JPH07319930A - Design supporting device for information network - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a design supporting device for network capable of automatically checking error included in s design result in network design work for combining distribution equipment and distribution software of a multi-vender, supporting change of design based upon a checked result and quickly finding out the design result having no error. CONSTITUTION:An window system is provided with following means. Namely a network constitution table input means (1) for inputting the specification/ attribute of each network constitutional element, a network constitutional diagram display means (2) for displaying the contents of the inputted network constitution table as a graphic, a network checking means (3) for checking the contents of the network constitution table by an object-oriented information processing system, and a check result table display means (4) for adding a design error detected by the checking means (3) to an alarm message, adding also information necessary for the counterplan of an error and displaying a table.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network design support apparatus, and in particular, selects a component from a vast number of multi-vendor distribution devices and distribution software, which selects the most suitable one according to a customer request. And a combination thereof, which is a main content thereof, relates to a device for automatically checking a design error in a design work of a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a related prior art, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
A technique as described in Japanese Patent No. 266044 is known. This intends to manufacture an electronic device by a combination of multi-vendor parts.

[0003]

However, since the objects are different, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. In other words, as a result of combining multi-vendor parts, there is not enough description regarding whether or not this works properly as a whole, and there is a method of how to eliminate a potential design error. Was unknown.

In particular, when the target is a network, it is not possible to guarantee in advance whether or not the designed network will operate normally, and the problem will become apparent only after actually constructing and operating the test. However, there is a problem in that a large amount of cost, time, and man-hours are required for the countermeasures because the countermeasures are taken after the fact.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means on the window system. That is, (1) network configuration table input means for inputting specifications and attributes of each network configuration element, (2) network configuration diagram display means for graphically displaying the contents of the input network configuration table, (3) ) A network check means for checking the contents of the network configuration table and detecting the design error by an object-oriented information processing system, (4) In addition to the warning message, the design error detected by the checking means, It is a check result list display means for displaying a list with information necessary for error countermeasures added.

[0006]

The network designer uses the network configuration table inputting means for each component of the network.
Enter those specifications and attributes. The network configuration diagram display means graphically displays the contents of the input network configuration table, and facilitates the designer to confirm the content of the network configuration table.

In this way, the designer proceeds with the design work based on the network configuration table and the network configuration diagram,
At the end of design, the network checking means is activated. The network check means checks the contents of the network configuration table and displays the check result by the check result list display means.

The designer grasps the contents of the design error from the displayed list of check results, and changes the design by re-inputting the network configuration table input means.

Thereafter, the above is repeated to finally obtain an error-free design result.

Since each means operates as described above, the network configuration table can be automatically checked, and the time required for network design can be shortened.

Further, since the check is performed by the computer according to the contents programmed in advance, omission of checks and check mistakes are eliminated and the reliability of the check result is improved as compared with the manual check.

Further, the check result is displayed not only as a warning message but also as information required for error countermeasures at the same time, and design changes for error removal are repeatedly performed on the same device. Since the configuration is made possible, it is possible to obtain an error-free design result at an early stage.

Further, since it is compatible with the window system, it has excellent operability, and the network design work can be carried out efficiently.

Further, since the object-oriented information processing system, which is highly maintainable and expandable, is applied to the check processing, the development period of the program due to the change of the check content can be shortened.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the hardware configuration of the design support apparatus of the present invention. CPU 10, main memory 20, hard disk 30, flexible disk 40, printer 5
0, keyboard 60, mouse 70, display 80,
It is composed of a LAN board 90 and a bus 100.

The CPU 10 is, for example, 64 bits or 3 bits.
It is a 2-bit microprocessor.

The main memory 20 has an OS ( O perating S y
stem: basic software), application programs running on it, and data are loaded.

The basic function of the hard disk 30 is to store the above programs and data. The network design support program, etc.
It is stored here as a program.

The flexible disk 40 provides a portable storage medium function for the programs and data described above, and allows the programs and data to be input to the apparatus from the outside and, conversely, the programs and data to be output from the apparatus to the outside. Used to

The printer 50 uses the application
Run print menus supported by the program,
Used to make a hard copy of the screen.

The keyboard 60, mouse 70, and display 80 all provide interactivity. The network design support program existing in the main memory 20 of the present device displays the result of the processing described later on the display 80 as a window. The network designer interactively executes the design work by operating the window by inputting from the mouse 70 or the keyboard 60.

FIG. 1 further includes a LAN board 90.
It provides the communication function between the device and the network. The LAN board 90 is indispensable when the present design support apparatus is used by connecting to a network, but it may be configured to be used separately from the network. In this case, the LAN board 90 is unnecessary.

FIG. 2 shows the transition of screens displayed on the display 80. The figure (a) is an example of the screen when the design work is in progress by inputting to the network configuration table described later, and the figure (b) is the above configuration table converted into a network configuration diagram. An example of the screen when instructed to display, FIG. 7C is an example of the screen when instructed to check the design result after the input to the network configuration table is completed.

When the apparatus is powered on and the network design support program is started, the network design support window 120 is displayed, and the network configuration table child window 140 is displayed in the client area.
Is displayed (FIG. 2 (a)). A network configuration table is displayed in the client area of this child window, and the designer proceeds with work by inputting to this configuration table. An example of the displayed network configuration table is shown in FIG.
Shown in.

This network configuration table is a multi-vendor
Depending on the combination of distribution equipment and distribution software of
Focus on the components of the network to build
The vendor, model name, and attribute of each element.
It is a list. For example, multiple server machines, multiple clients
CSS that has theClientServer
SWhen designing ystem), each row of the table has an individual element
Regarding equipment (server machines and client machines)
Vendor and model for each component of hardware and software
Name and attribute are described.

The network design work is carried out by inputting to the configuration table, but if necessary, it can be converted into a network configuration diagram and displayed. The instruction is given by selecting the menu 130 on the network design support window 120. A display example of the screen at this time is shown in FIG.

In the client area of the network design support window 120, in addition to the above-mentioned network configuration table child window 140, a network configuration diagram child window 160 is displayed in parallel, and in the client area, a network configuration table is displayed. The corresponding configuration diagram is displayed graphically.

An example of the display is shown in FIG. In the figure, S ₁ ,
S ₂ and S ₃ are server machines, P ₁ and P ₃ are printers, and C _{1 to} C ₉ are client machines.

In this way, the network designer advances the design work based on the network configuration table or the configuration diagram, and when the design work is completed, checks whether or not the design result is correct. This check instruction is given by selecting the menu 130 on the network design support window 120. A display example of the screen at this time is shown in FIG.
Is.

In the client area of the network design support window 120, in addition to the above-mentioned network configuration table child window 140 and network configuration diagram child window 160, a check result list child window 170 is displayed in parallel and the client window A check result list is displayed in the area.

A display example of this check result list is shown in FIG. The check result about the designed network is
It is displayed in tabular form as shown. Here, "additional information"
Is the additional information that should be referenced when investigating the cause in relation to the displayed "warning message", and "rank" is the severity of the warning (whether it is a warning regarding a fatal error or a minor warning). The "countermeasure instruction" is a design change instruction that the designer should make in order to eliminate the target error.

The designer grasps the error included in the design result and its cause based on the check result list,
An error countermeasure is taken by returning to the network configuration table child window 140 and re-entering the network configuration table.

The structure of the software loaded in the main memory 20 of this apparatus is shown in FIG. OS (O perating S yst
em) 190 and a plurality of application programs (AP _{1 to} AP _n ) operating on the OS. AP ₁ is a network design support program, and AP _{2 to} AP _n are other application programs. These are stored on the hard disk 30 of this apparatus, and AP ₁ is loaded into the main memory 20 according to an instruction from the network designer.

Application program (AP ₁ ~
AP _n ) is configured in a message-driven programming style compatible with the window system (a part of the above OS). AP ₁ (network design support program) consists of a main program (Main), a parent window program (Pwin), a check program (Check), and a plurality of child window programs (Cwin). AP _{2 to} AP _n are distribution application programs such as spreadsheets and word processors, and generally consist of a main program (Main) and a window program (Win).

FIG. 7 shows an outline of the processing in the main program, parent window program and child window program. Figure (a) shows the main
Program, (b) is an outline of the processing of the parent window program and the child window program (the parent window program and the child window program have the same structure, so to avoid duplication, they are collectively shown in FIG. (Shown in (b)).

In the main program, after the initial settings (10) such as class registration, creation, and display of windows, the message sent from the window system (a part of the OS) is acquired (30), The acquired message is sent to a parent window program or child
The process of delivering to the window program (40) is repeated (20).

In the parent window program and the child window program, the type of the message delivered from the main program is determined (10) and the message processing corresponding to each is performed (20-4).
0).

For example, when the network design support window 120 shown in FIG. 2A is opened, the parent window program receives the window open message, and as a corresponding process, the network configuration table is displayed in the window client area. child·
Open the window 140.

Thereafter, a new network configuration table is created or edited by selecting a menu, inputting a mouse, and inputting a keyboard. The edited result is stored in the main memory 20 in the form of a table, and can be converted into a network configuration diagram and displayed according to a designer's instruction (menu selection). FIG. 2B shows the state of the screen at this time.

In this way, the network design work is advanced on the basis of the network configuration table and the configuration diagram, and when the design work is completed, it is checked whether or not there is an error in the design result. The instruction is given by menu selection.

This check instruction is sent as a message to the check program via the main program and parent window program.

Upon receipt of this message, the above check program is driven, and it is checked whether or not there is an error in the designed network configuration table, and the check results are displayed in a list. This state is shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a list of check processes in the check program. Check items No. 1 to 3 indicate whether or not a server machine or a client machine, which is a component of a network composed of a combination of distribution equipment and distribution software of multi-vendor, can mutually connect with a LAN board or a printer. This is a check process regarding device connectability. Check items No. 4 to 9 are C of various software that runs on the server machine or client machine.
This is a check process regarding required resources of software whether or not each satisfies requirements regarding PU performance, main memory size, and hard disk capacity. Check items Nos. 10 and 11 are processing for checking the service level of the network as to whether or not the number of server machines or printers is insufficient with respect to the number of client machines.

FIG. 9 shows an outline of the operation of check processing by message communication between objects in the check program.
Shown in.

In FIG. 9, the bold rectangles indicate various objects. Check object (C
K), a network object (NW), a plurality of server machine objects (SV), and a plurality of client machine objects (CT).

Each server machine object (SV) has a CP
U object (SC), main memory object (S
M), a hard disk object (SH), a plurality of LAN board objects (SL), and a printer object (SP). The hard disk object (SH) further includes a server DOS object (SD), a NOS object (SN). ), A plurality of server AP objects (SA).

Similarly, each client machine object (CT) also has a CPU object (CC), a main memory object (CM), and a hard disk object (C).
H), a LAN board object (CL), and a hard disk object further includes a client DOS object (CD), a NOS shell object (CN), and a client OS object (C).
O), a plurality of client AP objects (CA).

Here, CPU:CentralProcessing
Unit (central processing unit), LAN:LocalAreaNetwo
rk (local network), DOS:DiskOperating
System (basic software), NOS:NetworkOpe
ratingSystem (network basic software), A
P:ApplicationProgram (application program), O
S:OperatingSThis is ystem (basic software).

Each of the above objects holds data (dotted line rectangle) and a plurality of methods (solid line rectangle). In the data, specifications of objects, attribute information, and the like are stored. Each method in the object sends a message (shaded line) to other objects as necessary to request the required processing, receives the processing result there as return information, and continues the processing based on it. . For convenience of explanation, all messages are not shown in FIG. 9, and only messages related to the processing described later are shown.

Now, when the object CK is driven by receiving a message from the OS based on the designer's menu selection, the method in the object CK is executed.
The processing flow is shown in FIG. In steps 5-55,
Requests for various types of check processing regarding network design results (steps 5 to 45), or check processing based on inquiries to related objects (step 50,
55) is performed. These check processing requests and inquiries are made by sending messages to the object NW (see FIG. 9).
reference).

The check result in each of the above steps is registered in the check result list table for each step. Here, the check result list table is the object CK
It is a part of the data held by. When the check processing in step 55 is completed, the check result list table is completed, and the table contents are displayed in a list in step 60.

The process flow shown in FIG. 10 will be described below step by step.

In step 5, first, the object NW
To the check item NO. Request the check process 1 (connectability check between server machine and LAN board).

By this message transmission, the method 1 in the object NW is executed (see FIG. 9). The processing flow is shown in FIG. In step 20, the target server machine is requested to check the connectability of the LAN board. The content of the request is to check whether the LAN board can be physically connected to the server machine. This request is made by sending a message to the object SV.

By this message transmission, the method 1 in the object SV is executed (see FIG. 9). The processing flow is shown in FIG. In step 20, the target LAN board is inquired about its vendor and model name. The inquiry is made by sending a message to the object SL. By this message transmission, the method in the object SL is executed (see FIG. 9). In response to the inquiry, this method accesses the data in the object SL and returns the vendor and model name of the target LAN board.

In step 30 of FIG. 11B, the connectable LAN board table is searched using the vendor and model name of the target LAN board returned from the object SL as a key, and the presence or absence of a LAN board matching the key is checked. If there is this, it is normal, if there is no error, if it is an error, related information (identification name of the target server machine, identification name of the target LAN board, etc.) is added to the error code (eg check item No.). In addition, the error table SV-CH
K-1 (error table for check item No. 1 of object SV) is registered. Here, the connectable LAN board table is the object SV.
However, this is a part of the data held therein, and all LAN boards connectable to the target server machine are stored in the table. After processing all LAN boards of the target server in this way, in step 40, the contents of the completed error table SV-CHK-1 are returned to the request source (method 1 of the object NW).

Returning to step 20 of FIG. 11A, the contents of the error table SV-CHK-1 returned from the method 1 of the object SV are stored in the error table NW-C.
HK-1 (Check item No. 1 of object NW)
Error table). After repeating the process for all the server machines in this way, in step 30, the content of the completed error table NW-CHK-1 is returned to the request source (method in the object CK).

Returning to step 5 of FIG. 10, the error table NW-returned from the method 1 of the object NW-
Register the contents of CHK-1 in the check result list table.

The procedure advances to steps 10 and 15 in FIG. 2 Check processing (client machine and L
AN board connectability check), check item N
O. The object NW is requested to perform the check process 3 (connectability check between the server machine and the printer). The operation of the related object thereafter is almost the same as that in step 5, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In steps 20 to 45 of FIG. 10, various software programs operating on the server machine and the client machine are
It is checked whether the CPU, main memory, and hard disk satisfy the requirements for the CPU, main memory, and hard disk, respectively. In the following, as a typical example, the check item number NO. Regarding the check processing (check of free hard disk space of the client machine) of No. 9, the operation of the corresponding related object will be described.

In step 45 of FIG. 10, first, a message is sent to the object NW in order to request a check of the hard disk free space of the client machine.

By this message transmission, the method 9 in the object NW is executed (see FIG. 9). The processing flow is shown in FIG. In step 20, the calculation of the free hard disk space of the target client machine is requested. This request is made by sending a message to the object CT.

By this message transmission, the method 4 in the object CT is executed (see FIG. 9). The processing flow is shown in FIG. In step 10, the object CH is requested to calculate the hard disk free space. This request is made by sending a message to the object CH. By this message transmission, the method in the object CH is executed. (See Figure 9). The processing flow is shown in FIG. In step 5, an inquiry is made as to the required hard disk capacity of the client DOS.
The inquiry is by sending a message to the object CD.

By this message transmission, the method 3 in the object CD is executed (see FIG. 9). Method 3 in the object CD responds to the query,
The data in the object CD is accessed, and the required hard disk capacity of the client DOS is returned. The object CH receives it in step 10 and accumulates it in the accumulation variable R of the required hard disk capacity.

Steps 15 and 20 in FIG. 13 are an inquiry about the required hard disk capacity of the NOS shell and its accumulation processing. The inquiry about the required hard disk capacity of the NOS shell in step 15 is made by sending a message to the object CN.

By this message transmission, the method 3 in the object CN is executed (see FIG. 9). Method 3 in object CN responds to the inquiry by
The data in the object CN is accessed and the required hard disk capacity of the NOS shell is returned. Object CH
Receives it in step 20 and accumulates it in the variable R for accumulation of the required hard disk capacity.

Steps 25 and 30 in FIG. 13 are an inquiry about the required hard disk capacity of the client OS and its accumulation processing. Inquiry about the required hard disk space of the client OS in step 25
By sending a message to O.

By this message transmission, the method 3 in the object CO is executed (see FIG. 9). Method 3 in object CO responds to the query by
The data in the object CO is accessed, and the required hard disk capacity of the client OS is returned. The object CH receives it in step 30 and accumulates it in the accumulation variable R of the required hard disk capacity.

Steps 35 to 45 in FIG. 13 are the inquiry and accumulation processing of the required hard disk capacities of all the APs operating on the target client machine. The inquiry about the required hard disk capacity of the client AP in step 40 is made by sending a message to the object CA.

By this message transmission, the method 3 in the object CA is executed (see FIG. 9). Method 3 in object CA responds to the inquiry by
The data in the object CA is accessed and the required hard disk capacity of the target client AP is returned. The object CH receives it in step 45 and accumulates it in the accumulation variable R. These processes are repeated for all client APs.

In the above accumulation processing, the variable R stores the total required hard disk capacity. In step 50 of FIG. 13, the data in the object CH is accessed to obtain the hard disk capacity C of the target client machine, and the hard disk free space E is calculated by the calculation formula E = C−R.

In step 55, this calculation result is returned to the requester (method 4 in the object CT).

Returning to FIG. 12B, in step 20, the return information received from the object CH is returned to the request source (method 9 in the object NW). 12
In step 20 of (a), this is received, and if the free space of the hard disk is not insufficient, it is normal. If the free space is insufficient, it is judged as an error. The error table NW-CHK-9 (object NW) is added by adding the identifier, free space E, capacity C, required amount R, etc.
Check item No. 9 error table)
Register to. After processing for all client machines in this way, in step 30, the content of the completed error table NW-CHK-9 is requested (object C).
Method in K).

Returning to step 45 of FIG. 10, the error table NW returned from the method 9 of the object NW
-Register the contents of CHK-9 in the check result list table.

Steps 50 and 55 in FIG. 10 are the check processing relating to the service level of the network. 10 (check the number of clients per server), check item No. 11
Performs a check process of (check number of clients per printer). As a representative example, the processing in step 50 will be described, and the description in step 55 will be omitted.

First, a message is sent to the object NW to inquire about the numbers of server machines and client machines.

By this message transmission, the method 10 in the object NW is executed (see FIG. 9). The method 10 returns the number of server machines and client machines in response to the inquiry. In step 50 of FIG. 10, it is received, the number of clients per server machine is calculated, and if this value is abnormally large, it is regarded as an error and an error code (for example, check item No.) is used to display related information ( The number of server machines, the number of client machines, etc.) are added and registered in the check result list table.

In this way, the check result list table is completed when the processing up to step 55 is completed.

Finally, in step 60, a check result list child window is created and displayed, and the contents of the completed check result list table are shown in FIG. 2B in the client area thereof. Display in a format like this. The correspondence table (correspondence table of error codes, warning messages, ranks, and countermeasure instructions in the check result list table) required for display is stored in the data in the object CK, and by accessing this correspondence table , Converts the error code into a warning message, rank, and countermeasure instruction and displays it.

The designer looks at the displayed contents, grasps the contents of the error, investigates the cause, and takes necessary error countermeasures. The error countermeasure is carried out by re-entering the above network configuration table.

Further, the network configuration diagram is redisplayed (whenever necessary), the network configuration table is rechecked, and the results are displayed in a list.

The above is repeated, and when the error is completely eliminated, the network design is completed.

The above is the description of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0085]

As described above, according to the present invention,
From the perspective of shortening the time required for network design, it is not necessary to manually check as in the past because it automatically checks for the presence of design errors in networks realized by combining multi-vendor distribution equipment and distribution software. It has a remarkable effect.

Further, since the check is performed by the computer in accordance with the contents programmed in advance, there is an effect that a check omission and a check mistake are eliminated and the reliability of the check result is improved as compared with the manual check.

Further, the check result is not only displayed as a warning message, but also information required for error countermeasures such as additional information, rank, countermeasure instruction, etc. is displayed at the same time. Since the change can be repeatedly performed on the same device, there is also an effect that an error-free design result can be obtained at an early stage.

Further, since it is compatible with the window system, it has excellent operability and has an effect that the network design work can be efficiently advanced.

In addition, an object-oriented information processing system with high maintainability and expandability is applied to the check processing, and there is an effect that the development period of the program accompanying the change of the check content can be shortened.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a design support device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of screen transitions when a network design work is performed using the design support device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration table displayed in a network configuration table child window.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration diagram displayed in a child window of the network configuration diagram.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a check result list displayed in a check result list child window.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a network design support program AP ₁ existing on a main memory of the design support apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a process outline of a network design support program AP ₁ (same for AP _{2 to} AP _n ).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a list of check items related to a network design result.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a check operation by message communication between objects, which is performed by the check program.

FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram of a method in the check object CK.

11] Check item No. It is a processing flow diagram of the related method driven for 1 (server machine and LAN board connectability check).

12] Check item No. It is a processing flow (the 1) of the related method driven for 9 (hard disk free space check of a client machine).

13] Check item No. FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram (2) of a related method driven for 9 (check of hard disk free space of client machine).

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... CPU (C entral P rocessing U nit: central processing unit), 20 ... main memory, 30 ... hard disk, 40
... flexible disk, 50 ... printer, 60 ... keyboard, 70 ... mouse, 80 ... display, 90 ... L
AN (L ocal A rea N etwork ) board, 100 ... bus,
110 ... Display screen, 120 ... Network design support window, 130 ... Menu, 140 ... Network configuration table child window, 150 ... Scroll bar, 160 ... Network configuration diagram child window, 170 ... Check result list child window, 180 … Communication cable, 190… OS ( O perati
ng S ystem), 200 ... message.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A multi-vendor (a plurality of different parts makers)
A network configuration table, which is a list for inputting the specifications and attributes of each network component in the design of an information network (hereinafter referred to as a network) that is realized by a combination of distribution devices and distribution software And the design work based on the network configuration diagram, which is a graphical format, and when the work is completed, all necessary checks are automatically performed on the completed network configuration table, and the check results are displayed in a list. Change the design to the designer (error countermeasure)
A support device for designing an information network, which is characterized by encouraging the user. 2. The item of the above check, at least,
A server board or a client machine and a LAN board that are the constituent elements of the network, a server machine and a printer, check whether or not they can be connected to each other, and check the connection possibility between the constituent elements, and operate on the server machine or the client machine. Checking the required resources for whether the server machine or client machine meets the requirements of the software regarding the CPU, main memory, and hard disk, and the number of server machines and printers is insufficient with respect to the number of client machines mentioned above. 2. The information network design support apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a check regarding a service level of whether or not there is not. 3. In the list display of the above check results,
2. The information network design support device according to claim 1, wherein not only a warning message from a mere phenomenon side but also additional information necessary for investigating the cause of the error and taking countermeasures is displayed at the same time. 4. A structure in which a design change by re-inputting to the network configuration table and a recheck of the change result can be repeated, and finally a design error can be completely removed. 1. An information network design support device described in 1. 5. A program for inputting to the network configuration table, displaying a network configuration diagram, checking a design result, and displaying a list of check results operates as an application program on a window system. The information network design support apparatus according to claim 1. 6. An object-oriented information processing method is applied to the check processing, the network components are regarded as a set of objects, and the check processing is executed by message communication between the objects. Item 1. An information network design support device according to item 1.