JP2002135315A - Network and node device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network that entirely enhances the availability of band resources. SOLUTION: Each of node devices that are placed and connected to access links on the quality assurance network that provides a quality assurance service assuring a band width used by communication applications is provided with an operating band management means, an operating band reservation means and a data flow processing means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network. For example, in a packet communication network in which a plurality of routes can be set between a source and a destination, the route of the packet is determined based on QoS (Quality of Service). It is suitable for application in cases such as the above.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a node device as a component of such a network.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Each node constituting a packet-based communication network refers to a destination area of a received packet and a routing table, and transfers the packet to a next HOP (next hop) based on the packet.

When the topology of such a communication network allows a plurality of routes to be set between terminals (or between nodes), each node converts a data flow input from a previous link into a next node. In order to transmit to the next HOP, the next HOP is uniquely identified by a method such as round robin.

[0005] When adjacent nodes on the network execute the round robin one after another, one route is finally set on the network.

[0006]

However, in the round robin, since the next HOP is only mechanically determined according to a predetermined order, another route having a low congestion degree (congestion degree) is used. There is a problem in that it is not possible to set a route with a high degree of congestion in a situation where it is possible to set up, or to set a detailed route according to the reserved bandwidth of each data flow. Resource utilization efficiency is low.

In the case of using round robin, for example, a route with a relatively high congestion is set for a data flow with a narrow reserved band, and a route with a relatively low congestion is set for a data flow with a wide reserved band. For example, in a situation where both data flows can be transmitted normally, a route with low congestion is set for a data flow with a narrow reserved band, and a route with high congestion is set for a data flow with a wide reserved band. Is set, and a data flow having a wide reserved band may be inconvenient, for example, the reservation may not be possible.

[0008]

According to the present invention, a plurality of connection links are provided on a quality assurance type network which provides a quality assurance type service which guarantees a bandwidth used by a communication application. (1) At least for each connection link, a class identifier for identifying each quality assurance class included in the quality assurance service, and an allocated bandwidth set for each class identifier Operating bandwidth management means for associating and managing the total allocated bandwidth amount, which is the total amount of bandwidth, and the used bandwidth amount currently allocated at each operation time point in the total allocated bandwidth amount; For a communication data flow that is to be transmitted, and includes at least the class identifier and a destination identifier that specifies a destination communication device. An operation band reservation unit that receives a path setting request signal from an external communication device via the connection link, and determines whether or not reservation of a used band amount corresponding to the path setting request signal can be performed; 3) a data flow processing means for transmitting the communication data flow between any of the connection links when the operation bandwidth reservation means determines that the use bandwidth amount corresponding to the route setting request signal can be reserved. It is characterized by the following.

Further, the network of the present invention is characterized in that
It is characterized by being configured by connecting a plurality of node devices of any one of (1) to (5) using connection links.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (A) Embodiment In the following, a case where a network and a node device of the present invention are applied to an IP (Internet Protocol) network such as the Internet and a node device on the IP network will be described. An embodiment will be described.

Normally, the IP network functions as a best-effort network that provides a best-effort service that does not guarantee the bandwidth used by the communication application. Is characterized by providing a quality-guaranteed service that guarantees the bandwidth used.

That is, according to the present embodiment, the IP network functions as a quality assurance network.

(A-1) Configuration of the First Embodiment FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the main part of the IP network 10 of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 2, the IP network 10
Is a network for performing packet-based communication, and includes a terminal T1 as a transmitting terminal (originating terminal), a terminal T2 as a receiving terminal (receiving terminal), and four node devices N1 to N1.
N4 and six links L1 to L6 connecting adjacent terminals and node devices on the network 10.
It has.

That is, the terminal T1 and the node device N1 are connected by the link L1, and the node device N1 and the node device N
2 are connected by a link L2, the node devices N3 and N4 are connected by a link L3, the node devices N1 and N2 are connected by a link L4, and the node devices N2 and N4 are connected by a link L5. And the node device N4 and the terminal T2 are connected by a link L6.

Each of the node devices N1 to N14 has a link L10 for connecting to a node device (not shown).
Links such as L16 are also connected.

Here, the node devices N1 to N4 are network nodes capable of performing priority control for each QoS on a packet basis for each connected link.

Also, links L1 to L6 and L10 to L
17 are each one physical link (for example, one optical fiber cable). Since one physical link is normally used only for one-way transmission, FIG. 2 only shows a link mainly used for transmission in a direction from the terminal T1 to the terminal T2 (for example, the link L1 is connected between the output port of the terminal T1 and the input port of the node device N2).

Therefore, in order to perform bidirectional transmission in the IP network 10 shown in FIG.
In the opposite direction to the L1 to L6 (terminal T2
From the terminal T1 to the terminal T1).

Here, for the sake of simplicity, the main data flow will be focused on transmission in the direction from terminal T1 to terminal T2. The configuration and operation of each node device required for transmission in the opposite direction are substantially the same as the configuration and operation for transmission in the direction from terminal T1 to terminal T2.

The IP network 10 in the state shown in FIG.
Are two candidate routes (routes RT1 and R2 shown by dotted lines in FIG. 2) to a destination (terminal T2 viewed from terminal T1).
T2), in each link (for example, L2 to L5) connecting between nodes of the network, a plurality of QoS classes that can pass through the link, and a band attribute that can be used by the QoS class and a band attribute that is being used are These are defined and managed by each node device (for example, N1 to N4).

The bandwidth that can be used by each QoS for each link is:
Set by maintenance personnel or an appropriate routing protocol. The in-use bandwidth of a link (eg, L1) is equal to the RS when a connection for data flow between terminals (here between terminals T1 and T2) is established.
VP (a type of resource reservation protocol in IP: Re
Source Reservation Protocol) and the sum of the bands reserved by the resource reservation protocol. Of course,
If this data flow is cut or lost, the bandwidth reserved for that data flow is subtracted from the bandwidth in use.

In the present embodiment, which of a plurality of independent candidate routes to use is determined by a band allocated to each QoS by a link used in the candidate route, a band of a newly transmitted data flow, and This is determined in the node device in consideration of the band used before transmitting the flow and the destination of the flow.

Here, the QoS required for the flow is determined by the service class designation field (for example, T4 of IPv4 (IP version 4)) of each IP packet constituting the flow.
It is assumed that the identifier is embedded in an OS (Type of Service) field or the like.

Next, the internal configuration of the node devices N1 to N4 required to realize the above functions will be described with reference to FIG. Since the node devices N1 to N4 have substantially the same internal configuration, the description will be made assuming that the node device N1 is illustrated in FIG.

(A-1-1) Internal Configuration of Node Device In FIG. 1, the node device N1 includes a band reserving unit 11
Band management unit 12 and routing information management table 13
, Band information management table 14, data flow routing information management table 15, reception processing units 16-1 to 16-1
16N, the transfer processing unit 17, and the priority processing units 18-1 to 18-1.
8-M.

The bandwidth reservation unit 11 terminates a resource reservation protocol such as RSVP, and responds to a required QoS class (a bandwidth required for one data flow is determined for each QoS class). Upon receiving the reservation request signal RQ, it outputs a test request signal Q1 for inquiring of the band management unit 12 whether or not reservation is possible. This is the part that outputs to

The band reserving section 11 also has a function of supplying the switch control signal SC1 to the transfer processing section 17 to control the output route of the IP packet forming the data flow.

The bandwidth management unit 12 connected to the bandwidth reservation unit 11 searches the management tables 13 to 15 and searches for resources in the router N1 at the time of receiving the reservation request signal RQ (or the inspection request signal Q1). Is compared with the bandwidth required by the reservation request signal RQ, and it is determined whether or not the own node device is capable of reserving only the resources required by the reservation request signal RQ. The inspection result signal A1 corresponding to the
This is the part that is sent back.

In the present embodiment, the next node reservation request signal ST is transmitted only when the resource reservation required by the reservation request signal RQ is possible in the own node device, and is not transmitted when the resource reservation is not possible. But
Although it is not possible to secure all the resources required by the reservation request signal RQ as necessary,
The next node reservation request signal ST may be used to notify that a resource corresponding to the S class can be secured.

This is because, for example, when the reservation request signal RQ is Qo
Request 10Mbps bandwidth corresponding to S class 3,
If the available resource in the own node device is 3 Mbps, the resource corresponding to the QoS class 1 cannot be reserved, but the resource corresponding to the QoS class 2 (for example, 1 Mbps) can be reserved. In this case, the notification is made using the node reservation request signal ST.

The node device which is the next HOP receiving this determines whether or not the reservation of the bandwidth corresponding to the QoS class 2 is possible. This is because it is efficient for all the node devices on the route transmitting one data flow to reserve the same bandwidth for the data flow without difference in size.

In the present embodiment, the next node reservation request signal ST is used for any processing (processing such as switching of candidate routes) in the own node device for the resource reservation required by the reservation request signal RQ. If it is not possible, it is not transmitted, but in that case, instead of transmitting the next node request signal ST to the next HOP, a non-reservable signal is transmitted to the node device (or terminal T1) on the calling terminal side. Then, it may be notified that the reservation of the band is impossible.

When the node device (for example, the node device N1 that has received the reservation impossible signal from the node device N2) receives the reservation impossible signal, the node device that has received the reservation impossible signal transmits another candidate route. It is also possible to search for reservation possibility (for example, candidate route RT2). This is useful when the candidate route is not a simple structure as shown in FIG.

The bandwidth management unit 12 manages and searches 3
FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the routing information management table 13 among the three management tables 13 to 15.

In FIG. 3, the routing information management table 13 stores a destination terminal or a destination network (LAN).
(Local area network)) and a next HOP identifier HID specifying the next HOP
And a physical link identifier PID for specifying a used physical link
, A priority PE indicating which one of a plurality of next HOPs is to be used first, a node device designated by the next HOP identifier HID and its own node device (here, the node device N
Cost CT indicating the cost of the physical link between 1)
Are stored in association with each other. The priority PE may be set according to the order of cost efficiency.

The destination identifier DID specifies the destination terminal when the node device N1 can check the destination information of the IP packet up to the terminal level. The node device N1 specifies the destination network. In this case, the destination information of the IP packet cannot be checked up to the terminal level, but can be checked up to the network level. When the destination identifier DID specifies the destination network, the transmission of the IP packet by the IP network 10 is up to the destination network (a destination terminal is included in the destination network) and is the final destination. It is the role of the destination network to deliver the IP packet to the destination terminal.

In FIG. 3, for example, if the destination identifier DID, TN1-ID, specifies the terminal T2, the next HOP identifier HID, NOD-ID1, specifies the node device N2, and NOD-ID2, Node device N3
May be specified.

In this case, the next HOP identifier HID N
Physical link identifier P associated with OD-ID1
L1-ID as ID designates link L4 in FIG. 2 and L2-ID associated with NOD-ID2
Specifies the link L2 in FIG.

The L1-ID has T as a priority PE.
N1-P1 is associated, and the cost L1C is associated with TN1-P1.

Similarly, L2-ID is associated with TN1-P2 as priority PE, and TN1-P2 is associated with cost L2C.

However, the overlapping use of the next HOP identifier HID and the physical link identifier PID as described above means that a physical transmission for one transmission direction is required between adjacent node devices (for example, between the node devices N1 and N2). When there is only one link (for example, an optical fiber cable), designating a physical link and designating an adjacent node device have exactly the same meaning, which is redundant, and the next HOP identifier HID or Either one of the used physical link identifiers PID can be omitted.

If there are a plurality of physical links for one transmission direction between adjacent node devices, it is necessary to use both the next HOP identifier HID and the used physical link identifier PID.

The routing information management table may be provided for each class.

Next, FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the band information management table 14, which is the second management table.

In FIG. 4, the bandwidth information management table 14
Is a link (for example, L2, L4) capable of transmitting an IP packet among physical links connected to the node device N1.
, A physical link identifier PI specifying the link
For each D, the QoS class QC, the allocated bandwidth LW, and the usage UW are stored in association with each other.

Here, the physical link identifier PID is the same information as the PID in the routing information management table 13.

[0048] The QoS class QC represents a QoS class that can pass through the link, and the allocated bandwidth LW
Is specified by a network administrator or determined by an appropriate routing protocol, and stores a band that can be passed through the link for each QoS class. The used amount UW is a portion in which the currently used bandwidth is stored for each QoS class.

Note that "physical" in the QoS class QC is the physical band of the link, and indicates the total physically effective bandwidth for each physical link.

The QoS classes 1, 2 and 3 in the QoS class QC specify different service classes, respectively, and the width of the bandwidth used in one data flow is fixed for each service class.

As an example, the width of the bandwidth used in one data flow is 100 kbps, Q
1 Mbps for QoS class 2 and 10 Mbps for QoS class 3
ps.

In this case, the allocated bandwidth LW for the QoS class 3 is 40M on the link L4 in FIG. 2 specified by the physical link identifier PID L1-ID.
(That is, 40 Mbps), the link L4
The number of QoS class 3 data flows that can be simultaneously transmitted is four.

The usage UW of each QoS class 1 to 3
Changes momentarily for each QoS class as the number of quality-guaranteed data flows transmitted via the node device N1 increases or decreases.

In FIG. 4, the node device N1 supports QoS classes 1 to 3 for all links. However, since node devices of various specifications coexist in the IP network 10, for example, Older node devices may not be able to support a QoS class that consumes more bandwidth due to one data flow,
As an example, it may happen that the node device N3 shown in FIG. 2 supports the QoS classes 1 and 2, but cannot support the QoS class 3.

The total value of the allocated bandwidth LW of each QoS class for one link (for example, L4) is set to be equal to or less than the physical bandwidth. However, in order to utilize the statistical multiplexing effect and increase the utilization efficiency of the physical link, the total value may be set to exceed the physical band.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the data flow routing information management table 15 which is the third management table.

In FIG. 5, the data flow routing information management table 15 has a data flow identifier FID.
, The physical link identifier PID, and the QoS class QC are managed in association with each other.

The physical link identifier PID is the same information as the physical link identifier PID managed in the management tables 13 and 14, and the QoS class QC is
QoS class QC managed in the management table 14
The same information as

The data flow identifier FID is an identifier for uniquely specifying a data flow between terminals (for example, between the terminal T1 and the terminal T2). For example, a destination device ID + a destination port number + a source ID + a transmission It is composed of information such as the original port number.

On the other hand, N shown in FIG. 1 (N is an arbitrary natural number).
However, in many cases, it takes a value of 2 or more).
Each of 1 to 16N is an input port equipped with necessary functions such as a queuing unit for controlling a queue constituted by IP packets, a priority control unit, and a shaping unit.

Further, M shown in FIG. 1 (M is an arbitrary natural number).
However, in many cases, it takes a value of 2 or more. The number N of input ports may or may not match) priority processing units 1
Each of 8-1 to 18M is an output port equipped with necessary functions such as a queuing unit for controlling a queue constituted by IP packets, a priority control unit, and a shaping unit.

Here, the priority control does not mean that the processing of each queue is performed evenly, but that the priority is set for each service class, and the queue having the higher priority is processed preferentially. Reservation of a band can be performed when, for any of the candidate links, an allocated band that can transmit a data flow of the QoS class remains unused.

A transfer processing unit 1 for connecting the reception processing units 16-1 to 16-N and the priority processing units 18-1 to 18-M.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a portion functioning as a switch.

The transfer processing unit 17 performs switching based on the switch control signal SC1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the link L1 on FIG.
Is connected to the reception processing unit 16-1, the link L4 is connected to the priority processing unit 18-1, and the link L2 is connected to the priority processing unit 18-1.
−M, the transfer processing unit 17
When the candidate route RT1 is selected, the internal signal SS1 supplied from the reception processing unit L1 (this SS1
Transfers the data of the IP packet transmitted by the terminal T1) to the priority processing unit 18-1 and, when selecting the candidate route RT2, to the priority processing unit 18-M. Become.

Note that the reservation request signal RQ received by the band reservation unit 11 is also transmitted to any of the reception processing units (for example, L1).
Is transmitted by the IP packet received from the physical link, and the next node reservation request signal ST is also stored in the IP packet by one of the priority processing units based on the information supplied from the band reservation unit 11. This is sent to the physical link.

For the node device that is the next HOP, the next node reservation request signal ST functions as the reservation request signal RQ, and such a relationship occurs in a chain fashion for all node devices existing on the candidate route. .

Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 8 shows an operation sequence of the present embodiment. The operation sequence in FIG.
It consists of 31 steps.

(A-2) Operation of the First Embodiment Assume that the terminal T1 has transmitted a reservation request signal RQ for transmitting a QoS class 2 data flow to the terminal T2 (S10).

Upon receiving the reservation request signal RQ, the bandwidth reservation unit 11 in the node device N1 determines the contents of the next node reservation request signal ST by using the inspection request signal Q
1 is output to the band management unit 12 (S11), and the corresponding inspection result signal A1 is received (S12).

At this time, the band management unit 12 determines whether or not a reservation can be made based on the following equation (1).

{(LW) − (UW) − (RW)}> = 0 (1) Here, (LW) is the value of the allocated bandwidth LW used in the bandwidth information management table 14, and (UW ) Is the value of the used amount UW, and (RW) is the reservation request signal R
Q is the value of the required bandwidth requested by the terminal T1 (the user may request the maximum bandwidth, the minimum guaranteed bandwidth, and the average bandwidth within this bandwidth). Since the terminal T1 requests QoS class 2 quality assurance, the required bandwidth RW
Is 1 Mbps described above.

The symbol ">=" indicates that the value on the left side is greater than or equal to the value on the right side.

As a premise of the determination, the destination identifier TN1-ID in the routing information management table 13
Specifies the terminal T2 and the next HOP corresponding to TN1-ID
NOD-ID1 of the identifier HID specifies the node device N2 (therefore, L1-ID of the physical link identifier PID specifies the link L4), NOD-ID2 specifies the node device N3, and the priority PE is TN1- It is assumed that P1 is higher than TN1-P2 and cost efficiency is higher for L1C than for L2C.

In this case, as long as the relationship of the above equation (1) holds, the bandwidth management unit 12 continues to select the link L4 specified by the physical link identifier L1-ID having the higher priority PE, If WL1C2, which is the usage amount UW of the bandwidth information management table 14 at the time when the request signal RQ is received by the bandwidth reservation unit 11, is less than 19 Mbps, the candidate route RT1 can be reserved.

When the number of QoS class 2 data flows in the same transmission direction via the node device N1 increases,
The value of WL1C2, which is the used amount UW, is calculated by the following equation (2).
Sequentially increases in accordance with the substitution operation of.

(UW) = (UW) + (RW) (2) Here, (UW) on the right side indicates the value of the usage amount WL1C2 before the increase, and (UW) on the left side corresponds to the usage amount WL1C2. (Storage area on the bandwidth information management table 14).

On the other hand, when the expression (1) does not hold and the relationship of the following expression (3) holds, the priority PE
Next HOP identifier N corresponding to the lower TN1-P2
The node device N3 specified by OD-ID2 is selected,
The candidate route RT2 is selected as the data flow transmission route.

{(Lw) − (UW) − (RQ)} <0 (3) When the above formula (1) is not satisfied for the first time when the reservation request signal RQ is received, the terminal T1 Is transmitted to the terminal T2 from the candidate route RT
2 is the first data flow of the QoS class 2 transmitted using the G.2.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, only two links exist at the location corresponding to the destination identifier TN1-ID because there are only two candidate routes allowed from the topology of the IP network 10, and there is a priority. Two PEs (TN1
-P1 and TN1-P2), but in the case where there are three or more candidate routes (for example, in the case of transmitting to the terminal specified by the destination terminal identifier TN3-ID in FIG. 3), the priority PE Similar operations will be repeated in descending order.

After performing such processing, the band management unit 12 outputs the inspection result signal A1, and the band reservation unit 11 transmits the switch control signal SC1 having the content corresponding to the inspection result signal A1 to the transfer processing unit 17. (S13), and the transfer processing unit 17 returns a confirmation signal AC1 indicating that the switch control signal SC1 has been received (S14).

Next, band reserving section 11 transmits the next node reservation request signal ST corresponding to the inspection result signal A1 to the next HO.
P node device (for example, node device N3 or N
2) (S15).

Assuming that the next HOP is the node device N2, in the node device N2, the band reserving unit 11 transmits the signal to the next node via the corresponding reception processing unit (for example, the reception processing unit corresponding to the above 16-1). A reservation request signal ST is received. For the node device N2, the next node reservation request signal ST has the same meaning as the reservation request signal RQ in the node device N1, and the reception thereof is performed in the node device N2 by the same processing as in steps S10 to S15. It is an opportunity to be done.

Step S16 in the node device N2
Steps S20 to S20 are processes corresponding to steps S11 to S15.

That is, step S16 corresponds to S11, step S17 corresponds to S12, step S18 corresponds to S13, step S19 corresponds to S14, and step S20 corresponds to S15.

The same processing is repeated in the node device N4 which is the next node device on the candidate route RT1 (the next HOP for the node device N2).

That is, step S21 in the node device N4 corresponds to S11, step S22 corresponds to S12, step S23 corresponds to S13, step S24 corresponds to S14, and step S24 corresponds to S14.
Reference numeral 25 corresponds to S15.

The terminal T2, which has received the next node reservation request signal ST from the node device N4 in the process of step S25,
If the data flow can be received, a response signal RP1 is returned to the bandwidth reservation unit 11 in the node device N4 (S
26), the band reserving unit 11 in the node device N4 that has received this transmits a response signal RP2 to the band reserving unit 11 in the node device N2 (S27), and receives the band in the node device N2. The reservation unit 11 transmits a response signal RP2 to the band reservation unit 11 in the node device N1 (S2
8), upon receiving this, the bandwidth reservation unit 11 in the node device N1
Transmits a response signal RP2 to the terminal T1 (S2
9).

However, such a response signal RP2 (RP
In order to perform the transmission and reception of 1), a physical link for the above-described opposite transmission direction in parallel with the physical links L4 and L5 is required.

In step S29, terminal T1 sends response signal RP
Receiving No. 2 establishes a connection between the terminal T1 and the terminal T2 via the route RT1. After the connection is established, the terminal T1 sends out a data flow, and the data flow is transmitted to the terminal T2 via the candidate route RT1 (S30, S31).

In each of the node devices N1, N2 and N4, an IP packet constituting the data flow is sent to a corresponding reception processing unit (for example, in the case of the node device N1, the reception processing unit 16-1). Receive. The received IP packet is sent to the transfer processing unit 17, which extracts the FID, which is the data flow identifier, and the QoS class information from the received IP packet, and retrieves the information from the data flow routing information management table 15. A physical link identifier PID that specifies the physical link of the transmission destination is obtained, and the Q of the priority processing unit (for example, in the case of the node device N1, the priority processing unit 18-1) corresponding to the PID is obtained.
Transmit to the queue corresponding to the oS class. Upon receiving this, the priority processing device transfers the packet to the physical link in accordance with the bandwidth of the queue allocated to each QoS class and the priority.

As described above, when data flows are routed by the data flow routing information table 15, network resources are reserved for each data flow,
It can be used.

Further, by using the data flow routing table in combination with a resource reservation protocol such as RSVP, it is not necessary for all nodes on the network to recognize this data flow as performed in the conventional routing protocol. Disappears.

By the way, when the data flow is released, the bandwidth reservation unit 11 in each of the node devices N1, N2, N4
Performs a process of receiving a release request from another node device or detecting that the data flow has been released, and instructs the bandwidth management unit 12 of the corresponding data flow FI.
D, the destination identifier DID, and the value of the required bandwidth RW used for the data flow.

Each of the node devices N1, N2, N
4 rewrites the corresponding part of the management tables 13 to 15.

At this time, the used amount UW in FIG.
It is rewritten based on the substitution expression of (4).

(UW) = (UW) − (RW) (4) The meaning of this substitution expression corresponds to the expression (2), and (UW) on the right side indicates the usage amount before reduction (for example, WL1C2 ), And (UW) on the left side is a variable (storage area on the bandwidth information management table 14) corresponding to the usage amount (WL1C2).

(A-3) Effects of the First Embodiment According to the present embodiment, an IP network which is originally a best-effort network can be used as a quality assurance network. One route can be selected from a plurality of candidate routes.

As a result, it becomes possible to set a detailed route in accordance with the reserved bandwidth of each data flow, and it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of bandwidth resources in the entire IP network.

(B) Second Embodiment Hereinafter, only the points of this embodiment different from the first embodiment will be described.

The difference is that the transfer processing unit 30 shown in FIG.
And a portion related to the discard determination unit 31.

Therefore, in FIG. 7, the function of each component and each signal denoted by the same reference numeral as in FIG. 1 is exactly the same as in FIG.

The function of the transfer processor 30 is basically the same as that of the transfer processor 17.

(B-1) Configuration and Operation of Second Embodiment The node device N1 shown in FIG.
After receiving the IP packet received in -1), the transfer processing unit 30 once supplies the IP packet (at least necessary information (or a copy thereof) of the header part) to the discard determination unit 31.

The discard judging unit 31 extracts the data flow identifier FID and the information of the QoS class (Class 1, Class 2, etc.) from the IP packet, and stores the extracted information in the data flow routing information management table 15. It is determined whether or not the content matches the content.

As a result of this determination, non-conforming IP packets are discarded, and only conforming IP packets are transmitted to the link from the corresponding outgoing route (eg, 18-1).

(B-2) Effects of the Second Embodiment According to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, in the present embodiment, if the data stored in the data flow routing information management table (15) does not match the data flow identifier or the QoS class of the data flow that is actually flowing, the contents are not matched. In order to discard IP packets, once you have acquired network resources using a resource reservation protocol such as RSVP,
Qo that malicious user intentionally reserved for the route
Even if a packet having a higher priority than the S class is sent, the data flow does not affect the entire network, and a robust and reliable network can be constructed.

(C) Third Embodiment Hereinafter, only the points of this embodiment different from the first embodiment will be described.

The difference is that the reception processing unit 26 shown in FIG.
-1 to 26-N and the parts related to the priority processing units 28-1 to 28-M.

Therefore, in FIG. 9, the functions of the components and signals denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 are exactly the same as those in FIG.

The functions of the reception processing units 26-1 to 26-N are basically the same as those of the reception processing units 16-1 to 16-N, and the functions of the priority processing units 28-1 to 28-M. The functions are basically the same as those of the priority processing sections 18-1 to 18-M.

The reception processing units 26-1 to 26- of this embodiment
N and the priority processing units 28-1 to 28-M are characterized in that they respectively have the functions of the switches that the transfer processing unit 17 has. Thereby, each of the reception processing units 26-1 to 26-N and the priority processing units 28-1 to 28-2
Although the scale of 8-M itself is likely to increase in terms of hardware and software, it becomes possible to distribute the load on the switch function that tends to concentrate.

(C-1) Configuration and Operation of Third Embodiment The communication node device 2 in FIG. 9 includes a bandwidth reservation unit 11, a bandwidth management unit 12, a routing information management table 13, a bandwidth information management table 14, a data flow It comprises a routing information management table 15, reception processing units 26-1 to 26-N, and priority processing units 28-1 to 28-M.

When the connection is established according to the procedure described in the first embodiment, the IP packet constituting the data flow to be transmitted is transmitted to the reception processing unit 26- of the node device 2.
i (where 1 <= i <= N). Reception processing unit 2
6-i extracts the data flow identifier FID and the QoS class information from the received IP packet, obtains the physical link identifier PID indicating the transmission destination link from the data flow routing information management table 15, and obtains the priority corresponding to the physical link identifier PID. The packet is transmitted to the queue corresponding to the QoS class of the processing unit 28-j.

The priority processing device 28-j (1 <1 <
= J <= M) transfers the packet to the physical link according to the queue bandwidth and the priority assigned to each QoS class.

Here, the symbol “<=” indicates that the value on the left side is equal to or larger than the value on the right side.

(C-2) Effects of the Third Embodiment According to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the load of the switch function, which was borne only by the transfer processing unit 17 in the first embodiment, is changed to the reception processing unit (26-i) (1 <= i <= N). , The switching speed can be improved, and the processing efficiency can be increased.

(D) Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, only differences between the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

The difference is limited to the configuration of the data flow routing information management table 15.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the data flow routing information management table 35 of the present embodiment.

(D-1) Configuration and Operation of Fourth Embodiment FIG. 6 is replaced with the data flow routing information management table 15 shown in FIG. 5 used in the first to third embodiments.
The feature of this embodiment is to use the data flow routing information management table 15 having the configuration shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, the data flow information management table 35 has a data flow identifier FID, a next HOP identifier HID, and a QoS class QC.

Then, the "data flow information management table 15" in the description of the operation of the first embodiment is replaced with the "data flow information management table 35", and the "data flow information management table 15"
D ”in the data flow routing information management table 3
5 to “Next HOP identifier HID”.

(D-2) Effects of the Fourth Embodiment According to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the data flow routing information management table (35) is close to that of the conventional routing table, so that most of the configuration of the conventional node device is used as it is. The data flow routing information management table (35) can be mounted, so that the mounting is easy and the feasibility is improved.

(E) Other Embodiments In the first to fourth embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to an IP network and its node device has been described.
The present invention can be applied to the Internet as an IP (Internet Protocol) integrated network and to node devices on the IP integrated network.

In an IP integrated network, a best-effort network that provides a best-effort service that does not guarantee the bandwidth used by a communication application, and a quality that provides a quality-guaranteed service that guarantees the bandwidth used by the communication application The guaranteed network may coexist logically or physically.

However, since the most-effort-type network is the conventional Internet itself, the present invention is effective for realizing the function of the IP integrated network as a quality assurance network.

Further, according to the present invention, the Q
Diffserv that allocates resources for each oS class
And a mechanism such as RSVP can be combined and used when reserving network resources for each data flow.

[0132]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform fine-grained route setting according to the class identifier of each communication data flow to be transmitted on a quality assurance type network. In other words, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the bandwidth resources in the entire quality assurance network.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a node device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a network according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a routing information management table used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a band information management table used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a data flow routing information management table used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a data flow routing information management table used in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a node device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an operation sequence of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a node device according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

2, N1 to N4: node device, 10: network, 1
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Band reservation part, 12 ... Band management part, 13 ... Routing information management table, 14 ... Band information management table, 1
5 ... data flow routing information management table, 16
-1 to 16-N reception processing unit, 18-1 to 18-M priority processing unit, T1, T2 terminal, L1 to L6, L10 to L
17 ... (physical) link, RT1, RT2 ... route, DI
D: destination identifier, PID: physical link identifier, PE: priority, CT: cost, QC: QoS class, LW: allocated bandwidth, UW: used amount, FID: data flow identifier, H
ID: next HOP identifier.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A node device connected to a plurality of connection links and arranged on a quality assurance type network for providing a quality assurance type service for guaranteeing a bandwidth used by a communication application, wherein: At least, a class identifier for identifying each quality assurance class included in the quality assurance type service, a total allocated bandwidth which is a total amount of allocated bandwidth set for each class identifier, and each of the total allocated bandwidth Operating band management means for managing the used bandwidth amount currently assigned at the time of operation in association with the communication band, and at least the class identifier and the destination communication device are specified for a communication data flow to be transmitted on the network. A route setting request signal including a destination identifier to be transmitted from an external communication device through the connection link. Operating band reserving means for determining whether or not reservation of the used bandwidth corresponding to the route setting request signal can be performed; and A node device comprising: a data flow processing unit that transmits the communication data flow between any of the connection links when it is determined that a reservation can be made. 2. The node device according to claim 1, wherein the external communication device is a communication terminal device or
A node device on the network. 3. The node device according to claim 1, wherein the operating bandwidth management means uniquely specifies a connection link for transmitting the communication data flow in association with the total allocated bandwidth and the used bandwidth. A node device comprising: an operation identifier management unit that manages a connection link identifier and a data flow identifier that uniquely specifies each communication data flow. 4. The node device according to claim 3, wherein when a plurality of connection links capable of transmitting the communication data flow exist for a destination communication device specified by the destination identifier, the priority order is assigned to the plurality of connection links. Transmission link candidate management means for setting and managing the priority in association with the destination identifier and the transmission connection link identifier of each connection link; and transmitting the communication data flow in order from the connection link having the highest priority. And a data flow distributing means for performing the following. 5. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein each time-series data constituting the communication data flow is a predetermined unit signal, and the header of the unit signal contains the class identifier and the data flow identifier. The node device according to claim 3, wherein a header portion of a unit signal of the communication data flow input from the connection link is inspected, and a class identifier and a data flow identifier contained in the header portion are respectively
Violation unit signal for determining whether or not the class identifier managed by the operation band management unit matches the data flow identifier managed by the operation identifier management unit. A node device comprising an exclusion unit. 6. A network comprising a plurality of node devices according to claim 1 connected by using connection links.