WO2017159508A1 - Setting device, communication system, method for updating setting of communication device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a setting device which updates the setting of communication devices constituting a network while the network is being operated. The setting device is a device for updating the setting of a plurality of communication devices each of which transfers a packet and is controlled by a control device. The setting device is provided with a topology change instruction unit which designates a communication device the setting of which is to be updated among the plurality of communication devices, and instructs the control device to exclude the designated communication device from a network comprising the plurality of communication devices. The setting device is provided with an update execution unit which, after the communication device the setting of which is to be updated is excluded from the network, updates the setting of the communication device the setting of which is to be updated. The topology change instruction unit instructs the control device to return the excluded communication device to the network after the setting of the communication device the setting of which is to be updated is updated.

Description

SETTING DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION DEVICE SETTING UPDATING METHOD, AND PROGRAM

(Description of related applications)
The present invention is based on the priority claim of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-052564 (filed on Mar. 16, 2016), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Shall.
The present invention relates to a setting device, a communication system, a setting update method for a communication device, and a program.

In a campus network (private network) operated in a data center or a company, many servers and network devices (packet transfer devices; for example, communication devices such as switches and routers) are used. In recent years, the use of SDN (Software Defined Networking) that changes the network configuration by setting by software without changing the hardware configuration has been advanced.

In Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2, a technique called OpenFlow is proposed, and a control device (Controller) and a transfer device (Switch) corresponding to the OpenFlow are used. OpenFlow is a communication that considers communication as an end-to-end flow, and performs path control, failure recovery, load balancing, optimization, bandwidth control, and the like on a per-flow basis. Currently, network systems incorporating the above SDN concept have begun to be used in large-scale data centers and the like.

Note that the OpenFlow switch specified in Non-Patent Document 2 includes a secure channel for communication with the OpenFlow controller, and operates according to a flow table that is appropriately added or rewritten from the OpenFlow controller. In the flow table, for each flow, a set of match conditions (Match Fields) to be matched with the packet header, flow statistical information (Counters), and instructions (Instructions) that define processing contents is defined (non-patented) (Refer to “4.1 Flow Table” in Document 2).

It should be noted that the disclosures of the above prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. The following analysis was made by the present inventors.

When a communication device such as a server or switch is introduced into a network, it is necessary to install software or set a configuration (environment setting) in the device. Further, even after the device is introduced into the network, software and configuration may be updated to add functions and correct defects.

Here, among the devices constituting the network, there are various types of software that update the configuration during operation for the server. However, there is no such software for communication devices (network devices). Therefore, when updating the software or configuration of a communication device, it is necessary to stop the communication device incorporated in the network and restart the device after updating the software or the like. However, if a communication device (for example, a switch, a router, etc.) that is a device constituting a network is stopped without consideration and restarted, communication via the device is interrupted, which may cause a network failure.

In order to avoid such a network failure, in a network where the controller for controlling the communication device and the communication device are separated (for example, a network based on the open flow technology), the network operator directly operates the controller (manual operation). By changing the network topology. Specifically, the network does not pass through a route including a communication device (a device that is stopped or restarted) in which software or the like is updated (for example, one redundant route is excluded). The topology is changed. Then, the network operator instructs the setting device (configuration device) that manages the settings of the communication device to update the software of the communication device or update the configuration.

If the network is not in operation, such as when equipment is installed, there is no need to consider the route including the communication device that is the target of software update. In that case, setting update (software and configuration update) Can be automated. However, when the network is operating, a network failure may occur unless the network operator manually operates the controller. Further, in manual operation by a network operator, a human error such as removing an incorrect route may occur, and a network failure may occur due to the human error.

As described above, the update of the device environment using the setting device (configuration device) is normally performed, but the circumstances at that time are different between the device such as the server device and the device such as the router. That is, when using a configuration device to update (update) a server device, only the influence caused by disconnecting the server device needs to be considered. However, regarding the communication devices (switches) constituting the network, it is necessary to consider the entire route (the entire network) passing through the device. In addition, when a network includes a large number of communication devices, it is difficult to change the network topology at a time so that data does not pass through all the devices that perform setting update depending on the network. Therefore, in such a case, every time one or a limited number of communication devices are updated, it is necessary to manually change the network topology. However, there is a problem that human errors are likely to be induced when such operations are executed manually.

An object of the present invention is to provide a setting device, a communication system, a communication device setting update method, and a program that contribute to updating the settings of a communication device constituting the network while operating the network.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for transferring a packet and performing a setting update on a plurality of communication devices controlled by a control device, wherein the plurality of communication devices are communicated to the control device. A topology change instruction unit that instructs to exclude the designated communication device from the network composed of the plurality of communication devices while designating a communication device that is a setting update target among the devices, and the setting update target An update execution unit that updates the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update after the communication device is excluded from the network, and the topology change instruction unit is a communication that is the target of the setting update A setting device is provided that instructs the control device to return the excluded communication device to the network after the setting of the device is updated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the communication device includes a plurality of communication devices that transfer packets, a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, and a setting device that performs setting update related to the plurality of communication devices. The setting device specifies the communication device that is the target of setting update among the plurality of communication devices to the control device, and excludes the specified communication device from the network including the plurality of communication devices. After the communication device that is the setting update target is excluded from the network, the setting of the communication device that is the setting update target is updated, and the setting of the communication device that is the setting update target is updated. A communication system is provided that instructs the control device to return the excluded communication device to the network after the update.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a system including a plurality of communication devices that transfer packets and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, the plurality of communication devices with respect to the control device. And instructing to exclude the designated communication device from the network composed of the plurality of communication devices while designating the communication device that is the setting update target, and the communication device that is the setting update target Is updated from the network, the step of updating the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update, and after the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update is updated, An instruction to return the excluded communication device to the network is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program that is executed by a computer that controls an apparatus that transfers a packet and that is controlled by a control apparatus and that performs setting update related to a plurality of communication apparatuses. Instructing a device to exclude a specified communication device from a network composed of the plurality of communication devices while designating a communication device that is a target of setting update among the plurality of communication devices; After the communication device that is the target of the setting update is excluded from the network, the processing for updating the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update and the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update are updated. And a program for instructing the control device to return the excluded communication device to the network. That.
This program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be non-transient such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product.

According to each aspect of the present invention, there are provided a setting device, a communication system, a communication device setting update method, and a program that contribute to updating a setting of a communication device configuring the network while operating the network. The

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the setting apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the process structure of a setting apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a management ledger file. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication apparatus database which a database construction part produces | generates. It is a block which shows an example of a process structure of the control apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a process structure of the communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

First, an outline of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals of the drawings attached to the outline are attached to the respective elements for convenience as an example for facilitating understanding, and the description of the outline is not intended to be any limitation.

A setting device (configuration device) 100 according to an embodiment is a device that transfers a packet and updates settings related to a plurality of communication devices controlled by a control device (see FIG. 1). The setting device 100 instructs the control device to exclude the specified communication device from the network including the plurality of communication devices while designating the communication device that is the target of setting update among the plurality of communication devices. A topology change instruction unit 101 is provided. The setting device 100 includes an update execution unit 102 that updates settings of a communication device that is a setting update target after the communication device that is a setting update target is excluded from the network. The topology change instruction unit 101 instructs the control device to return the excluded communication device to the network after the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update is updated. In the present disclosure, the setting update includes at least updating software and configuration of the communication device.

The setting device 100 provides a mechanism for automatically performing software update and configuration update of a communication device when a network operator instructs the setting device 100. Specifically, the setting device 100 changes the network topology by instructing the control device that controls the network before performing the processing related to the setting update so that the designated communication device is not used. Performs processing to bypass the route. Thereafter, the setting device 100 executes the setting update of the designated communication device, and then instructs the control device to restore the original network topology. This makes it possible to update the setting of the communication device without stopping the communication flowing in the original network (that is, operating the network). As a result, the induction of a network failure is suppressed and no operation by the network operator is required, so that it is possible to eliminate human errors related to the communication device setting update and to improve the efficiency of the communication device setting update.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the communication system according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the communication system includes a setting device 10, a control device 20, communication devices 30-1 to 30-6, and terminals 40-1 to 40-4. Note that the configuration of FIG. 2 is an example, and is not intended to limit the number of communication devices and terminals. Further, in the following description, when there is no particular reason for distinguishing between the communication devices 30-1 to 30-6 and the terminals 40-1 to 40-4, it is simply referred to as “communication device 30” or “terminal 40”. Indicate.

The communication system shown in FIG. 2 configures a network to which the SDN technology is applied, in which the control device 20 (controller) centrally controls the communication device 30 (packet transfer devices such as routers and switches). In the communication system shown in FIG. 2, for example, a network in a data center is assumed, and a setting device 10 (configuration device) is introduced to the network.

The setting device 10 is connected to the communication devices 30-1 to 30-6 and the control device 20. The control device 20 is connected to the communication devices 30-1 to 30-6. The setting device and other devices, the control device 20 and the communication device 30 are connected via a secure channel.

The setting device 10 is a device that performs processing such as setting update related to each of the plurality of communication devices 30. More specifically, the setting device 10 includes an interface with the control device 20 and gives various instructions to the control device 20. The setting device 10 is also a device that includes an interface with the communication device 30 and updates (updates) the software and configuration of the communication device 30.

The control device 20 is a device that controls a plurality of communication devices 30. Specifically, the control device 20 controls the flow of packets by setting a processing rule for the communication device 30 (designates a data flow path).

The communication device 30 is a device that transfers packets. The communication device 30 processes the received packet (transfers the packet) according to the processing rule set by the control device 20. When receiving a packet that does not match the processing rule set from the control device 20, the communication device 30 transmits the received packet to the control device 20 and requests setting of the processing rule. Upon receiving the request, the control device 20 generates a processing rule for processing the received packet, and sets the processing rule in the communication device 30.

The terminal 40 is a device serving as an end point of communication. The terminal 40 corresponds to, for example, a computer server device in a data center.

[Hardware configuration]
Next, the hardware configuration of the setting device 10 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the setting apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The setting device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (computer) and has a configuration illustrated in FIG. For example, the setting device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a memory 12, an input / output interface 13, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 14 that are communication means, which are connected to each other via an internal bus.

Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the setting device 10. The setting device 10 may include hardware (not shown). Further, the number of CPUs and the like included in the setting device 10 is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, a plurality of CPUs may be included in the setting device 10.

The memory 12 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or an auxiliary storage device (hard disk or the like).

The input / output interface 13 is a means to be an interface of a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is a device that accepts user operations such as a keyboard and a mouse, for example. Further, an interface in which a display device and an input device are integrated, such as a touch panel, may be used.

The hardware configuration of other devices (the control device 20, the communication device 30, and the terminal 40) is basically the same as the configuration of the setting device 10 and is apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus the description thereof is omitted. To do.

[Configuration of Setting Device 10]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the setting device 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the setting device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a storage unit 202, an information acquisition unit 203, an address distribution unit 204, a database construction unit 205, and a setting update processing unit 206. Composed.

Each processing module described above is realized by the CPU 11 executing a program stored in the memory 12, for example. The program can be downloaded through a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip. That is, it is sufficient if there is a means for executing the function performed by the processing module with some hardware and / or software.

The communication control unit 201 is means for controlling communication between the setting device 10 and other devices (the control device 20 and the communication device 30). When the communication control unit 201 receives a packet, the communication control unit 201 distributes the packet to various processing modules. When the communication control unit 201 acquires a packet from the processing module, the communication control unit 201 transmits the packet to another device.

The storage unit 202 is a means for storing various information. Specifically, the storage unit 202 includes an area in which file data (initial data) input in advance to the setting device 10 by the network operator is arranged. In the storage unit 202, a database (a communication device database described later) is constructed by the database construction unit 205.

The information acquisition unit 203 is a means for providing an information input interface to the network operator. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 203 inputs in advance information necessary for network operation from a network operator.

The network operator inputs necessary information to the setting device 10 using a device (display device, operation device) connected to the setting device 10 or a terminal (not shown). For example, the network operator inputs initial data related to a management ledger file, a configuration template file, a software file group to be installed in the communication device 30 and the like to the setting device 10 in advance.

The management ledger file is a file in which parameters different for each communication device 30 are described, for example, a file having a spreadsheet format. The parameters of each communication device 30 include at least a management number for specifying the communication device 30, a MAC (Media Access Control) address obtained from the interface of the communication device 30, a software version, and a configuration (contents of environment setting). Included (see FIG. 5).

Note that the software version and configuration described in the management ledger file are information that defines the software version and configuration that are desired to be applied to the communication device 30 operating on the network. For example, the first line in FIG. 5 indicates that the communication device 30 identified by the management number “1” is managed with the software version “V — 01” and the configuration content “Conf — 01”.

The information acquisition unit 203 stores the initial data input by the network operator in the storage unit 202.

The information acquisition unit 203 is also a means for receiving a command from the network operator and responding to the processing result of the command. Specifically, the network operator inputs a command related to construction of a communication device database, which will be described later, and a command related to setting update of the communication device 30 to the setting device 10. The information acquisition unit 203 allocates the input command to various processing modules of the setting device 10, requests processing of the command, and returns the processing result to the network operator.

The address distribution unit 204 manages an individual address (for example, a MAC address) of the communication device 30 in association with an address (for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address) that can be assigned to each communication device 30, and acquires the individual address. In response to this, it is means for distributing an assignable address to the communication device 30. That is, the address distribution unit 204 is a means for providing a function as a so-called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. That is, the setting device 10 uses the individual address of the communication device 30 as information unique to each of the plurality of communication devices 30 and manages the individual address and the address that can be assigned to each of the plurality of communication devices in association with each other. A means for distributing the received address to the communication device 30.

Also, the address distribution unit 204 provides the control device 20 with information related to the correspondence between the management number written in the management ledger file and the IP address assigned to the communication device 30. The control device 20 that has acquired the information (correspondence between the management number and the IP address) can uniquely identify each communication device 30 by acquiring the management number from the setting device 10. The control device 20 associates, from the setting device 10, a management number that allows the network operator (user) to designate the communication device 30 and information (MAC address) unique to each of the plurality of communication devices 30. This is for acquiring information.

The database construction unit 205 is a means for constructing a communication device database for managing the communication device 30 in the storage unit 202 when the information acquisition unit 203 obtains a management ledger file or the like from the network operator. The database construction unit 205 is activated when a command related to construction of the communication device database is received via the information acquisition unit 203.

When constructing the communication device database, the database construction unit 205 identifies a software file (substance file of the program) corresponding to the “software version” described in the management ledger file from the software file group in the storage unit 202. Furthermore, the database construction unit 205 replaces the numerical value (parameter) described in the configuration template file of the storage unit 202 with the numerical value described in “Configuration” described in the management ledger file, and the corresponding configuration. Generate a file. Thereafter, the database construction unit 205 associates the management number, the identified software file, and the generated configuration file with each other, and registers them as one entry in the communication device database (see FIG. 6). The database construction unit 205 performs the above-described work on the communication devices 30-1 to 30-6 and constructs the communication device database.

As described above, the network administrator inputs a command related to the setting update of the communication device 30 to the setting device 10. At this time, the information acquisition unit 203 provides a network administrator with an interface for designating a communication device that is a setting update target and inputting a command for instructing the setting update of the designated communication device.

The setting update processing unit 206 is a means for processing a command related to setting update of the communication device acquired via the information acquisition unit 203. The setting update processing unit 206 includes submodules including an update target inspection unit 211, a network state inspection unit 212, a topology change instruction unit 213, and an update execution unit 214. The command related to the setting update of the communication device includes information indicating that the setting of the communication device is updated (software and configuration are updated) and information specifying the communication device for which the setting is updated (management ledger file management). Number). Alternatively, it may be possible to specify which software (which version of software) each communication device 30 uses.

The update target inspection unit 211 is a means for inspecting the setting of the communication device 30 specified by the command. More specifically, the update target inspection unit 211 investigates the software version and configuration of the designated communication device 30 (one of the communication devices 30 when a plurality of communication devices 30 is designated).

The update target inspection unit 211 instructs the designated communication device 30 to report the software version and configuration of the own device. When the update target inspection unit 211 obtains a response from the communication device 30, the communication specified by the command based on the management ledger file (see FIG. 5) stored in the storage unit 202 and the response from the communication device 30. It is determined whether software update or configuration update of the device 30 is necessary.

Specifically, the update target inspection unit 211 refers to the management ledger file and acquires the “software version” and “configuration” of the designated communication device 30. Thereafter, the update target inspection unit 211 compares the acquired information with the information acquired from the communication device 30, and determines that a software update or a configuration update is necessary if they are different.

In addition, when updating the software of the communication device 30, it is necessary to restart the communication device 30. Even when the configuration is updated, the communication device 30 may be restarted depending on the contents. Therefore, the update target inspection unit 211 determines whether or not setting update (software and / or configuration update) of the communication device 30 is necessary and whether or not the communication device 30 needs to be restarted.

The operation of checking the software version and configuration of the communication device 30 by the update target inspection unit 211 is described as “dry run” and will be described below.

When the update target inspection unit 211 determines that the setting update of the communication device 30 is at least necessary, the update target inspection unit 211 notifies the network state inspection unit 212 of the determination result (details of setting update, necessity of restart).

The network state inspection unit 212 is a means for inspecting whether or not the network composed of the communication devices 30 controlled by the control device 20 is normal. Specifically, the network state inspection unit 212 inquires of the control device 20 whether or not the network is normal.

As a result of the inquiry, when a response indicating that the network is normal (each communication device 30 is operating normally) is acquired, the network state inspection unit 212 notifies the topology change instruction unit 213 to that effect (network is normal). To do. On the other hand, when a response indicating that the network is abnormal (at least one communication device 30 is not operating normally) is acquired, the network state inspection unit 212 acquires information indicating that (the network is abnormal). Notification to the unit 203. Upon receiving the notification, the information acquisition unit 203 responds that the command input related to the setting update of the communication device 30 by the network operator has not been processed normally.

The topology change instruction unit 213 is a means for instructing the control device 20 to change the topology of the network composed of the communication devices 30. Specifically, when the topology change instruction unit 213 receives a notification that the network is normal from the network state inspection unit 212, the topology change instruction unit 213 updates the setting among the plurality of communication devices 30 to the control device 20. The designated communication device 30 is instructed to be excluded from the network composed of the plurality of communication devices 30. Note that the topology change instruction unit 213 uses the management number described in the management ledger file to specify the communication device 30 to be excluded from the network.

Also, the topology change instruction unit 213 stores the communication device 30 that has been instructed to be excluded from the network (stores the management number of the device).

When the control device 20 receives the instruction from the setting device 10 (topology change instruction unit 213), the control device 20 changes the topology of the network so as to exclude the designated communication device 30. As a result, in the communication system, the packet is not transferred to the communication device 30 designated to be excluded from the network.

When the topology change instructing unit 213 receives a response from the control device 20 indicating that the exclusion process of the communication device 30 has been normally completed, the topology change instructing unit 213 notifies the update execution unit 214 of the response. On the other hand, when the topology change instructing unit 213 receives a response from the control device 20 indicating that the exclusion process of the communication device 30 has not ended normally, the topology change instructing unit 213 notifies the information acquiring unit 203 accordingly. In this case, the information acquisition unit 203 responds to the network operator that the acquired command has not been processed normally.

The update execution unit 214 is a means for executing setting update (software update, configuration update) of the communication device 30. More specifically, when the update execution unit 214 receives the above notification from the topology change instruction unit 213 (exclusion processing of the communication device 30 is normally completed), the communication device database built in the storage unit 202 (see FIG. 6). The communication device 30 to be updated is searched using the management number as a key.

The update execution unit 214 transmits the software file and configuration file of the searched entry to the communication device 30 to be updated, and instructs an update using the file. The communication device 30 updates the software and configuration using the acquired software file and configuration file. As described above, the update execution unit 214 updates the setting of the communication device 30 after the communication device 30 that is the target of the setting update is excluded from the network.

Thereafter, the update execution unit 214 instructs the communication device 30 to restart. Alternatively, the communication device 30 may spontaneously restart.

When the update execution unit 214 determines that the setting update of the communication device 30 has been normally completed, the update execution unit 214 notifies the update target inspection unit 211 of the fact. Upon receiving the notification, the update target inspection unit 211 executes the above-described dry run, and confirms that the update execution unit 214 has successfully updated the software and configuration. If the update of the software or the like is successful, the update target inspection unit 211 notifies the topology change instruction unit 213 to that effect.

Upon receiving the notification, the topology change instruction unit 213 designates the previously stored communication device 30 to be excluded from the network, and instructs the control device 20 to return the communication device 30 to the network. That is, the topology change instruction unit 213 instructs the control device 20 to return the excluded communication device 30 to the network after the setting of the communication device 30 that is the target of the setting update is updated. When the instruction is processed normally, the packet is transferred to the communication device 30 excluded from the network.

When the control device 20 receives a response indicating that the network topology change has been completed normally, the topology change instruction unit 213 notifies the network state inspection unit 212 to that effect.

The network state inspection unit 212 inquires of the control device 20 whether or not the network is normal. When the response indicating that the network is normal is obtained from the control device 20, the network state inspection unit 212 notifies the information acquisition unit 203 to that effect. Receiving the notification, the information acquisition unit 203 sends a response (acknowledgement) to the command related to the setting update of the communication device 30 to the network operator. That is, after the excluded communication device 30 returns to the network, the network state inspection unit 212 inquires of the control device 20 whether or not the network is normal. When the setting device 10 receives a response indicating that the network is normal from the control device 20, the setting device 10 determines that the setting update of the communication device 30 that is the target of the setting update has been completed normally.

[Configuration of Control Device 20]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the control device 20 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the control device 20 includes a communication control unit 301, a storage unit 302, and a network control unit 303.

The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication between the control device 20 and other devices (setting device 10, communication device 30). When the communication control unit 301 receives a packet, the communication control unit 301 distributes the packet to various processing modules. When the communication control unit 301 acquires a packet from the processing module, the communication control unit 301 transmits the packet to another device. In addition, when the communication control unit 301 acquires information related to the correspondence between the management number of the communication device 30 and the IP address from the setting device 10, the communication control unit 301 stores the information in the storage unit 302 and can be referred to by other processing modules. State.

The storage unit 302 is a means for storing various information. Information related to the topology of the network including the communication devices 30 (for example, link information between the communication devices 30) is registered in advance in the storage unit 302 from a network operator or the like. Alternatively, the control device 20 may acquire information from the communication device 30 and automatically generate a network topology.

The network control unit 303 is means for controlling and managing a network including the communication devices 30 included in the communication system. The network control unit 303 includes submodules including a transfer path calculation unit 311, a processing rule setting unit 312, a network state confirmation unit 313, and a topology change unit 314.

The transfer route calculation unit 311 is a means for calculating the transfer route of the network packet formed by the communication device 30. Specifically, when receiving a processing rule setting request from the communication device 30, the transfer path calculation unit 311 calculates the packet transfer path of the received packet based on the network topology stored in the storage unit 302. The transfer path calculation unit 311 registers the calculated packet transfer path in the storage unit 302.

The processing rule setting unit 312 is a means for setting a processing rule in the communication device 30. More specifically, the processing rule setting unit 312 generates a processing rule to be set in each of the communication devices 30 based on the packet transfer path calculated by the transfer path calculation unit 311 and communicates the generated processing rule. Set for each device 30.

The network status confirmation unit 313 is a means for processing an inquiry (inquiry about whether the network is normal) from the setting device 10 described above. The network status confirmation unit 313 that has received the inquiry transmits a signal for inquiring whether all the communication devices 30 or the main communication device 30 under the inquiry about the life and death of each communication device 30. Check (Disabled). After confirming the life and death of the individual communication device 30, the network state confirmation unit 313 receives the response indicating that the operation state is normal from all the communication devices 30 or the main communication device 30. A response indicating that “the network is normal” is made. On the other hand, when the communication device 30 is not operating or when the main communication device 30 is not operating, the network status confirmation unit 313 sends a response to the setting device 10 that “the network is abnormal”. Do.

The topology change unit 314 is a means for processing an instruction from the setting device 10 (an instruction to remove or restore the designated communication device 30 from the network).

When receiving an instruction to exclude the communication device 30 from the setting device 10, the topology change unit 314 changes the information on the network topology stored in the storage unit 302. Specifically, the topology changing unit 314 disconnects a link that the designated communication device 30 has with another communication device 30 to update the network topology. Thereafter, the topology changing unit 314 instructs the transfer route calculating unit 311 to recalculate the packet transfer route stored in the storage unit 302 and affected by the excluded communication device 30. The processing rule setting unit 312 sets a processing rule corresponding to the recalculated packet transfer path in the communication device 30.

In the network excluding the designated communication device 30, the topology changing unit 314 indicates that the instruction from the setting device 10 has been processed normally when the recalculation of the packet transfer path and the setting of the processing rule are completed normally. Response (acknowledgment). On the other hand, when the recalculation of the packet transfer path or the like does not end normally, the topology change unit 314 makes a response (negative response) indicating that the instruction from the setting device 10 has not been processed normally.

When receiving an instruction from the setting device 10 to return the communication device 30 to the network, the topology changing unit 314 constructs the network topology that has returned the communication device 30 and sets processing rules corresponding to the network topology. To the transfer route calculation unit 311 and the processing rule setting unit 312.

The topology changing unit 314 recalculates the packet transfer paths that are affected by the excluded communication device 30 among the previously calculated packet transfer routes, and sets the corresponding processing rule in the communication device 30. Explained maintaining the network. However, the exclusion of the communication device 30 and the maintenance of the network by the topology changing unit 314 are not limited to the method, and various methods can be employed. For example, the topology changing unit 314 uses a different communication device by using the detour processing disclosed in International Publication No. 2014/057977, or uses a redundant side if the configuration is redundant. May be. That is, any method may be used as long as the network topology is changed so that data is not input to the communication device 30 to be excluded.

7 can be realized by adding the above-described network state confirmation function and topology change function to the OpenFlow controller described in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[Configuration of Communication Device 30]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the communication device 30 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the communication device 30 includes a communication control unit 401, a table management unit 402, a storage unit 403, a transfer processing unit 404, a setting confirmation unit 405, and a setting update unit 406. Has been.

The communication control unit 401 is means for controlling communication between the communication device 30 and other devices (setting device 10 and control device 20). When the communication control unit 401 receives a packet, the communication control unit 401 distributes the packet to various processing modules. When the communication control unit 401 acquires a packet from the processing module, the communication control unit 401 transmits the packet to another device.

The table management unit 402 is a means for managing the table stored in the storage unit 403. More specifically, when the table management unit 402 registers the processing rule (control information) instructed by the control device 20 in the table database and is notified that a new packet has been received from the transfer processing unit 404, the control is performed. The apparatus 20 is requested to set a processing rule. The table database is configured by a database that can store one or more tables to be referred to when the transfer processing unit 404 processes received packets.

The transfer processing unit 404 includes a sub module including a table search unit 411 and an action execution unit 412. The table search unit 411 is means for searching a processing rule having a match field that matches a received packet from a table stored in a table database. The action execution unit 412 is a unit that performs packet processing according to the processing content indicated in the instruction field of the processing rule searched by the table search unit 411. In addition, when a processing rule having a match field that matches the received packet is not found, the transfer processing unit 404 notifies the table management unit 402 to that effect.

The table management unit 402 requests the control device 20 to set a processing rule via the communication control unit 401 when there is no processing rule corresponding to the received packet.

The setting confirmation unit 405 is a means for processing an instruction (instruction for reporting the software version or configuration of the own apparatus) from the setting apparatus. The setting confirmation unit 405 identifies its own software version and configuration by comparing the software version numbers and comparing the files themselves, and responds to the setting device 10.

The setting update unit 406 is means for updating (updating) the software and configuration of the own device using the software file and the configuration file provided from the setting device 10. Specifically, the setting update unit 406 rewrites the software file and the configuration file stored in a storage medium such as an HDD with the provided file, and updates the setting of the own device.

The communication device 30 shown in FIG. 8 can be realized by adding the above-described setting confirmation function and setting update function to the OpenFlow switch described in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[Operation of communication system]
Next, the operation of the communication system according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

The setting device 10 inputs initial data from the network operator (step S101). Specifically, the network operator places a management ledger file, a configuration template file, and a software file group to be installed in the communication device 30 in the setting device 10.

The setting device 10 constructs a communication device database in response to a command input from the network operator (step S102). Specifically, the setting device 10 prepares a software file and a configuration file to be set in each communication device 30 from the information input in step S101, and constructs a communication device database.

Thereafter, the setting device 10 activates the address distribution unit 204 and registers the correspondence between the address (for example, IP address) assigned to each communication device 30 and the address (for example, MAC address) unique to each communication device 30 (step). S103).

The initial setting of the setting device 10 is completed by the procedure of steps S101 to S103.

Next, the procedure related to the setting update of the communication device 30 will be described. As an opportunity related to the setting update of the communication device 30 (update of the communication device 30), when the network device is started from the communication device 30 and the network operator sets the setting device 10 A method of instructing with a command can be considered. In the first embodiment, a method will be described in which the network operator instructs the setting device 10 to update the setting of the communication device 30 using a command. However, it goes without saying that the method described below is applicable even when the communication apparatus 30 is activated.

The setting device 10 inputs a command from the network operator (command related to setting update of the communication device 30) (step S104). The contents instructed by the command are an instruction to update the setting of the communication device 30 and a number for specifying one or more communication devices 30. As the number for specifying the communication device 30, the management number uniquely specified by the management ledger file and registered in the communication device database is used. The setting update of the communication device 30 (update of the communication device 30) means a setting update in which the communication device 30 changes to a state organized by the communication device database generated by the setting device 10 in step S102. .

When receiving the command related to the setting update, the setting device 10 executes the above-described dry run for the designated communication device 30 (step S105). Specifically, the setting device 10 selects one communication device 30 from the designated communication device 30 (group), and gives an instruction to investigate the current software and configuration of the communication device 30. Note that the execution of the dry run reveals the necessity of updating the software of the designated communication device 30 and the necessity of updating the configuration. In addition, when the software update is necessary, the network device needs to be restarted. When the configuration change is necessary, it is also determined whether the communication device 30 needs to be restarted.

Here, the case where the software and configuration of the communication device 30 need to be updated will be described with reference to FIG. That is, an operation in the case of “automatic network topology change” and restart of the communication device 30 will be described.

The setting device 10 updates the setting of the communication device 30 according to the result of step S105. The setting device 10 recognizes all the communication devices 30 existing in the network based on the communication device database generated in step S102. Therefore, the setting device 10 confirms the operating state regarding each of these communication devices 30. Specifically, the setting device 10 inquires of the control device 20 whether or not the network is normal (step S106). By executing this step, the setting device 10 can confirm that there is no invalid (abnormal) communication device 30 and the network is normal.

Thereafter, the setting device 10 instructs the control device 20 to exclude the communication device 30 from the network using the management number of the communication device 30 as a parameter (step S107). When the setting device 10 instructs the control device 20 to perform the above instruction, the control device 20 corrects the network topology. As a result, data communication does not pass through the designated communication device 30.

The setting device 10 instructs the designated communication device 30 to update the setting (step S108). The setting device 10 restarts the communication device 30 or the communication device 30 restarts spontaneously (automatically).

Thereafter, the setting device 10 performs dry run again (step S109), thereby confirming that the setting update of the communication device 30 in step S108 has been successful.

In step S109, after the setting device 10 confirms the normality of the communication device 30, the setting device 10 causes the control device 20 to return the communication device 30 to the network using the management number of the communication device 30 as a parameter. An instruction to this effect is given (step S110). That is, the setting device 10 designates the previously excluded communication device 30 and instructs the control device 20 to return the communication device 30 to the network. By this processing, the network topology is restored, and data communication passes through the communication device before switching the route.

Thereafter, the setting device 10 inquires of the control device 20 whether or not the network is normal, similarly to step S106 (step S111). That is, the setting device 10 confirms “whether the device is valid or invalid” for each of the communication devices 30. With this processing, the setting device 10 confirms that the invalid communication device 30 does not exist and the network is normal, and completes the command processing related to the setting update of the communication device 30.

Note that the processing from Steps S105 to S111 in FIG. 9 is processing related to setting update relating to one communication device 30, and therefore when a plurality of communication devices 30 are designated in Step S104, the corresponding number The process is repeated. For example, referring to FIG. 2, when setting update of the three communication devices 30 including the communication devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 is instructed by command input, the setting device 10 After the setting update of 30-1 is completed, the settings of the communication devices 30-2 and 30-3 are updated sequentially.

Next, the operation of the communication system according to the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10 shows a packet transfer path before a command related to setting update of the communication device 30 is input from the network operator. For example, a packet transmitted from the terminal 40-1 reaches the terminal 40-4 via packet transfer paths of the communication devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-6.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are diagrams illustrating packet transfer when the network operator designates the communication device 30-2 and inputs a command related to setting update of the communication device from the state shown in FIG. is there.

When the above command is received, the setting device 10 designates the communication device 30-2 and instructs the control device 20 to exclude the device from the network. In response to the instruction, the control device 20 newly constructs a network topology excluding the communication device 30-2. As a result, the packet transmitted from the terminal 40-1 reaches the terminal 40-4 via the packet transfer paths of the communication devices 30-1, 30-5, and 30-6 (see FIG. 11). That is, according to the above instruction from the setting device 10, the communication device 30-2 is temporarily disconnected from the operating network and excluded (see FIG. 12).

In this state, the network operation can be continued even if the communication device 30-2 is not operating normally. Therefore, a network failure does not occur even if a restart or the like accompanying a setting update of the communication device 30-2 occurs.

When the setting update of the communication device 30-2 excluded from the network is executed and the device is restarted, the communication device 30-2 becomes ready to return to the network. When the communication device 30-2 is ready to return to the network, the setting device 10 instructs the control device 20 to return the communication device 30-2 to the network. When the re-change of the network topology is executed by the control device 20, the packet transfer path returns to the state shown in FIG.

As described above, in the communication system according to the first embodiment, in the configuration in which the control device 20 (controller) and the communication device 30 (switch) are separated, the setting device 10 with respect to the interface provided in the control device 20. , The topology change is performed so that the route is excluded so that the data communication (flow that accommodates the packet) does not pass through the communication device to be updated. At that time, the setting device 10 completes the update of the communication device 30 as a necessary process, confirms its normality, and then the setting device 10 instructs the interface provided in the control device 20 to change the network topology. The route through the communication device is restored. That is, the setting device 10 according to the first embodiment executes a series of update sequences in consideration of not only the communication device 30 that is the target of setting update, but also the entire network. At this time, the update sequence is automatically performed without human intervention, and a management number and a communication device that uniquely indicate the communication device 30 necessary when the setting device 10 operates an interface with the control device 20. 30 addresses are linked and matched, and the intended communication device 30 can be excluded. In other words, according to the first embodiment, in the redundant or non-redundant network including the communication device 30 and the control device 20 that controls the communication device 30, the setting device 10 performs one or more controls. A network system capable of switching the network topology by instructing the device 20 (including an orchestrator when the network is virtualized) is provided. Note that the above redundancy includes duplication of communication devices and link aggregation using a plurality of communication devices.

As described above, during the operation of the network, the network operator can automatically update the software and configuration of the specific communication device 30. At that time, since the target communication device 30 is excluded from the network, the update processing of the communication device 30 can be normally executed without causing a network failure (without stopping communication flowing in the network). Can do. In addition, by using the communication device setting update method according to the first embodiment, even when there are a large number of communication devices, the network operator can collectively issue an update instruction to the setting device 10. Can be done. This is because the setting device 10 changes the topology and restores each time, so that there is no need for manual intervention during the processing. As a result, it is possible to reduce resources required for setting update of the communication device 30 and reduce human errors.

[Modification]
The communication system described in the first embodiment is an example, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the system. For example, in the first embodiment, the configuration based on the idea of SDN in which a controller and a switch (packet transfer device) are separated has been mainly described. However, it may be an existing network, for example, an IP network on which a routing protocol such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) operates. At this time, the configuration device interfaces with the network device (router), and changes the setting of the routing protocol while operating the network, thereby preventing data communication through the network device. As a result, the route can be excluded so that the network device is not used. After the processing by the configuration device is completed, the setting is restored to the original state.

In the first embodiment, the MAC address is used as the information for uniquely associating the communication device with the management number, but other information (name and number unique to the communication device) may be used.

In the first embodiment, the description has been made assuming that DHCP is used as the address distribution method to the communication device group, but any other method such as BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol) can be used.

The setting device 10 may be physically or functionally bundled with the control device 20 in the SDN environment.

Also, the setting device 10 and the control device 20 can construct the function virtually on a general-purpose server using, for example, NFV (Network Function Virtual).

In the first embodiment, the case where there is one control device 20 has been described. However, when there are a plurality of control devices 20 for configuring a network, an instruction is given to the plurality of control devices 20. It may be done.

In the first embodiment, an instruction is given to the control device 20, but when there is an orchestrator that manages a plurality of control devices or a network system on the network, Instructions may be given.

Although the industrial applicability of the present invention is apparent from the above description, the present invention can be suitably applied in an environment where a large number of network devices (switches) are deployed, such as a data center and a corporate / campus network. is there. In particular, it is suitable for a network configured using the idea of SDN. In other words, a communication system that satisfies the desire to update the settings of many communication devices in a large-scale data center without human intervention, and has high added value for customers who operate large-scale data centers. Can provide.

A part or all of the above embodiments can be described as follows, but is not limited to the following.
[Form 1]
This is the same as the setting device according to the first aspect described above.
[Form 2]
A network state inspection unit that inquires to the control device whether or not the network is normal;
The setting device according to mode 1, wherein the topology change instructing unit instructs the control device to exclude a communication device to be updated from the network when the network is normal.
[Form 3]
The network state inspection unit
After the excluded communication device returns to the network, the control device is inquired whether the network is normal,
The topology change instruction unit includes:
The setting device according to mode 2, wherein when the network to which the excluded communication device is restored is normal, it is determined that the setting update of the communication device that is the target of the setting update has been completed normally.
[Form 4]
One of aspects 1 to 3, further comprising: an information acquisition unit that designates a communication device that is a target of setting update, and provides a user with an interface for inputting a command for instructing setting update of the designated communication device. The setting device according to one.
[Form 5]
The setting device according to mode 4, wherein a management number that enables the user to designate the communication device and information unique to each of the plurality of communication devices are registered in association with each other.
[Form 6]
The individual address of the communication device is used as information unique to each of the plurality of communication devices, and the individual address and an address that can be assigned to each of the plurality of communication devices are associated and managed, and the assigned address is The setting device according to mode 5, further comprising an address distribution unit that distributes the communication device.
[Form 7]
An update target inspection unit for confirming the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update;
The topology change instruction unit includes:
Instructing the control device to exclude the communication device from the network when the confirmed setting is different from the setting registered in advance for the communication device to be updated. The setting device according to any one of Forms 1 to 6.
[Form 8]
The communication system according to the second aspect described above.
[Form 9]
It is as the setting update method of the communication apparatus which concerns on the above-mentioned 3rd viewpoint.
[Mode 10]
It is as the program which concerns on the above-mentioned 4th viewpoint.
Forms 8 to 10 can be developed into forms 2 to 7, as in form 1.

In addition, each disclosure of the above cited patent documents, etc. shall be incorporated by reference into this document. Within the scope of the entire disclosure (including claims) of the present invention, the embodiments and examples can be changed and adjusted based on the basic technical concept. In addition, various combinations or selections of various disclosed elements (including each element in each claim, each element in each embodiment or example, each element in each drawing, etc.) within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention. Is possible. That is, the present invention of course includes various variations and modifications that could be made by those skilled in the art according to the entire disclosure including the claims and the technical idea. In particular, with respect to the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or small range included in the range should be construed as being specifically described even if there is no specific description.

10, 100 Setting device 11 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
12 Memory 13 Input / output interface 14 NIC (Network Interface Card)
20 Control device 30, 30-1 to 30-6 Communication device 40, 40-1 to 40-4 Terminal 101, 213 Topology change instruction unit 102, 214 Update execution unit 201, 301, 401 Communication control unit 202, 302, 403 Storage unit 203 Information acquisition unit 204 Address distribution unit 205 Database construction unit 206 Setting update processing unit 211 Update target inspection unit 212 Network state inspection unit 303 Network control unit 311 Transfer route calculation unit 312 Processing rule setting unit 313 Network state confirmation unit 314 Topology Change unit 402 Table management unit 404 Transfer processing unit 405 Setting confirmation unit 406 Setting update unit 411 Table search unit 412 Action execution unit

Claims (10)

1. A device that forwards packets and is a device that updates settings related to a plurality of communication devices controlled by a control device,
   A topology instructing the control device to exclude a specified communication device from a network composed of the plurality of communication devices while designating a communication device to be updated among the plurality of communication devices. A change instruction section;
   An update execution unit that updates the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update after the communication device that is the target of the setting update is excluded from the network;
   With
   The topology change instructing unit instructs the control device to return the excluded communication device to the network after the setting of the communication device to be updated is updated.
   Setting device.
2. A network state inspection unit that inquires to the control device whether or not the network is normal;
   The setting device according to claim 1, wherein the topology change instructing unit instructs the control device to exclude the communication device that is the target of the setting update from the network when the network is normal.
3. The network state inspection unit
   After the excluded communication device returns to the network, the control device is inquired whether the network is normal,
   The topology change instruction unit includes:
   3. The setting device according to claim 2, wherein when the network to which the excluded communication device has returned is normal, it is determined that the setting update of the communication device that is the target of the setting update has been completed normally.
4. The information acquisition part which provides the interface for designating the communication apparatus which is the object of setting update, and inputting the command which instruct | indicates the setting update of the said specified communication apparatus is provided further. A setting device according to claim 1.
5. 5. The setting device according to claim 4, wherein a management number that enables the user to designate the communication device and information unique to each of the plurality of communication devices are registered in association with each other.
6. The individual address of the communication device is used as information unique to each of the plurality of communication devices, and the individual address and an address that can be assigned to each of the plurality of communication devices are associated and managed, and the assigned address is The setting device according to claim 5, further comprising an address distribution unit that distributes the communication device.
7. An update target inspection unit for confirming the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update;
   The topology change instruction unit includes:
   Instructing the control device to exclude the communication device from the network when the confirmed setting is different from the setting registered in advance for the communication device to be updated. The setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. A plurality of communication devices for transferring packets;
   A control device for controlling the plurality of communication devices;
   A setting device for performing a setting update on the plurality of communication devices;
   Including
   The setting device excludes the designated communication device from the network including the plurality of communication devices while designating a communication device that is a target of setting update among the plurality of communication devices to the control device. Instruct
   After the communication device that is the target of the setting update is excluded from the network, the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update is updated,
   After the setting of the communication device to be updated is updated, the control device is instructed to return the excluded communication device to the network.
   Communications system.
9. A plurality of communication devices for transferring packets;
   A control device for controlling the plurality of communication devices;
   In a system that includes
   Instructing the control device to exclude the designated communication device from the network composed of the plurality of communication devices while designating a communication device that is a target of setting update among the plurality of communication devices. When,
   Updating the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update after the communication device that is the target of the setting update is excluded from the network;
   A step of instructing the control device to return the excluded communication device to the network after the setting of the communication device to be updated is updated;
   Including a communication device setting update method.
10. A program that is executed by a computer that controls a device that transfers settings and controls settings related to a plurality of communication devices, which is a device that transfers packets and is controlled by a control device.
    A process of instructing the control device to exclude the designated communication device from the network composed of the plurality of communication devices while designating a communication device that is a target of setting update among the plurality of communication devices. When,
    Processing for updating the setting of the communication device that is the target of the setting update after the communication device that is the target of the setting update is excluded from the network;
    Processing for instructing the control device to return the excluded communication device to the network after the setting of the communication device to be updated is updated;
    A program that executes

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