 210, the storage interface 212, the first network The interface 214 and the second network interface 216 are initialized.

  Next, the CPU 204 stores the remaining programs from a storage device (not shown) in the main memory 208 via the storage interface 212. By loading a program for causing the main memory 208 to execute the communication control method according to the present embodiment from the storage device, each functional block described later is realized. The main memory 208 also includes a priority table 500 including the priority used in the method of the present embodiment, a communication purpose table 600 for storing the purpose of communication, and a communication band for communication currently being performed in the networks LAN1 and LAN2. A communication management table 700 as a communication management unit that stores the width and the like is stored.

  In the present invention, any one of the server computers S1 to S4 serves as the adjustment computer 300 (specific information processing apparatus) that adjusts the communication bandwidth allocated for communication between the server computers S1 to S4. On the other hand, any one of the server computers S1 to S4 (information processing apparatus) that is a transmission source of communication is going to perform communication as a bandwidth allocation request to the adjustment computer 300 before starting the communication. The control data including the priority etc. is transmitted. Each of the server computers S1 to S4 connected to the networks LAN1 and LAN2 in FIG. 1 can be the adjustment computer 300 and can also be a transmission source computer. However, this does not exclude the provision of a computer that always functions as the adjustment computer 300 on the networks LAN1 and LAN2.

  Here, the function of the adjustment computer 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of functional blocks of the adjustment computer 300 in the present embodiment. The adjustment computer 300, which is a specific one of the server computers S1 to S4, includes a CPU 302 that performs arithmetic processing, and a memory 304 that is used for temporary storage of processing programs and processing data (this includes the main memory 208 in FIG. 2 and the like). Communication function with other server computers S1 to S4 and client computers C1 to C3, and a bandwidth allocation request receiving unit 308, a communication management unit 310, a bandwidth determination unit 312, and a bandwidth response unit 314. And an input / output interface 306 having a data transmission / reception function with each of the function blocks including the function block.

  Prior to the start of communication with the other server computers S1 to S4, the bandwidth allocation request receiving unit 308 transmits control data transmitted from the transmission source computer to the adjustment computer 300 in order to receive bandwidth allocation and the like for the communication. (Described later with respect to FIG. 4).

  The communication management unit 310 stores the priority set for each communication currently performed in the networks LAN1 and LAN2 based on the control data received from each transmission source computer.

  When the bandwidth determination unit 312 receives the control data as the bandwidth allocation request, the bandwidth determination unit 312 determines the priority included in the control data as the priority of other communication stored in the communication management unit 310. By comparing, the communication bandwidth to be allocated to the bandwidth allocation request is determined.

  The bandwidth response unit 314 transmits the determined communication bandwidth to the transmission source computer that has transmitted the bandwidth allocation request.

  Note that the configuration and functional blocks of the server computer are merely examples, and do not exclude any other configuration applicable to the present invention.

  Next, the control data as a bandwidth allocation request generated prior to the start of each communication will be described. FIG. 4 is a structural example of control data in the communication control method according to the present embodiment. One control data 400 is a set of data of 1 octet, each of which is a transmission source computer ID 402, a transmission destination computer ID 404, a network port number 406 used by the transmission source computer, and a network used by the transmission destination computer. It includes port number 408, priority 410 of communication to be started, identification data 412 indicating the communication purpose of the communication, communication bandwidth 414 requested by the transmission source computer, and network type 416 used by communication.

  The IDs 402 and 404 of the transmission source and transmission destination computers are addresses assigned to the networks LAN1 and LAN2, respectively, and are IP addresses in TCP / IP, for example. The network port numbers 406 and 408 used in the transmission source and transmission destination computers are identification data indicating either the first network port or the second network port.

  The priority 410 of the communication to be started is identification data indicating a criterion for how preferentially the communication bandwidth is allocated to the communication as compared with other communication. It is read from the priority table 500 stored in advance in S4. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the priority table 500 in the communication control method according to the present embodiment, in which an ID 502 for identifying the priority and a content 504 indicating the priority are recorded in association with each other. .

  The priority in this embodiment is positioned as the urgency of communication. The smaller the ID 502 value, the higher the priority, and the higher the priority, the lower the priority. ID “0” is assigned to the “control signal” having the highest priority.

  The “control signal” is used to control data transfer between information processing apparatuses such as server computers S1 to S4. Usually, it is necessary to always secure a constant communication bandwidth in preference to other communications. The next highest priority is “data maintenance”, which is assigned 1 as an ID. “Data integrity” refers to communication that may cause data loss, such as rebuilding a RAID group or saving data from a storage device that is likely to fail. The “control signal” is used to prevent data loss. Allocate a communication bandwidth as large as possible.

  Next, 2 is assigned as an ID for communication of “normal service between server and client”, and 3 is assigned as an ID for “inter-server communication” that does not cause data loss such as data copy between servers. The adjusting computer 300 allocates a communication bandwidth by referring to the priority table 500 based on the priority notified from the transmission source computer.

  The identification data 312 indicating the communication purpose indicates the purpose of the communication to be started, and is stored in, for example, the communication purpose table 600 shown as an example in FIG. A communication purpose ID 602 assigned to each communication purpose and the communication purpose contents 604 are recorded in association with each other. In this embodiment, 0 to 5 for each of the communication purposes classified into “control signal”, “RAID rebuild”, “data saving”, “data copy”, “streaming”, and “normal service”. IDs are assigned in order, and communication bandwidths are preferentially allocated in ascending order of ID.

  The “control signal” is the same as that described for the priority. “RAID rebuild” and “data evacuation” relate to communication that corresponds to “data integrity” in priority and may cause data loss. “Data copy” corresponds to server-to-server communication that does not cause data loss. “Streaming” and “normal service” are normal communication services performed between a server and a client.

  As described above, although items recorded in the priority table 500 and the communication purpose table 600 are overlapped, there is an advantage that the bandwidth allocation can be performed more finely according to the communication purpose. However, since using both of these is redundant, management according to the priority table 500 is prioritized in the present invention.

  The communication bandwidth 414 requested by the transmission source computer is set according to the content of communication by the transmission source computer and recorded in the control data 400. For example, if the minimum required data transfer rate is determined as in “streaming”, the required communication bandwidth is recorded as numerical data in units of bps, for example. In the case of other communications, the requested communication bandwidth is recorded as numerical data in units of%. If it is determined that the priority is low and it is not necessary for the transmission source computer to determine the required communication bandwidth, for example, the numerical value 0 is recorded.

  The network format 416 records identification data indicating whether the network used for communication is a “bandwidth occupancy” type or a “bandwidth sharing” type.

  Each of the server computers S1 to S4 also includes a communication management table 700 (communication management unit) that indicates a communication status of communication currently being performed between the server computers S1 to S4 and the client computers C1 to C3. FIG. 7 shows an example of the communication management table 700 in the communication control method of this embodiment.

  The communication management table 700 records the communication status between the computers as one record (one line of the communication management table 700) for each communication. By referring to the communication management table 700, each server computer is recorded. When S1 to S4 function as the adjustment computer 300, it is possible to grasp the usage status of the LAN1 and LAN2 constituting the network.

  Each record of the communication management table 700 is the contents recorded in the control data 400 already described, and is used by the transmission source computer ID (SID) 702, the transmission destination computer ID (DID) 704, and the transmission source computer. Network port number (S port) 706, network port number (D port) 708 used in the destination computer, communication priority 710, communication purpose identification data 712 indicating the purpose of communication, and assigned for each communication. It includes a communication bandwidth 714 and a network type 716 used by each communication.

  For example, the communication management table 700 generates control data prior to the start of communication by any of the server computers S1 to S4 after the operation of the networks LAN1 and LAN2 is started. When the server computers S1 to S4 receive the data, they are generated in the server computers S1 to S4. After that, the server computers S1 to S4 are held during operation.

  Further, the server computers S1 to S4 which are transmission source computers notify the other server computers S1 to S4 including the adjustment computer 300 when the communication being performed is completed, and the server computer which has received the notification. In S1 to S4, the record related to the corresponding communication is deleted from the communication management table 700 held by itself.

  By controlling in this way, the communication management table 700 of each of the server computers S1 to S4 lists all the communications that are always performed on the networks LAN1 and LAN2 while the networks LAN1 and LAN2 are in operation.

  Next, an example of the data transfer control method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As for which of the server computers S1 to S4 functions as the adjustment computer 300, (a) the adjustment computer 300 for controlling communication on the networks LAN1 and LAN2 is selected in advance, and any of the other computers Requesting bandwidth allocation from the server computers S1 to S4 to the coordinating computer 300, and (b) in the state where the coordinating computer 300 does not exist on the networks LAN1 and LAN2, and attempting to request the communication bandwidth. It is conceivable that any one of the server computers S <b> 1 to S <b> 4 acts as the adjustment computer 300 and controls communication.

  In the latter case, when the control data is transmitted, the other server computers S1 to S4 are notified to request permission to become the coordinating computer 300, and when there is a response indicating permission. May declare that fact and thereafter function as the adjustment computer 300. Here, the former case will be described below.

  Regarding the selection of the adjustment computer 300, (i) the server computer S1 to S4 that is first turned on is the adjustment computer 300. (ii) the server computer S1 to S4 has the smallest MAC address. (Iii) the server computer S1 to S4 having the smallest IP address is the adjustment computer 300, and (iv) the server computer S1 to S4 has the largest processing capacity of the processor. It is conceivable to adopt a standard that the adjustment computer 300 is used.

  For this reason, when the server computers S1 to S4 are turned on, or when connection to the networks LAN1 and LAN2 is completed, the other server computers S1 to S4 are inquired and are the first to turn on. However, it is assumed that information such as the MAC address, IP address, and CPU processing capacity of the other server computers S1 to S4 is collected. However, the present invention is not limited to these modes.

  Next, a processing flow in the server computers S1 to S4 that requests bandwidth allocation to the adjustment computer 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the server computers S1 to S4 that request bandwidth allocation in the communication control method of this embodiment.

  Any of the server computers S1 to S4 that has detected that communication to the other server computers S1 to S4 to be newly started has started processing according to the method of the present embodiment, and is first used for the communication. A network port is selected (step 802). In this embodiment, it is either the first network port 214 or the second network port 216 in FIG.

  Next, it is confirmed whether the network port selected in step 802 is a band-sharing network such as a wireless LAN or a band-occupying network such as a switch connection (step 804). In the present embodiment, a band-sharing network is connected to the first network port 214, and a band-occupying network is connected to the second network port 216.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the confirmation process has been completed for all the network ports of the server computers S1 to S4 (step 806). If it is determined that the confirmation process has not been completed (step 806, No), the process is repeated from step 802 again. If it is determined that the confirmation process has been completed (step 806, Yes), the process proceeds to step 808.

  In step 808, a service that uses the network port selected in step 802 is selected. For example, a service type such as data saving from a storage device connected to the server computers S1 to S4, streaming video distribution to the client computers C1 to C3, or data copying between the server computers S1 to S4 is selected.

  Next, a bandwidth allocation request for the service selected in step 808 is generated. This bandwidth allocation request is the control data 400 shown in FIG. The control data 400 is generated for each selected service. According to the contents of each service, information on the computer to be communicated is set in the ID 402 of the transmission source computer (self) and the ID 404 of the transmission destination computer, and the network port number used for the service is the network port number 406 of the transmission source computer. Set to the network port number 408 of the computer. Then, the priority 408 of the selected service is set by the priority ID 502 recorded in the priority table 500 of FIG. 5, and the communication purpose identification data 412 is set by the communication purpose ID 602 of the communication purpose table 600 of FIG.

  The required communication bandwidth 414 is set when a necessary communication bandwidth such as streaming transfer is determined, and is set to 0 otherwise. In the network format 416, information on whether the network used by the selected service is a band sharing type or a band occupation type is set. Thus, the generation of the control data 400 corresponding to one service is completed.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the control data 400 for requesting the communication bandwidth is generated for all communications associated with the service to be performed by the server computers S1 to S4 (step 814).

  If there is a service for which control data 400 has not yet been generated (step 814, No), control data for that service is generated. If it has been generated (step 814, Yes), each network port is further generated. It is determined whether or not the generation of the control data 400 for the bandwidth allocation request for each service is completed (step 816). If not completed (No in step 816), the processing of the network port that has not been processed is continued. If it is completed (step 816, Yes), the process proceeds to step 818.

  In step 818, the control data 400 for one or more bandwidth allocation requests generated in step 812 is transmitted to the adjustment computer 300. The adjustment computer 300 that has received the control data 400 generates the bandwidth allocation response control data 400 by a process described later according to the contents of each control data, and transmits the control data 400 to the transmission source computer. The response from the coordinating computer 300 has the same structure as the bandwidth allocation request control data 400 shown in FIG. 4, and the communication bandwidth assigned to the communication of each service is set in the communication bandwidth 414. The

  When the control data 400 including the bandwidth allocation response from the coordinating computer 300 is received (step 820), the transmission source computer for each service allows the communication permitted by the coordinating computer 300 recorded in the control data 400 received for each service. Set bandwidth and start communication based on it. The transmission source computer of each communication performs actual data transfer within the communication bandwidth set here. The data transfer rate at this time is performed, for example, by controlling the number of packets transmitted from the transmission source computer.

  In this embodiment, for each communication of the transmission source computer, both the priority and the communication purpose are set to request bandwidth allocation, but it is not always necessary to set both. For example, only the priority may be set in the priority table 500, and the communication bandwidth to be permitted may be determined with reference to the priority.

  Next, a bandwidth allocation processing flow in the adjustment computer 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This processing flow is executed between step 818 and step 820 in the processing flow of the server computers S1 to S4 that request bandwidth allocation shown in FIG. When the control data 400 including the bandwidth allocation request from the other server computers S1 to S4 is received (step 902), the adjustment computer 300 adds the bandwidth received in step 902 to the communication management table 700 shown in FIG. Information on the allocation request is added (step 904).

  In the communication management table 700 to which the information recorded in the control data 400 including the received bandwidth allocation request is added, the communication bandwidth 714 permitted for communication relating to the other server computers S1 to S4 currently being performed. In other words, a record indicating each communication currently being performed on the networks LAN1 and LAN2 and a record regarding a communication to be newly started are recorded.

  The coordinating computer 300 first selects the record having the smallest data with reference to the priority table 500 from the priorities 710 stored in all the records recorded in the communication management table 700 (step 906). . Then, the communication bandwidth is allocated with priority over the communication related to the other records not selected (step 908).

  As described with reference to the priority table 500 in FIG. 5, for the “control signal” to which the priority ID = 0 is assigned, the control of the data transfer process itself (communication of data transfer, The necessary communication bandwidth is secured in advance.

  As described above, the allocated communication bandwidth is set in the control data 400 generated to respond to requests from the other server computers S1 to S4. As the communication bandwidth to be allocated at this time, when the requested bandwidth is designated in the received control data 400, the designated numerical value is set. When the requested bandwidth is not specified (for example, when the requested bandwidth is 0), it is calculated from the network type, the number of communications to which the communication bandwidth should be allocated on the network, and the assignable communication bandwidth. Communication bandwidth to be allocated to each communication.

  This communication bandwidth allocation is performed as follows depending on whether the network to be used is a band sharing type or a band occupation type. In the bandwidth sharing network, the communication bandwidth is allocated in order from the communication of the service with the highest priority within the range of the maximum communication bandwidth that can be used in the network.

  As described above, since a predetermined communication bandwidth is secured in advance for the “control signal”, a request related to data integrity (priority ID) that may cause data loss for each communication for which bandwidth allocation is requested. = 1) allocate the maximum communication bandwidth. Next, the communication bandwidth is set in the order of communication between the server computers S1 to S4 and the client computers C1 to C3 (priority ID = 2) and communication other than data maintenance (priority ID = 3) between the server computers S1 to S4. Assign.

  In addition, since the priority is given to the prevention of data lost on the networks LAN1 and LAN2, communication for other services including services to the client computers C1 to C3 is performed when communication associated with the data maintenance is performed. May stop substantially. Further, for example, when a communication bandwidth designated by streaming communication from the server computers S1 to S4 to the client computers C1 to C3 is allocated, a communication band allocated to communication between other server computers S1 to S4 having a lower priority. It is possible that the width can hardly be secured.

  Even in such a situation, in the present embodiment, a higher priority is set for communication from the server computers S1 to S4 to the client computers C1 to C3 than communication between the server computers S1 to S4. The communication between the server computers S1 to S4 other than maintenance is configured so as not to affect the user who uses the client computers C1 to C3 as much as possible.

  On the other hand, in a band occupation type network, the maximum communication bandwidth in the network is assigned to each combination of computers performing communication. Therefore, even if communication related to data maintenance is executed between specific server computers S1 to S4, communication between server computers S1 to S4 not related to this will not be affected. Communication can continue. On the contrary, when a communication corresponding to data maintenance newly occurs between the server computers S1 to S4 performing communications other than data maintenance, the bandwidth to the communication performed between the server computers S1 to S4 The bandwidth allocation is canceled and communication bandwidth is allocated to the communication for new data integrity.

  In addition, when a single network is configured by combining a bandwidth sharing network and a bandwidth occupancy network as in this embodiment, which network can be used to transfer data at a higher speed? Depends on how many communications are performed simultaneously in a shared bandwidth network. For example, which of the high-speed wireless network and the switch-connected low-speed wired network has a higher effective transfer rate depends on how many communications are performed in parallel in the high-speed wireless network.

  From this point of view, in the present embodiment, when the coordinating computer 300 assigns the requested bandwidth, the communication related to the request is assigned to either the bandwidth sharing type or the band occupation type network LAN1 or LAN2. In this case, it is determined whether a larger communication bandwidth can be ensured, and it is determined whether to use the network LAN1 or LAN2 of the band sharing type or the band occupation type.

  Further, the network (LAN2 in this embodiment) normally used for communication between the server computers S1 to S4 and the network (LAN1 in this embodiment) used for communication with the client computers C1 to C3 are respectively For example, communication between the server computers S1 to S4 is not performed using the network LAN1 to which the client computers C1 to C3 are connected.

  However, according to the present invention, one of the main purposes is to allocate an appropriate communication bandwidth to all communications performed in the network, and therefore, a bandwidth for communication related to high-priority data integrity. When the allocation request cannot allocate the communication bandwidth of the network (LAN2) for communication between the server computers S1 to S4, it is normally used only for communication between the client computers C1 to C3 and the server computers S1 to S4. A communication bandwidth is allocated to the existing network (LAN1).

  In other words, when communication for data integrity occurs, not only the network LAN 2 that is used by default for data integrity, but also another network LAN 1 that is not normally used can be used. Therefore, it is possible to allocate an appropriate communication bandwidth to all communications, and to use a network LAN 2 other than the default network LAN 2 for communication for data integrity involving the possibility of data loss. The fear can be reduced.

  The network format determined as described above can be included as the network format 416 in the control data 400 for responding to the server computers S1 to S4 that have requested the communication bandwidth.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the bandwidth allocation processing based on the priority level 510 has been completed for all communications registered in the communication management table 700 (step 910). If not completed (step 910, No), the bandwidth allocation based on the priority 510 is continued for unprocessed communication. If completed (step 910, Yes), the network LAN1 and LAN2 are connected. One of the selected computers is selected (step 912).

  Next, the communication bandwidth 714 is allocated for all communications, and the recorded communication management table 700 is transmitted to the selected server computers S1 to S4 in the format of the control data 400 of FIG. 4 for each record (step 914). ).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the transmission processing of the communication management table 700 has been completed for all the server computers S1 to S4 on the networks LAN1 and LAN2 (step 916). If the process has been completed (step 916, Yes), all the processes are terminated; otherwise (step 916, No), the transmission process of the communication management table 700 continues for the unprocessed server computers S1 to S4. I do.

  In this way, when one of the server computers S1 to S4 newly requests a communication bandwidth prior to the start of communication, together with the communication bandwidth that can be used for all the server computers S1 to S4, The communication status of the server computers S1 to S4 in the networks LAN1 and LAN2 is notified.

  In addition, instead of notifying all the other server computers S1 to S4 from the adjustment computer 300, it is necessary to change the communication bandwidth of other currently performed communication when determining the communication bandwidth. In this case, information indicating the changed communication bandwidth can be transmitted to the server computers S1 to S4 performing the other communication. In this way, since notification is made only when the communication bandwidth is changed, the amount of communication can be minimized.

  Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on one embodiment thereof, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the network to which the communication control method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the server computers S1-S4 contained in network LAN1 and LAN2 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of the adjustment computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the control data 400 used for the bandwidth allocation request | requirement and response in the communication control method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the priority table 500 in the communication control method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication objective table 600 in the communication control method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication management table 700 in the communication control method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the bandwidth allocation request | requirement processing flow in each server computer S1-S4 in the communication control method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the bandwidth allocation processing flow in the adjustment computer 300 in the communication control method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

S1, S2, S3, S4 Server computer C1, C2, C3, C4 Client computer LAN1 First network LAN2 Second network 202 Internal bus 204, 302 CPU
206 Flash memory 208 Main memory 210 Cache memory 212 Storage interface 214 First network interface 216 Second network interface 300 Coordinating computer (any of server computers S1 to S4)
304 Memory 306 Input / Output Interface 308 Bandwidth Allocation Request Receiving Unit 310 Communication Management Unit 312 Bandwidth Determining Unit 314 Bandwidth Response Unit 400 Control Data 402, 702 Source Server Computer ID
404, 704 Destination server computer ID
406, 706 Network port number (of source server computer)
408, 708 Network port number (for destination server computer)
410, 710 Priority (communication)
412, 712 Communication purpose identification data 414, 714 Communication bandwidth 416, 716 Network format 500 Priority table 502 Priority ID
504 Contents of priority 600 Communication purpose table 602 Communication purpose ID
604 Communication purpose content 700 Communication management table

Claims (10)

A communication control method in an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices that are communicably connected via a network,
The information processing apparatus is
Prior to starting communication with the other information processing apparatus, a bandwidth allocation request for requesting a communication bandwidth for the communication is issued to a specific information processing apparatus in the plurality of information processing apparatuses. , Send with the priority set for that communication,
The specific information processing apparatus is
Receiving the bandwidth allocation request;
Storing the priority set for each communication currently being performed on the network;
When receiving the bandwidth allocation request, the communication bandwidth to be allocated to the bandwidth allocation request by comparing the priority included in the bandwidth allocation request with the priority of other communication storing the priority. Decide
The communication control method, wherein the determined communication bandwidth is transmitted to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the bandwidth allocation request. The communication control method according to claim 1,
The priority is set according to the urgency or purpose of the communication. The communication control method according to claim 1,
The priority is set so that a communication bandwidth is allocated with priority over communication performed for other purposes with respect to communication of a control signal for controlling data transfer performed between the information processing apparatuses. A communication control method. The communication control method according to claim 1,
The bandwidth allocation request includes information specifying the communication bandwidth of the communication to be started,
The communication control method, wherein the specific information processing apparatus determines a communication bandwidth to be allocated to the bandwidth allocation request in accordance with information specifying the communication bandwidth. The communication control method according to claim 1,
The specific information processing apparatus determines a communication bandwidth to be allocated to the bandwidth allocation request depending on whether the communication to be started is performed in a bandwidth sharing type or a bandwidth occupation type. A communication control method characterized by the above. The communication control method according to claim 1,
The specific information processing apparatus is:
When it is necessary to change the communication bandwidth of other communication currently being performed when determining the communication bandwidth, the communication bandwidth after the change is indicated to the information processing apparatus performing the other communication. A communication control method characterized by transmitting information. A communication control method in an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices communicably connected via a network including a first network and a second network,
The information processing apparatus is
Prior to starting communication with the other information processing apparatus, a bandwidth allocation request for requesting a communication bandwidth for the communication is issued to a specific information processing apparatus in the plurality of information processing apparatuses. , Send with the priority set for that communication,
The specific information processing apparatus is
Receiving the bandwidth allocation request;
Storing the priority set for each communication currently being performed on the network;
When the bandwidth allocation request is received, the communication bandwidth allocated to the bandwidth allocation request is determined by comparing the priority included in the bandwidth allocation request with the priority of another communication storing the priority. Decide
Assigning the communication bandwidth of the first network as a default in the determination, assigning the communication bandwidth of the second network when the communication bandwidth of the first network cannot be assigned,
The communication control method, wherein the determined communication bandwidth is transmitted to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the bandwidth allocation request. An information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices connected to be communicable via a network,
The information processing apparatus is
Prior to starting communication with the other information processing apparatus, a bandwidth allocation request for requesting a communication bandwidth for the communication is issued to a specific information processing apparatus in the plurality of information processing apparatuses. A bandwidth allocation request transmitter for transmitting together with the priority set for the communication,
The specific information processing apparatus is
A bandwidth allocation request receiving unit for receiving the bandwidth allocation request;
A communication management unit for storing the priority set for each communication currently performed in the network;
When receiving the bandwidth allocation request, the communication bandwidth to be allocated to the bandwidth allocation request by comparing the priority included in the bandwidth allocation request with the priority of other communication storing the priority. A bandwidth determining unit for determining
A bandwidth response unit that transmits the determined communication bandwidth to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the bandwidth allocation request. The specific information processing apparatus in the information processing system according to claim 8,
A bandwidth allocation request receiving unit for receiving the bandwidth allocation request;
A communication management unit for storing the priority set for each communication currently performed in the network;
When receiving the bandwidth allocation request, the communication bandwidth to be allocated to the bandwidth allocation request by comparing the priority included in the bandwidth allocation request with the priority of other communication storing the priority. A bandwidth determining unit for determining
An information processing apparatus, comprising: a bandwidth response unit that transmits the determined communication bandwidth to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the bandwidth allocation request. A plurality of information processing devices connected to be communicable via a network;
The information processing apparatus is
Prior to starting communication with the other information processing apparatus, a bandwidth allocation request for requesting a communication bandwidth for the communication is issued to a specific information processing apparatus in the plurality of information processing apparatuses. The specific information processing apparatus in the information processing system including a bandwidth allocation request transmission unit that transmits with the priority set for the communication,
A function of receiving the bandwidth allocation request;
A function of storing the priority set for each communication currently performed in the network;
When receiving the bandwidth allocation request, the communication bandwidth to be allocated to the bandwidth allocation request by comparing the priority included in the bandwidth allocation request with the priority of other communication storing the priority. The ability to determine
A program for realizing the function of transmitting the determined communication bandwidth to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the bandwidth allocation request.

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