JP3208105B2 - ATM communication network and cell transfer method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an ATM (Asynchronou).
s Transfer Mode) Used for communication. The present invention relates to a technique for allowing a user to freely set a desired algorithm for processing a cell in a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In ATM communication performed using cells that are fixed-length packets, various researches and developments on cell transfer control have been conducted in order to effectively use a network.
The configuration of a conventional ATM communication network will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 shows A in a conventional ATM communication network.
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a BR (Available Bit Rate) service. FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a main part of a conventional ATM switch, wherein reference numeral 1 denotes an ATM switch for office (for public network), and reference numeral 2 denotes User terminal, code 3 is a line corresponding unit, code 4
Is a physical terminator LI (Line Interface) for converting an optical signal transmitted through the optical transmission line into an electric signal, and reference numeral 5 is fixed hardware (ASIC: Application Specifics Integr
ATM circuit processing unit realized by an ated circuit, reference numeral 6 denotes a self-routing switch unit, and reference numeral 7 denotes a relay transmission line.

[0003] The ATM layer service of the ATM exchange 1 is realized by the ATM layer processing unit 5 of the line handling unit 3. The example of FIG. 19 is an ABR service for controlling the transmission rate of the user terminal 2 in a network congestion situation.

In this case, the VS / V
A buffer 20 serving as D (Virtual Source / Virtual Destination) and a control circuit 30 for executing the ABR service algorithm are required. As shown in FIG. 20, the buffer B in the self-routing switch 6 is actually set to VS / VD, and an RM (Resource Management) cell is transmitted to the rate controller 40 of the user terminal 2 depending on the degree of congestion of the queue. 2 is its E
The cell transmission rate is determined based on the R value (Expricit Rate). In the control circuit 30 shown in FIG. 19, as shown in FIG. 20, the ATM layer processing section 5 of the line corresponding section 3 actually corresponds to this. The ATM layer processing unit 5 is realized by fixed hardware as described above.

[0005]

The algorithm and R
The format of the M cell is ITU (International Telecom
It is determined by standards organizations such as munications union and ATM forum, and all are provided according to them. Therefore, the user cannot use a protocol that does not follow this standardized protocol. For example, a simple protocol or a customized protocol cannot be used.

In addition, there are problems that it takes time for a network service provider to provide an ATM layer service, or that the service is not realized due to the business strategy of the provider.

The present invention has been made in such a background, and a user cannot use a new protocol or an ATM layer service until standardization or provision from a network service provider is completed, or a user's own customization. It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible ATM communication network and a cell transfer method which solve the problem that the used protocol and ATM layer service cannot be used. The present invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ATM communication network and a cell transfer method capable of realizing various protocols and ATM layer services without exchanging hardware and achieving effective use of network resources.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The main feature of the present invention is that a user defines and customizes a protocol or an ATM layer service prior to communication or first when the user uses the ATM communication network. And

[0009] All users have the same protocol and ATM.
Unlike the conventional technology that provides a layer service, the present invention can realize a protocol or an ATM layer service that is freely customized by each user or a type 2 communication service provider.

That is, a first aspect of the present invention is an ATM communication network including a plurality of user terminals and an ATM switch for switching and connecting cells between the plurality of user terminals. . The features of the present invention include:
The ATM switch comprises means for receiving a program for the switch, and means for processing a cell arriving from the user terminal according to the program for the switch.

As a result, a new protocol or an ATM layer service cannot be used until a user standardizes or is provided by a network service provider, or a user-specific customized protocol or ATM layer service cannot be used. Can be solved. In addition, various protocols and ATM layer services can be realized without replacing hardware, and network resources can be effectively used.

Preferably, the user terminal includes means for transmitting the exchange program to the ATM exchange before starting communication. To achieve this,
For example, the user terminal comprises means for storing the exchange program, and means for detecting that the line of the ATM exchange has been connected to itself, and the transmitting means comprises: May be configured to include means for automatically transmitting the exchange program stored in the storage means to the ATM exchange when the connection is detected.

[0013] The ATM exchange, upon receiving the exchange program transmitted from the user terminal, includes means for transmitting a terminal program conforming to the exchange program to the user terminal that is the transmission source of the exchange program. It is desirable. At this time, it is preferable that the ATM exchange includes a means for storing the terminal program.

[0014] With this, it is possible to process cells transmitted from the ATM exchange to the user terminal in accordance with the optimum service form desired by the user. The terminal program of the user terminal can be prepared by the user side. For example, when a new version of the terminal program is developed, a new terminal program is transferred to the user terminal from the ATM exchange, which is a network operator side. Can be provided.

Further, the user terminal includes means for transmitting one or more exchange programs to the ATM exchange in advance when communication is not performed, and the ATM exchange stores the transmitted exchange programs. Means for transmitting a selection signal for designating any of the exchange programs stored in the storage means as a program for processing a cell to be transmitted, prior to the start of communication. It can also be. At this time, it is preferable that the user terminal includes means for storing the exchange program.

In the former case, it is only necessary to temporarily store the program in the ATM exchange during the period when the user terminal is performing communication, and it is not necessary to provide a large-scale memory. Wear can be simplified. In the latter case, it is necessary to provide the ATM switch with a memory for storing a plurality of programs, but the user terminal only needs to transmit a selection signal using a small number of control cells. The waiting time until the terminal starts communication can be reduced as compared with the former case.

As another configuration example, the ATM exchange comprises means for accumulating one or more predetermined exchange programs, and the user terminal transmits the exchange program stored in the accumulation means before starting communication. It is also possible to provide a means for transmitting a selection signal designating any of the application programs as a program for processing a cell to be transmitted.

In this case, the exchange program is prepared on the network side, and the user cannot use the exchange program customized by the user immediately, but can save the trouble of transmitting the exchange program. In addition, the network management company systematically prepares a plurality of exchange programs according to the user's request.
It can be stored in the exchange.

Further, the user terminal is provided with a unique identification number, and a table for recording an exchange program specified in advance for the user terminal to which the identification number is provided is provided in correspondence with the identification number. The user terminal includes means for transmitting an identification number given to itself prior to the start of communication, receives this identification number, refers to the table, and specifies in advance the user terminal to which the identification number has been given. It is also possible to provide a means for transferring an exchange program from the storing means to the ATM exchange to which the user terminal is connected.

In this way, the user terminal can receive a service using a desired exchange program simply by transmitting a control cell having a very small amount of information in which the identification number is written to the ATM exchange.

Prior to the start of communication, the ATM exchange has a terminal program compatible with the exchange program applied to the user terminal according to the selection by the selection signal or the designation by the identification code. It is desirable to have a configuration including a transmitting unit. At this time, it is desirable that the ATM exchange is provided with means for storing the terminal program.

The means for storing the exchange program may be a database provided commonly to a plurality of ATM exchanges. Similarly, the means for storing the terminal program can be a database provided commonly to a plurality of ATM exchanges. Thus, A
It is not necessary to provide a memory for each of the TM exchanges, and the configuration of the ATM exchange can be simplified. Further, the table may be provided in a database.

Preferably, the user terminal includes means for receiving a terminal program, and means for processing a cell arriving from the ATM exchange according to the terminal program.

The exchange program, the terminal program, the selection signal, and the identification number are transmitted and received as control cells, respectively, and control information including any of the exchange or terminal program, the selection signal, and the identification number is transmitted. It is desirable to provide means for assembling a cell for use in the ATM exchange and the user terminal. At this time, it is desirable that the ATM switch and the user terminal are provided with filter means for identifying and distributing the control cell and other cells.

The exchange program and the terminal program are algorithms for determining the priority of cell transfer according to the priority given to the cell,
The algorithm may be an ABR (Available Bit Rate) service algorithm or a UPC (Usage Parameter Control) algorithm.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cell transfer method for receiving a cell assembled and transmitted by a user terminal by an ATM exchange, and performing processing on an incoming cell in accordance with a predetermined exchange program. It is. A feature of the present invention resides in that the ATM exchange receives a desired exchange program before starting communication, and processes a cell arriving from the user terminal according to the received exchange program. . It is preferable that the user terminal transmits the exchange program to the ATM exchange immediately before starting communication.

The ATM exchange stores a terminal program, and upon receiving the exchange program transmitted from the user terminal, the ATM exchange transmits to the user terminal which is the source of the exchange program a terminal compatible with the exchange program. It is desirable to send the program.

When the user terminal does not perform communication, the user terminal transmits one or more exchange programs to the ATM exchange in advance, and the ATM exchange stores the transmitted exchange program, and the user terminal transmits the exchange program. Prior to the start of communication, it is also possible to transmit a selection signal designating any of the stored exchange program as a program for processing a cell to be transmitted.

As another method, the ATM switch comprises:
Before the start of communication, the user terminal transmits a selection signal designating any one of the stored exchange program as a program for processing a cell to be transmitted from before storing the predetermined one or more exchange programs. You can also. At this time, upon receiving the selection signal transmitted from the user terminal, the ATM exchange transmits a terminal program suitable for the exchange program selected by the selection signal to the user terminal which is the transmission source of the selection signal. It is desirable to do.

Preferably, the user terminal processes cells arriving from the ATM exchange according to the received terminal program.

Alternatively, a unique identification number is assigned to the user terminal, a desired service form is registered corresponding to the identification number, and the user terminal transmits the identification number prior to starting communication, The ATM exchange can perform cell processing according to the desired service form of the user terminal recognized by the identification number.

It is preferable that the exchange program, the terminal program, the selection signal, and the identification number are respectively assembled and transmitted as control cells.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, 14, 16, and 18. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of an ATM exchange according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a main part of a user terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a main part of an ATM exchange and a user terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a main part of an ATM communication network according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a main part of a user terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 shows a table according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, is an ATM communication network including a plurality of user terminals 2 and an ATM switch 1 for switching and connecting cells between the plurality of user terminals 2. A feature of the present invention is that this ATM switch 1
Is a control unit 9 which is a means for receiving the exchange program.
And the user terminal 2 according to the exchange program.
And a programmable device 8 which is a means for processing a cell coming from.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 2 includes a cell transmitting unit 54 for transmitting the exchange program to the ATM exchange 1 before starting communication. In order to realize this, as shown in FIG. 10, the user terminal 2 is configured such that the exchange program storage unit 51 for storing the exchange program and the line of the ATM exchange 1 are connected to each other. The cell transmission unit 54 includes a connection detection unit 53 that detects
3 automatically transmits the exchange program stored in the exchange program storage unit 51 to the ATM exchange 1 when the line connection is detected.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the ATM exchange 1 receives the exchange program transmitted from the user terminal 2, the ATM exchange 1 matches the exchange program with the user terminal 2 which is the transmission source of the exchange program. And a cell transmitting unit 64 for transmitting a terminal program to be transmitted. The ATM switch 1 has a terminal program storage unit 6 for storing the terminal program.
1 is provided.

The cell transmitting section 54 of the user terminal 2
When one or more exchange programs are
The ATM switch 1 is provided with an exchange program storage unit 63 for storing the transmitted exchange program in advance. The cell transmission unit 54 of the user terminal 2 performs communication before starting communication. It is also possible to transmit a selection signal designating any of the exchange programs stored in the exchange program storage unit 63 as a program for processing a cell to be transmitted.

In another embodiment, the ATM exchange 1 stores one or more predetermined exchange programs in the exchange program storage section 63 in advance, and stores the program in the user terminal 2.
The cell transmission unit 54 of the above can transmit a selection signal for designating any of the exchange programs stored in the exchange program storage unit 63 as a program for processing a cell to be transmitted before the start of communication. .

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18, an ID, which is a unique identification number, is assigned to the user terminal 2, and in response to this ID, a switch for the exchange designated in advance to the user terminal 2 to which the ID is assigned. As shown in FIG. 16, the user terminal 2 includes an ID transmitting device 58 that transmits an ID given to itself prior to the start of communication, as shown in FIG. To
Upon receiving this ID and referring to the table, an exchange program designated in advance to the user terminal 2 to which the identification number is assigned is transmitted to the ATM connected to the user terminal 2.
It is also possible to provide a database 70 as a means for transferring to the exchange 2.

The database 70 can also record the contents of the terminal program storage 61 shown in FIG.

At this time, the cell transmission unit 6 of the ATM exchange 1
4 transmits to the user terminal 2 a terminal program suitable for the exchange program applied to the user terminal 2 according to the selection by the selection signal or the designation by the ID.

As shown in FIG. 11 or FIG.
The user terminal 2 includes a programmable interface circuit 57 for receiving a terminal program and processing cells arriving from the ATM switch 1 in accordance with the terminal program.

The control cell assembling section 52 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 10 and the control cell assembling section 62 as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 14 are provided with the exchange program, the terminal program, the selection signal, and the identification signal. Assemble the control cells including any of the numbers.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Is provided with a filter 10 for identifying and sorting the control cell and other cells. Although not shown, the programmable interface circuit 57 shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 is also provided with the filter 10.

The exchange program and the terminal program are algorithms for determining the priority of cell transfer according to the priority given to the cell,
It is an ABR service algorithm or a UPC algorithm.

[0046]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is as described above. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration for executing an algorithm for determining the priority of cell transfer according to the priority given to a cell. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration for executing the algorithm of the ABR service. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration for executing the UPC algorithm.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an ATM switch for a public network station of an ATM communication network provider, reference numeral 2 denotes a user terminal of a user who uses the network, reference numeral 3 denotes a line corresponding unit, and reference numeral 4 denotes a physical interface. LI (L
ine Unit), reference numeral 6 is a self-routing switch, reference numeral 7 is a relay transmission line, reference numeral 8 is an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or DS that can realize a desired algorithm.
A programmable device realized by a P (Digital Signal Processor) or the like, reference numeral 9 is a control unit that defines a switching program to the programmable device or exchanges signals from a user, and reference numeral 10 is only a control cell that carries a control program. Is a filter for selecting.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 50 denotes a cell assembling section for inputting transmission information and assembling a general cell, and reference numeral 52 denotes a control cell assembling section for inputting a desired exchange program and assembling a control cell. Reference numeral 54 denotes a cell transmission unit for transmitting a cell, and reference numeral 56 denotes a control unit for controlling the cell transmission unit 54. The control unit recognizes that a user has input a desired exchange program into the control cell assembly unit 52, The cell transmission unit 54 is controlled so as to transmit the control cell before transmitting the cell.

In FIG. 3, the user first transfers the ATM layer service program file as the exchange program to the network (step 1). In the first embodiment of the present invention, the program of the ATM layer service includes a cell priority / non-priority read control as shown in FIG.
The cell transmission rate control of the user by the ABR service as shown in FIG. 5, the UPC (Usage Paramete) as shown in FIG.
er Control).

The user can define and customize various ATM layer service programs before starting communication or transmitting a burst. After customizing, the user starts normal communication (step 2).

In the priority / non-priority read control of the cell shown in FIG. 4, a flag indicating the priority is given to the cell, and the programmable device 8 stores the arriving cell according to the presence or absence of this flag in the buffer B1 for storing the priority cell. Alternatively, the cells are distributed to the buffer B2 for storing the non-priority cells. The cells allocated to the buffer B1 are read from the buffer B1 before the cells stored in the buffer B2 as priority cells. The cells stored in the buffer B2 are read when the buffer B1 becomes empty.

In the cell transmission rate control of the user by the ABR service shown in FIG. 5, the control circuit 32 instructs the user terminal 2 on the cell transmission rate according to the queue length of the buffer B3 as VS / VD.

The UPC shown in FIG.
Counter 3 that periodically resets the number of cells passing through
The cell transfer rate is monitored by counting according to 6 and comparing it to a threshold value 38. When the count value of the counter 36 exceeds the threshold value 38, the cell is discarded by the cell discarding circuit 34.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the programmable device 8 is provided with a plurality of buffers in advance.
In accordance with the ATM layer service program written in the control cell transferred from the user terminal 2, the control unit 9 stores the plurality of buffers provided in advance by the priority and non-priority cells shown in FIG. It can be used as buffers B1 and B2 to be stored, or as shown in FIG.
Can be used as a buffer B3 as VS / VD.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the transfer of an ATM layer service program. The ATM layer service program is divided into a plurality of control cells, a header indicating that the program is a control cell, and an ATM exchange 1
Is forwarded to. The transferred control cells are sorted by the filter 10 shown in FIG. 1 and transferred to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 controls the programmable device 8 to realize a desired ATM layer service.

The configuration shown in FIG. 1 can be implemented in all of the plurality of line corresponding units. Users can communicate using these user-defined protocols and ATM layer services. Therefore, the user can customize and use the network without waiting for standardization or provision from a network service provider.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention is common to the configurations of FIGS. 1 and 2 shown in the first embodiment of the present invention. However, the control cell assembly unit 5 shown in FIG.
In step 2, in addition to assembling a control cell including an exchange program for cell processing, a desired exchange program is designated from a plurality of exchange programs stored in the exchange program storage unit 63 of the line corresponding unit 3. A control cell including a selection signal for performing the control can be assembled.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, during a period in which the user terminal 2 has not communicated yet, the user terminal 2 is set in advance as an exchange program as an exchange program.
The program for the TM layer service is transmitted to the ATM switch 1, and the switch program is stored in the switch program storage section 63 of the line corresponding section 3 in advance (step 11). When the user terminal 2 performs communication, a selection signal for designating an exchange program to be used for the communication is transmitted to the line corresponding unit 3 from a plurality of exchange programs stored in the exchange program storage unit 63. (Step 12), communication is started (Step 13).

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the user terminal 2
It is only necessary to transmit and receive a selection signal by a small number of control cells before starting communication, and to transmit the full text of the exchange program before starting communication as in the first embodiment of the present invention. The communication can be started in a shorter time than in the case of. Further, one or a plurality of exchange programs may be stored in the exchange program storage unit 63 of the line corresponding unit 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9, the network manager stores a plurality of exchange programs in the exchange program accumulation unit 63 of the line corresponding unit 3 at the request of the user (step 2).
1) When the user terminal 2 performs communication, a selection signal for designating an exchange program to be used in the communication is selected from the plurality of exchange programs stored in the exchange program storage unit 63. (Step 22) to start communication (step 23).

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the user terminal 2
It is only necessary to transmit and receive the selection signal by a small number of control cells before starting communication, and to transmit the entire text of the exchange program before starting communication as in the first embodiment of the present invention. The communication can be started in a shorter time than in the case of.

Although the third embodiment of the present invention is not suitable for the case where the user uses a customized switching program for immediate communication, the third embodiment can save the user the trouble of transmitting the switching program. There is an advantage that the stored exchange program can be systematically managed.

(Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the fourth embodiment of the present invention further includes a connection detecting unit 53 and a switch program storing unit 5 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.
1 is added.

When the connection detecting section 53 detects that the connector 55 of the user terminal 2 has been connected to the subscriber line 11,
The information is notified to the cell transmission unit 54. Cell transmitting unit 54
Receives this notification, transmits the exchange program to the ATM exchange 1 by the control cell. The exchange program is stored in the exchange program storage unit 51, and is written into the control cell by the control cell assembly unit 52. The control cell is stored in a buffer (not shown) of the cell transmission unit 54 in preparation for the notification from the connection detection unit 53.

At this time, the exchange program storage unit 51
Stores a plurality of exchange programs, and a user selects a desired program from among them to assemble a control cell. The control cells are stored in the buffer of the cell transmission unit 54.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 11 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The fifth embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which a user terminal 2 is provided with a programmable interface circuit 57 as shown in FIG. In the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the configuration in which the ATM switch 1 is provided with the programmable device 8 and the cells are processed in accordance with the switch program customized by the user has been described. At this time, the terminal program used in the interface circuit for processing the cell by the user terminal 2 was not particularly mentioned on the premise that the user terminal 2 prepares the program. However, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the programmable interface circuit 57 is also provided on the user terminal 2 side, and the user terminal 2 performs cell processing according to the terminal program transmitted from the ATM exchange 1.

That is, in the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the terminal program used for the interface circuit of the user terminal 2 is prepared by the user, but by using the fifth embodiment of the present invention, For example, when a new version of the terminal program is developed, it becomes easy to provide the user terminal 2 with the new terminal program from the ATM exchange 1 on the network operator side.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, a service request is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the ATM exchange 1. The service request is assembled and transmitted in the control cell, and the content is the exchange program described in the first embodiment of the present invention or the selection signal described in the second and third embodiments of the present invention. Either of them can be applied to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

When the service request arrives at the ATM exchange 1, the cell transmission unit 64 of the ATM exchange 1 stores the terminal program storage unit 6 as a terminal operation program of the user.
1 is transmitted to the user terminal 2. As a result, a desired service form for performing cell processing between the user terminal 2 and the ATM exchange 1 is established. Thereafter, transmission and reception of cells can be performed according to the desired service mode.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 13 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a menu displayed on the user terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the exchange program storage section 63 shown in FIG. 1 is omitted from the ATM exchange 1, and a common database 70 is provided for a plurality of ATM exchanges instead.

As shown in FIG. 13, the user selects a desired service from the display screen of the user terminal 2 and instructs the user terminal 2 to that effect by using a mouse or a keyboard. Upon receiving the request, the user terminal 2 assembles a predetermined service request into the control cell and transmits it to the ATM exchange 1 (step 41).

As shown in FIG. 15, upon receiving the service request transmitted from the user terminal 2, the control circuit 80 of the ATM exchange 1 transfers the service request to the database 70 (step 42). In the database 70, the exchange program selected by the service request is transferred to the ATM exchange 1, and the exchange program is downloaded to the programmable device 8 (step 43). Hereinafter, the user terminal 2
The cell is processed and communication is performed according to the desired service (step 44). In the case of the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the content of the service request may be a selection signal for selecting a menu shown in FIG.

The terminal program storage unit 61 shown in FIG. 11 is provided in the database 70, and the control cell assembler 62 and the cell transmitter 64 shown in FIG. The terminal program assembled in the first embodiment can be transferred similarly to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

(Seventh Embodiment) A seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
18 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 shows the ID
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a table indicating a correspondence between a service and a designated service. In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, an ID as a unique identification number is assigned to the user terminal 2. And the user terminal 2
Is provided with an ID transmitting device 58. That is, the user terminal 2 transmits an ID instead of the exchange program or the selection signal transmitted by the user terminal 2 before the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The ID is assembled in the control cell in advance and stored in the ID transmitting device 58.

An example in which the configuration of the user terminal 2 of the seventh embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 16 is applied to the configuration of the ATM communication network of the sixth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. The operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the ID of the user terminal 2 is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the ATM exchange 1 (step 51). The control circuit 80 of the ATM switch 1
Upon receiving this ID, the ID is transferred to the database 70 (step 52). As shown in FIG. 18, the database 70 has a table in which the correspondence between the ID and the designated service is recorded, and the designated service is searched by the incoming ID. The exchange program for realizing the searched designated service is transferred to the ATM exchange 1, and the exchange program is downloaded to the programmable device 8 (step 53). Thereafter, the cell is processed according to the service desired by the user terminal 2 and communication is performed (step 54).

According to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the user terminal 2
Needs only to transmit an ID, so that a desired service can be selected with a very small amount of information.

Further, the terminal program storage section 61 shown in FIG. 11 is provided in the database 70, and the control cell assembly section 62 and the cell transmission section 64 shown in FIG. The terminal program assembled in the first embodiment can be transferred similarly to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Flexible ATM communication that solves the problem that new protocols and ATM layer services cannot be used until users standardize and are provided by network service providers, or that users cannot use customized protocols and ATM layer services. A network and cell transfer method can be realized. In addition, various protocols and ATM layer services can be realized without replacing hardware, and network resources can be effectively used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of an ATM exchange according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration for executing an algorithm for determining a priority of cell transfer according to a priority given to a cell;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration for executing an algorithm of an ABR service.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration for executing a UPC algorithm.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the transfer of an ATM layer service program.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a main part of a user terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a main part of an ATM exchange and a user terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a menu displayed on a user terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a main part of an ATM communication network according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a main part of a user terminal according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a table indicating the correspondence between IDs and designated services.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an ABR service in a conventional ATM communication network.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a main part of a conventional ATM exchange.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ATM exchange 2 User terminal 3 Line corresponding part 4 Physical termination part 5 ATM layer processing part 6 Self-routing switch 7 Relay transmission line 8 Programmable device 9, 56 Control part 10 Filter 11 Subscriber line 20, B1, B2, B3 Buffer 30 , 32 control circuit 34 cell discarding circuit 36 counter 38 threshold value 40 rate controller 50 cell assembling section 51, 63 exchange program storage section 52, 62 control cell assembling section 53 connection detecting section 54, 64 cell transmitting section 55 connector 57 Programmable interface circuit 58 ID transmitting device 61 Terminal program storage unit 70 Database 80 Control circuit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-8-107419 (JP, A) JP-A-7-235934 (JP, A) JP-A-1-98347 (JP, A) JP-A-63-1988 236443 (JP, A) JP-A-62-2534 (JP, A) JP-A-8-76974 (JP, A) JP-A-1-149147 (JP, U) Table 9-9-507731 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04L 12/56

Claims (19)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of user terminals and a plurality of users
ATM switch for switching and connecting cells between terminals
ATM communication network, wherein the ATM switch isProgram the operating principle of hardware
Having an FPGA element that can be programmed,
Including control programHands to receive exchange program
And the user according to the switch program.
Coming from the terminalDifferent for each terminal for cellDo the processing
MeansPrepared, Prior to the start of communication, the user terminal sets the exchange
Means for transmitting a program to the ATM switch. This
And an ATM communication network. 2. The user terminal according to claim 1, wherein
Means for storing the RAM and the line of the ATM exchange
Means for detecting connection to the
The detecting means detects the connection of the line.
2. The ATM communication network according to claim 1, further comprising: means for automatically transmitting the exchange program stored in the storage means to the ATM exchange when the error occurs . 3. The user terminal,When not communicating
One or more exchange programs for the ATM exchange.
It has a means to transmit in advance, The ATM exchange has the transmitted exchange program
With means to accumulate ram, The user terminal performs this storage before starting the communication.
One of the exchange programs stored in the
The cell to be transmitted from
Select signal Means to sendEquippedClaim1AT described
M communication network. 4. The switching system according to claim 1 , wherein
4. The ATM communication network according to claim 3, further comprising means for storing rams . (5)pluralUser terminalAnd this multiple users
ATM switch for switching and connecting cells between terminals
ATM communication network, The ATM switch includes one or more predetermined switch programs.
Means for accumulating programs, The user terminal performs this storage before starting the communication.
Said exchange accumulated in the step One of the exchange programs
The cell to be transmitted from
Means for transmitting a selection signal The ATM exchange is based on the specified program.
With an FPGA device that operates AT characterized by the following
M communication network. 6. A means for storing the exchange program.
Is a database provided in common for multiple ATM exchanges.
Scan ATM network according to claim 3 or 5 is. 7. The exchange program and the terminal program.
Program, the selection signal, or the identification number.
Contractors with at least one means for assembling control cells
The ATM communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . 8. The method according to claim 8, wherein the control cell is distinguished from another cell.
Claims 1 comprising a filtering means for distributing to 7 Neu
An ATM communication network according to any of the preceding claims. 9. The exchange program and the terminal.
Program is based on the priority assigned to the cell
9. The ATM communication network according to claim 1 , wherein the ATM communication network is an algorithm for determining a priority of cell transfer . 10. The exchange program and the terminal.
The end-use program is an ABR (Available Bit Rate) service.
The ATM communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ATM communication network is an algorithm of a network. 11. The exchange program and the terminal
The application program is UPC (Usage Parameter Control)
The ATM communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the algorithm is : 12.Assembled and transmitted by the user terminal
The received cell is received by the ATM switch, and the ATM switch
Is an FPG that can program the operation logic of hardware
An FPGA element having an A element and an incoming cell
Switch programs, including control programs for
Therefore, an ATM switch including an FPGA element for processing.
Cell transfer method according to The ATM exchange performs a desired exchange before starting communication.
Exchange program, and receives the received exchange program.
Coming from the user terminal according to the ram Processing cell
A cell transfer method characterized in that: Wherein said user terminal end is just before the start of communication
Sending the exchange program to the ATM exchange
The cell transfer method according to claim 12 . 14. The user terminal must perform communication.
One or more exchange programs for the ATM exchange
Pre-send, this ATM switch sends this sent
Storing a program for an exchange, wherein the user terminal
Prior to the start, the stored program for the exchange is stored.
A program that processes cells that will send any of
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein a selection signal to be designated as a system is transmitted.
Cell transfer method. 15.Assembled and transmitted by the user terminal
The received cell is received by the ATM switch, and the ATM switch
Is an FPG that can program the operation logic of hardware
An FPGA element having an A element and an incoming cell
Switch programs, including control programs for
Therefore, an ATM switch including an FPGA element for processing.
Cell transfer method according to The ATM switch includes one or more predetermined switch programs.
Before the communication starts.
Any of the exchange programs stored in
Designate a cell to be sent from
A cell transfer method, comprising transmitting a selection signal. 16. The user equipment according to claim 16, wherein said ATM switch is said user terminal.
This selection signal is received when the selection signal transmitted from
Selected by the selection signal to the user terminal that is the source of the
Terminal program that matches the exchange program
The cell transfer method according to claim 14, wherein the cell transfer is performed. 17. The user terminal receives the terminal program.
According to the program.
17. The cell transfer method according to claim 16, wherein a cell is processed. 18. The user terminal has a unique identification number.
Is added, and the desired service form corresponds to this identification number.
The user terminal is registered before starting communication.
The ATM exchange transmits the identification number.
The desired service type of the user terminal identified by the number
16. The cell according to claim 15, wherein the cell is processed according to a state.
Transfer method. 19. The program for the exchange, for the terminal
The program, the selection signal, and the identification number are respectively
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the control cell is assembled and transmitted / received.
19. The cell transfer method according to any one of the chairs 18 .