JP2002325100A - Network sla control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To lighten the burden in processing at each node, etc., in regard to SLA control and acquisition of SLA-controlled results information. SOLUTION: Each node has a second storage part 23-3b which stores a received tracking processing packet, a third storage part 23-3d which stores a received SLA control packet, a tracking processing execution part 23-ea which executes the program within the tracking processing packet and stores the path information of the transfer packet in a tracking processing packet, according to the passage under specified conditions of the transfer packet, an SLA control packet execution part 23-3c which executes the program within the SLA control packet and controls the transfer state of the transfer packet and stores the controlled result information in an SLA control packet, a stationary packet transmitting part 23-4 which sends out the stored tracking processing packet and the SLA control packet to a sending-out path for the transfer packet, a third storage part 23-5a which stores the received information collection packet, an itinerant active packet execution part 23-5 which stores the SLA- controlled results information in the information collection packet, and an itinerant active packet transmitting part 23-6 which sends out the stored information collection packet to a sending path for a transfer packet.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a network SLA.
Regarding the management system, for example, in a network for transferring connectionless packets, the S
LA (Service Level Argreeme)
nt: service level agreement).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a general network system,
SLA (Service Level Agreement) is an agreement determined between a service provider and a service receiver, and here refers to a contract between a communication carrier and a communication user. For example, "When the communication of the communication user is interrupted for 1 minute or more due to the failure of the node, the usage fee of 10,000 yen is returned." Implement return of usage fee for yen ".

[0003] SLA management is a mechanism in which data collected by a network management system is collated with an SLA, and a violation portion is cashed back. The framework at this time is such that a central network management system sequentially collects information (number of packet transfers, packet transfer time, fluctuations, etc.) from each node as shown in FIG. 1, and manages based on this information. It is. As an example, FIG. 6 shows a network management system that collects node information and an SLA management system that analyzes the data and reflects the data on the SLA.

[0004]

However, the configuration shown in FIG. 6 is a configuration of collective management, in which node information Q1 in the first node to node information Q4 in the fourth node
, A network management system that collects the data through a dedicated line, and an SLA management system that analyzes the data and reflects the data on the SLA. For this reason, the configuration of FIG. 6 has a disadvantage that scalability when node information or the number of nodes to be managed increases or decreases is lacking. In addition, the configuration of FIG. 6 includes a process of changing the software of the SLA management system every time the format of the SLA changes, and the information obtained from each node also changes. Therefore, it takes a very long time to reflect the corrected information. I was

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a method in which a transfer packet is introduced into a network from an ingress edge node, and is derived from a derivation edge node to the outside of the network via a relay node as appropriate. Each node in the network has the following features.

That is, each node executes the tracking processing program stored in the received tracking processing packet and the first storage unit that stores the first path information, and executes the tracking processing program, and executes the first processing of the transfer packet. A first packet execution unit that inserts path information of the transfer packet into the first path information in response to passage of a predetermined condition;
Level agreement) S stored in the management packet
A second storage unit that stores the LA management program and the first result information; and a second packet execution unit that executes the SLA management program, manages the transfer state of the transfer packet, and acquires the managed result information. And the tracking processing program and the first
Tracking processing packet storing the path information of the
An SLA management packet storing the management program,
A first packet transmitting unit that transmits the packet to the transmission path of the transfer packet in response to the passage of the first predetermined condition, a third information storage unit that stores an information collection program stored in the received information collection packet and first result information A storage unit that executes the information collection program once and stores the result information in the first result information;
And a second packet transmitting unit for transmitting an information collection packet storing the information collection program and the first result information to a transmission packet transmission path.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (A) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a network SLA management system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(A-1) Configuration of First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a network SLA management system of the first embodiment. The network SLA management system according to the first embodiment is applied to a connectionless network in which a signal (hereinafter, referred to as a packet) is transferred to a destination without establishing a connection. It is.

In FIG. 1, a network N according to the network SLA management system 1 of the first embodiment includes a plurality (four in FIG. 1) of first nodes (packet transfer devices) 2-1 to fourth nodes. 2-4 are plural (5 in FIG. 1).
) From the first link 3-1 to the fifth link 3-5.

Here, the first node 2-1 and the fourth node 2-4 are connected to the network N and nodes and user terminals (or servers) (not shown) of other networks.
This is a so-called edge node that is a connection point with the. In FIG. 1, a packet in which transfer data is stored (hereinafter, referred to as a transfer packet P) is introduced into the network N from a first node (introducing edge node) 2-1. 4 illustrates an example in which a node is derived from the node N (deriving side edge node) 2-4 to the outside of the network N. The transfer packet P is a packet to be subjected to SLA management described later. Here, the transfer packet P is, for example, an IP packet or an ATM.
It may be related to any layer such as a cell.

In the case of the first embodiment, at least the first node (introducing edge node) 2-1 and the fourth node (outgoing edge node) 2-4 are connected to the sixth link 5-
1. It is connected to the network management device 4 via the seventh link 5-2.

The SLA management device 6 and the network management device 4 are connected via a signal line 7-1. SL
The A-management device 6 manages the SLA and returns information (for example, cashback amount, points, etc.) that the service provider gives back to the service recipient when the conditions for the SLA cannot be realized. To process.

The network management device 4 manages the SLA of the network N in accordance with the activation of a process such as an instruction from an input / output device (not shown) for input / output operation by the operator via the SLA management device 6.
The network management device 4 is, for example, an EMS (Elme)
Such a system is referred to as a so-called “nt Management System”.

The network management device 4 generates a first management packet and a second management packet, which will be described later, with respect to SLA management of each node through which the transfer packet P passes, in accordance with a command from the SLA management device 6. The first management packet includes a program, parameters, data, and the like, which will be described later, and is a packet resident in each node.
The first management packet is hereinafter referred to as a resident active packet MP1. The second management packet includes a program, parameters, data, and the like, which will be described later, and is a packet circulated through each node. The second management packet is hereinafter referred to as a cyclic active packet MP2.

The network management device 4 transmits the resident active packet MP1 and the circulating active packet MP2 to the first node (introducing edge node) 2-1 on the introduction side in the network N, and circulates with the resident active packet MP1. The active packet MP2 is received from the fourth node (outgoing edge node) 2-4 on the outgoing side in the network N. The resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP
2 includes packet-specific information (for example, a source address (destination address) incorporated in a header or a field of the transfer packet P, which specifies the contents of the transfer packet P to be managed by the SLA, and a MAC address. , TCP / UDP port number, TOS (Type o
f Service) and application information (contents of the application and processing on the content of the application) in the corresponding transfer packet P are stored.

The resident active packet MP1 is a program that follows the path through which the corresponding transfer packet P has flowed through the network N, and is stored in the resident active packet MP1 at a node on the path.
Parameters, data, etc. are resident at that node,
It performs LA management. The resident active packet MP1 resident at the node has two types of packets,
One is a tracking processing packet MP1-1 for tracking the target transfer packet P, and the other is an SLA management packet MP1-2 for SLA management of the target transfer packet P. Here, the resident active packet MP1 (the tracking processing packet MP1-1 and the SLA management packet MP1-
2) may be a single packet or a plurality of packets. The tracking processing packet MP1-1 is
A single packet or a plurality of packets may be used. The SLA management packet MP1-2 may be a single packet or a plurality of packets.

The tracking processing packet MP1-1 stores a tracking processing program, tracking processing parameters (including condition parameters, etc.), tracking processing data, and the like. The tracking processing program searches for path information including, for example, information on a link arriving at the node, information on a combination of input ports and output ports at the node, and information on an output link from the node. Then, the path information related to the resident active packet MP1 resident in the node is inserted into the tracking processing data. further,
When the target transfer packet P is transferred to a new path, the tracking processing program inserts information about the new path into the tracking processing data in the tracking processing data. The tracing processing program performs tracing processing by copying and transferring a resident active packet MP1 including a tracing processing program resident at a node to a new path to which the target transfer packet P is transferred. .

On the other hand, the SLA management packet MP1-2 stores an SLA management program, SLA management parameters, SLA management data, and the like. The SLA management program manages the transfer state of the transfer packet P.
For example, SLA management is performed in accordance with the SLA management parameters for the target transfer packet P, and the result information of the SLA management for the target transfer packet P is SL
Inserted in the A management data. The SLA management parameters include, for example, packet-specific information for specifying the contents of the transfer packet P, the band of the transfer packet P, the transmission amount of the transfer packet P, and the like. Further, when there is room for processing in each node, return information per unit delay fluctuation time in packet transfer P corresponding to this packet unique information, return information per unit delay time in packet transfer P corresponding to this packet unique information And so on. SL
The SLA managed result information is inserted into the A management data.

The cyclic active packet MP2 is
It consists of programs, parameters, data, etc., and is transmitted from the network management device 4 to the resident active packet MP1.
Is transmitted after a certain period of time (for example, a fixed time) from the transmission time point. The cyclic active packet MP2 traversed by the node includes an information collection packet MP2-1 or a congestion avoidance packet MP2-2.

Here, the cyclic active packet MP2
(Information collection packet MP2-1 or congestion avoidance packet MP2-2) may be a single packet or a plurality of packets. The information collection packet MP
2-1 may be a single packet or a plurality of packets. The congestion avoidance packet MP2-2 may be a single packet or a plurality of packets.

The information collection packet MP2-1 stores an information collection program, information collection parameters, information collection data, tracking processing data, and the like. The information collection program collects the SLA-managed result information obtained directly or indirectly by the resident active packet MP1 resident at the node specified by the information collection parameter, and inserts it into the information collection data. . In addition, the time sent from each node and the time received by each node are inserted into the information collection data.

When there is room for processing in each node, the information collecting program calculates a delay fluctuation time corresponding to the packet specific information and a delay time corresponding to the packet specific information from the collected information. Further, return information for the calculated delay fluctuation time and return information for the calculated delay time are calculated. Further, the information collection program transmits the transfer packet P from the first node (introducing node) to the fourth node (outgoing node) 2-4.
Calculate return information for the delay fluctuation time corresponding to the packet unique information of all nodes that have passed, and return information for the delay time corresponding to the packet unique information. These return information is inserted into the information collection data.

The congestion avoidance packet MP2-2 stores a congestion avoidance program, congestion avoidance parameters, congestion avoidance data, tracking processing data, and the like. The congestion avoiding program generates an instruction to increase the value of the queue of the queue control unit by a congestion avoiding parameter described later in order to avoid the congestion state of the transfer packet P, and the generated instruction is included in the congestion avoiding data. Inserted. here,
The congestion avoidance parameter is a congestion state in each node,
It should be appropriately selected according to the traffic volume, error rate, and the like. Further, the congestion avoidance data is inserted with the time sent and received from the network management device 4 and the time sent and received from each node.

The network management device 4 performs the SL of the transfer packet P using the program stored in the resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP2.
It has a functional unit as shown in FIG. 2 for A management. FIG.
, The network management device 4 includes a management packet activation unit 41, a resident active packet generation / transmission unit 42,
It has a first timer unit 43, a first cyclic active packet generation and transmission unit 44, a second timer unit 45, a cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46, and a second cyclic active packet generation and transmission unit 47. These units, the management packet starting unit 41 and the second cyclic active packet generation / transmission unit 4
Reference numeral 7 functions in parallel for each type of transfer packet P related to SLA management.

The management packet starting unit 41 sets the SLA management of the corresponding transfer packet P in accordance with an instruction from an input / output device (not shown) operated by the operator from an input / output device (not shown) according to an instruction from the SLA management device 8 (FIG. 1). , To start. Here, which SLA management of the transfer packet P is specified by the packet unique information of the corresponding transfer packet P or the like.

The management packet starting unit 41, for example, sends a message from the first node (introduction edge node) 2-1 to
The SLA management may be set and activated in response to the notification that the first transfer packet P of the same packet group has arrived. The management packet starting unit 41 transmits a completion signal S1 indicating that the processing of the management packet starting unit has been completed.

Resident active packet generation / transmission unit 42
Is the completion signal S transmitted from the management packet activation unit 41.
After receiving the packet No. 1, the resident active packet MP1 including the tracing processing packet MP1-1 relating to the tracing processing of the transfer packet P, the SLA management packet MP1-2 relating to the setting of the SLA management of the transfer packet P, and the like is formed and the first node (Introduction edge node) 2-1. The resident active packet generation / transmission unit 42 transmits a completion signal S2 indicating that the processing of the resident active packet generation / transmission unit has been completed.

After receiving the completion signal S2 transmitted from the resident active packet generation / transmission unit 42, the first timer unit 43 transfers the SLA management in the first node 2-1 to the fourth node 2-4. Measurement of the delay fluctuation time of the packet P, the delay time of the transfer packet P, etc., and calculation of return information using the delay fluctuation time and the delay time as parameters are timed. At the end of the time measurement, the first cyclic active packet is started. The generation and transmission unit 43 is notified. The first timer unit 43 is configured, for example, so that the resident active packet generation and transmission unit 42
A predetermined time is counted from the time when 1 is transmitted. The predetermined time may be set by the operator in accordance with an instruction from an input / output device (not shown) and in accordance with a command from the SLA management device 8 (FIG. 1). In addition, the first timer unit 43
The sending timing of the first cyclic active packet MP2, which will be described later, may be applied after waiting for an operator's instruction via the SLA management device 8 (FIG. 1). The first timer unit 43 transmits a completion signal S3 indicating that the processing of the first timer unit has been completed.

The first cyclic active packet generation / transmission unit 44 transmits the completion signal S transmitted from the first timer unit 43.
3 including the information collection packet MP2-1 related to the information collection of the SLA management result of the transfer packet P
Is formed and transmitted to the first node (introducing edge node) 2-1. The first cyclic active packet generation and transmission unit 44
A completion signal S4 indicating that the processing of the first cyclic active packet generation / transmission unit has been completed is transmitted.

The second timer unit 45 receives the completion signal S transmitted from the first cyclic active packet generation / transmission unit 44.
4, the delay fluctuation time of the transfer packet P, the delay time of the transfer packet P, the return information for the delay fluctuation time of the transfer packet P regarding the SLA management in the first nodes 2-1 to the fourth 2-4, The time period for collecting information such as return information with respect to the delay time of the transfer packet P is measured, and when the time measurement ends, the cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46 is notified. Second timer unit 45
For example, the timer counts a predetermined time from the time when the first cyclic active packet generation and transmission unit 44 transmits the first cyclic active packet MP2. Note that this predetermined time also
The operator follows an instruction from an input / output device (not shown) and
It may be performed by an instruction from the LA management device 8 (FIG. 1). Further, the second timer unit 45 may notify the cyclic active packet reception analyzing unit 46 to be described later of the timing of notification after waiting for an operator's instruction via the SLA management device 8 (FIG. 1). good. The second timer unit 45 transmits a completion signal S5 indicating that the processing of the second timer unit has been completed.

The cyclic active packet reception analyzer 46
Analyzes the following after receiving the completion signal S5 transmitted from the second timer unit 45. When receiving the first cyclic active packet MP2 from the fourth node (outgoing edge node) 2-4, the cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46 collects information on the first cyclic active packet MP2. SLA inserted in the data for use
From the managed result information, SL for the transfer packet P
A management is analyzed. The cyclic active packet reception analyzer 46 outputs the obtained SLA-managed result information via, for example, an input / output device (not shown).

The SLA-managed result information includes a delay fluctuation time of the transfer packet P (at each node), a delay time of the transfer packet P, and a delay time of the transfer packet P with respect to packet-specific information for specifying the contents of the transfer packet P. It comprises the throughput and the number (probability) of errors related to data transfer handled in the network layer and above, and calculates reduction information from information such as the delay fluctuation time of the transfer packet P and the delay time of the transfer packet P from these information. Also, if there is room for processing in each node, SL
Since return information for the delay fluctuation time of the transfer packet P and return information for the delay time of the transfer packet P are inserted in the result information managed by A, the return information is used as return information. In the case of the connectionless network N, the transfer packet P often passes through a plurality of paths.
A plurality of first cyclic active packets MP2 may arrive for the same transfer packet P. for that reason,
The cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46 performs the first first
After the cyclic active packet MP2 arrives, a predetermined time is waited, and the analysis is performed including the SLA-managed result information inserted into the information collection data of the first cyclic active packet MP2 that has arrived during that time. These pieces of analysis information are transferred to the SLA management device 8 (FIG. 1) (not shown).

Here, the cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46 cannot receive the first cyclic active packet MP2 from the fourth node (edge node on the deriving side) 2-4 and obtains the result information. Cannot be analyzed, the cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46 determines that the network N (FIG. 1) is in a congestion state. The cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46 transmits a completion signal S6 indicating that it is in the congestion state. Further, the cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46 receives the completion signal S7 indicating that the processing of the second timer unit described later has been completed, and
When the second cyclic active packet MP2-2 transmitted by the cyclic active packet generation / transmission unit 47 is received, the received time is recorded in the data of the second cyclic active packet, and congestion is calculated from the transmitted time described later. Calculate the time. The return information is calculated from the calculated congestion time. These pieces of analysis information are also transferred to the SLA management device 8 (not shown).

After receiving the completion signal S6 transmitted from the cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46, the second cyclic active packet generation / transmission unit 47 avoids when the transfer packet P is in a congestion state. Cyclic active packet MP2 including congestion avoiding packet MP2-2
To form a first node (introducing edge node) 2-
1 is transmitted. Also, the transmission time is recorded in the data of the second cyclic active packet MP2. At this time, the second cyclic active packet generation and transmission unit 46
Is a completion signal S7 indicating that the processing of the second timer section has been completed.
Send

First node 2-1 to fourth node 2-4
Has a functional unit as shown in FIG. 3 for SLA management of the transfer packet P using the resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP2. The first
The hardware configuration of the node 2-1 to the fourth node 2-4 may be the same as that of the related art, and FIG. 3 shows a functional unit in which the hardware and software are integrated.

First node 2-1 to fourth node 2-4
Are respectively a packet discriminator 21, a transfer packet processor 22, a meter 22-1, a queue controller 22-2, a first
Storage unit 22-3, management packet processing unit 23, resident active packet reception unit 23-1, cyclic active packet reception unit 23-2, resident active packet execution unit 23
-3, tracking processing execution unit 23-3a, second storage unit 23-
3b, SLA management execution unit 23-3c, third storage unit 23
-3d, resident active packet transmission unit 23-4, cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5, fourth storage unit 23
-5a and a cyclic active packet transmission unit 23-6.

First node (introducing edge node) 2-
1, a second node (first intermediate node) 2-2, a third node (second intermediate node) 2-3, and a fourth node (outgoing edge node) 2-4 The functions are slightly different.

The packet discriminating section 21 discriminates the type of a packet arriving at the node and distributes the packet to each section. That is, the packet discriminating unit 21 provides the transfer packet processing unit 22 if the incoming packet is the transfer packet P, and the resident active packet reception unit 23 in the management packet processing unit 23 if the resident active packet MP1.
-1 and the cyclic active packet MP2 is provided to the cyclic active packet receiving unit 23-2 in the management packet processing unit 23.

The method of determining the type of the packet refers to the packet specific information for specifying the contents of the transfer packet P. At this time, the packet specific information of the incoming transfer packet P is also given to the meter unit 22-1 in the transfer packet processing unit 22.

Furthermore, here, in the unused area in the header (field) of the packet such as the transfer packet P in the header (field) of the resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP2, the area of the flag which is the resident active packet MP1, and A flag area that is the cyclic active packet MP2 is provided, and the type of the packet is determined based on the state of the flag.

The transfer packet processing unit 22 performs transfer processing of the transfer packet P to the next node or a user terminal (or server), as in the conventional case.

In the case of the first embodiment, the transfer packet processing unit 22 further stores a path information (for example, a combination of an input port and an output port) of the transfer packet P which has arrived this time in a first storage unit which will be described later. This is given to the management packet processing unit 23 (tracking processing execution unit 23-3a) via the control unit. Since the connectionless network N is used, different paths are determined depending on the state of the network and the like even if the transmission source and destination are the same transfer packet P.

Further, the transfer packet processing unit 22 processes the SLA management of the transfer packet P which has arrived this time, based on an instruction from the management packet processing unit 23 (SLA management execution unit 23-3c). The transfer packet processing unit 22 processes information (for example, a delay fluctuation time and a delay time in a process of passing the transfer packet P in each node, a throughput and an error related to data transfer handled by the network layer and above for the transfer packet P). (Probability), when the connection type of the network is connection-orientation, the delay related to the establishment of the network connection, the delay related to the release of the network connection, and the like) via the first storage unit to be described later.
(SLA management execution unit 23-3c).

In order to perform the above processing, the transfer packet processing unit 22 includes a meter unit 22-1, a queue control unit 22
-2, a first storage unit 22-3.

The meter unit 22-1 is connected to, for example, the transfer packet P (or Type of Service (TO
In step S), a delay fluctuation time, a delay time, and the like in a passage process are measured for a path through which a transfer packet P for each service level defined by a priority (precedence) flows, and the measurement results are stored in a first storage. The information is stored in the unit 22-3. Also, the throughput and the number (probability) of errors related to data transfer handled at the network layer or higher for the path through which the transfer packet P (or the transfer packet P for each service level) flows are measured. Is stored in the storage unit 22-3. Further, when the connection type of the network is the connection orientation, the delay related to the establishment of the network connection and the delay related to the release of the network connection are measured for the path through which the transfer packet P (or the transfer packet P for each service level) flows. Then, these measurement results are stored in the first storage unit 22-3. These measurement results are sent to the management packet processing unit 23 via the first storage unit.
(Tracking process execution unit 23-3a).

Here, the method of measuring the delay fluctuation time and the delay time is, for example, a packet that travels back and forth between a transfer source node and a transfer destination node (for example, TC
A command for confirming connectivity to an arbitrary computer on the P / IP network. The time at which the request was transmitted is stored in the data portion of the transmission message, and the time until a response is returned from the transfer destination. Can be measured,
Alternatively, the measurement may be performed by using a command such as ping which can also estimate the degree of the path up to the transfer destination. At this time, since the delay fluctuation time and the delay time need only be the time relating to the outward path, the measurement time may be, for example, の of the measurement time. If the delay time changes between the forward path and the return path due to a difference in traffic volume or the like, as described later, in order to increase the measurement accuracy, the data of the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1) is used. Then, the reception time and the transmission time of the management packet processing unit 23 in each node may be inserted, and the delay time of the transfer packet P between the nodes may be obtained from the reception time of the node and the transmission time of the preceding node.

The queue control unit 22-2 receives the transfer packet P output from the packet determination unit 21 and performs a process of transferring the transfer packet P to a next node or a user terminal (or server). The management packet processing unit 23 (S
When there is no SLA management instruction from the LA management execution unit 23-3c), a general queue is controlled for the transfer packet P using the information in the first storage unit 23-3. For example, the queue control unit 22-2 controls the queue by a first-in first-out (FIFO) control in accordance with the throughput on the receiving side and the transmission throughput of the transfer packet P.

The queue control unit 22-2 includes a management packet processing unit 23 (a cyclic active packet execution unit 23-
5) If there is a command related to queue control, the transfer packet P (or the transfer packet P for each service level) is controlled according to the command of the management packet processing unit 23 (cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5). This command is, for example, a value of a queue appropriately selected according to a congestion state, a traffic amount, an error rate, and the like in each node with respect to the transfer packet P (or the transfer packet P for each service level). The value of this queue is increased for a packet to be passed, such as a high service level, and reduced for a packet, such as a low service level or retransmitted.

The management packet processing unit 23 makes the tracing program stored in the resident active packet MP1 (the tracing processing packet MP1-1) or the like resident, and performs the tracing processing of the transfer packet P. Further, the management packet processing unit 23 makes the SLA management program or the like stored in the resident active packet MP1 (SLA management packet MP1-2) resident and manages the SLA of the transfer packet P. The management packet processing unit 23 collects the SLA management result information included in the SLA management packet MP1-2 using an information collection program or the like stored in the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1). The management packet processing unit 23 uses the congestion avoidance program stored in the second cyclic active packet MP2 (congestion avoidance packet MP2-2) or the like to transfer the transfer packet P in the transfer packet processing unit 22 (queue control unit 22-2). To avoid congestion.

The management packet processing unit 23 includes a resident active packet receiving unit 23-1, a cyclic active packet receiving unit 23-2, and a resident active packet executing unit 23-.
3. Tracking processing execution unit 23-3a, second storage unit 23-3
b, SLA management execution unit 23-3c, third storage unit 23-
3d, resident active packet transmitting unit 23-4, cyclic active packet executing unit 23-5, fourth storage unit 23-
5a and a cyclic active packet transmission unit 23-6.

Resident active packet receiver 23-1
Receives the resident active packet MP1 and provides the resident active packet MP1 with the program, parameters, data, and the like stored in the resident active packet MP1. Here, the resident active packet MP1 (the tracking processing packet MP1-
1. When the SLA management packet MP1-2) is composed of a plurality of packets, the resident active packet receiver 23-
1 is the original 1 after receiving a plurality of packets.
Resident active packet execution unit 2
3-3.

Cyclic active packet receiving section 23-2
Receives the circulating active packet MP2, and provides the program, parameters, data, and the like stored in the circulating active packet MP2 to the circulating active packet execution unit 23-5. Here, the cyclic active packet MP2 (the information collection packet MP2-
1 or the congestion avoidance packet MP2-2) is a cyclic active packet receiving unit 2 when the packet includes a plurality of packets.
In the step 3-2, after receiving a plurality of packets, the packet may be returned to the original one packet and provided to the cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5.

Resident active packet execution unit 23-3
Is a tracking processing program stored in the tracking processing packet MP1-1 in the resident active packet MP1,
The tracking processing parameters, the tracking processing data, and the like are stored in the second storage unit 23-3b, and the tracking processing program is made resident (including the program execution) in the tracking processing execution unit 23-3a.

After that, when the path information of the transfer packet P specified by the tracking processing program of the tracking processing packet MP1-1 or the like is first given from the transfer packet processing unit 22, the tracking processing execution unit 2 storage unit 23
-3b, a tracing process packet MP1-1 including a tracing process program, a tracing process parameter, a tracing process data, and the like, and a third storage unit 23-3d described later.
The SLA management packet MP1-2 including the SLA management program, the SLA management parameters, the SLA management data, and the like stored in the SLA management packet MP1-2. Tracking processing execution unit 23-
3a rewrites the resident active packet MP1 (trace processing packet MP1-1, SLA management packet MP1-2) generated by duplication so as to trace its destination and the like to the next node and the like as the transfer packet P. To the resident active packet transmission unit 23-4.

After that, the tracking processing packet MP
Each time the path information of the transfer packet P specified by 1 is given, it is determined whether or not the path has been used so far, and in the case of a new path, as described above, the resident active packet MP
1 is copied and output, and path information is inserted.

In the above, the resident active packet M
The case where the transfer packet P after P1 is resident as described above is traced, and the path information is inserted into the trace processing data, but the trace processing of nodes other than the introduction-side edge node 2-1 is executed. The unit 23-3a causes the tracing processing packet MP1-1 arriving immediately after the arrival of the transfer packet P to reside, and at this time, inserts the path information of the arriving transfer packet P into the tracing processing data. May be. Even in this case, when the transfer packet P is sent to a new route, the insertion of the path information and the duplication of the resident active packet MP1 (the tracking processing packet MP1-1 and the SLA management packet MP1-2) as described above. ,
Perform output.

Here, most of the processing programs required for the tracking process execution unit 23-3a to perform processing are stored in the tracking process packet MP1-1, and are executed by the tracking process execution unit 23-3a.
3a may be configured to include an execution environment for the processing program.

The resident active packet execution unit 23
-3 is the SLA in the resident active packet MP1
The SLA management program, the SLA management parameters, the SLA management data, and the like stored in the management packet MP1-2 are stored in the third storage unit 23-3d, and the SLA management program is resident in the SLA management execution unit 23-3c. It is to let.

Thereafter, the SLA management execution unit 23-3c
For example, SLA management is set and executed for the meter unit 22-1 of the transfer packet processing unit 22 according to the SLA management parameters related to the target transfer packet P, and the SLA management is performed for the target transfer packet P. The result information is inserted into the SLA management data.

On the basis of the SLA management parameters, for example, the passing processing delay and delay fluctuation of the transfer packet P in each node, and the number (probability) of throughput and errors related to data transfer handled by the network layer and above for the transfer packet P When the connection type of the network is the connection orientation, the delay related to the establishment of the network connection, the delay related to the release of the network connection, and the like are acquired via the first storage unit 22-3. Further, if the processing capacity of the SLA management execution unit 23-3c in each node has a margin, the return information in consideration of delay fluctuation, the delay return information, and other factors in each node is calculated. S
If the processing capacity of the LA management execution unit 23-3c is insufficient, the cyclic active packet execution unit 23 in each node or the fourth node (outgoing edge node) 2-4.
-5 (described later), the cyclic active packet analyzer 46
(FIG. 2).

The result information managed by the SLA is stored in the third storage unit 23-3d.

Here, the processing program (most of the processing programs) required for the processing by the SLA management execution unit 23-3c is SLA.
The SLA management execution unit 23-3c is stored in the management packet MP1-2, and may be configured to include an execution environment of the processing program.

Resident active packet transmitting section 23-4
Is for transmitting the resident active packet MP1 given from the resident active packet execution unit 23-3 to the same path (link) as the transfer packet P sent immediately before.

Here, when there are a plurality of routes (links) to which the transfer packet P has been transmitted, the resident active packet MP1 is duplicated and can be transmitted to each route. The resident active packet transmitter 23-4 of the fourth node (derived example edge node) 2-4 sends the resident active packet MP1 to the network management device 4.

The resident active packet MP1 (tracking processing packet MP1-1, SLA management packet MP1
When -2) is a packet composed of a plurality of packets, the resident active packet transmitting unit 23-4 may perform a transmission process after dividing the packet composed of one packet into a plurality of packets and transmit the packet to the network management apparatus 4.

The cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5
Is resident as described above when an information collection program, information collection parameters, information collection data, and the like stored in the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1) are given. Third storage unit 23-3 in association with SLA management packet MP1-2
The result information stored in d is inserted into the information collection data of the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1). Further, the traveling active packet execution unit 23-5 is stored in the second storage unit 23-3b in association with the trace processing packet MP1-1 resident in the trace processing packet execution unit 23-3a as described above. Is inserted into the tracking processing data of the first cyclic active packet MP2.

If the delay time changes between the forward path and the return path due to a difference in traffic volume or the like, the first cyclic active packet MP2 is used to improve the measurement accuracy.
The information collection program of the (information collection packet MP2-1) records the reception time received by the management packet processing unit 23 and the transmission time transmitted from the management packet processing unit 23. Here, as an example, in the cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5, when the information collection program of the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1) is activated, the reception time is set, and the information collection program is terminated. The transmission time may be set as the transmission time. Based on the recorded time, the delay time of the transfer packet P between the nodes may be determined based on the reception time of the node and the transmission time of the preceding node. This delay time is inserted into the SLA management data of the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1).

On the basis of the SLA management parameters, for example, the passing processing delay and delay fluctuation of the transfer packet P in each node, and the number (probability) of the throughput and errors related to the data transfer handled by the network layer and above for the transfer packet P When the connection type of the network is the connection orientation, the delay related to the establishment of the network connection, the delay related to the release of the network connection, and the like are acquired via the first storage unit 22-3. Further, if the processing capacity of the SLA management execution unit 23-3c in each node has a margin, the return information in consideration of delay fluctuation, the delay return information, and other factors in each node is calculated. Similarly, the cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5 of the fourth node (derivation example edge node) 2-4 sets the S
Here, the calculation of the return information is collectively performed based on the information on the result of the LA management, and is transmitted to the network management device 4.
These information are stored in the first cyclic active packet MP2.
(Information collection packet MP2-1) is inserted into the SLA management data. If there is no margin in the processing capacity of the SLA management execution unit 23-3c, the cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5 (described later) in each node or the fourth node (outgoing edge node) 2-4, This is performed by the packet analyzer 46 (FIG. 2).

The cyclic active packet execution unit 23
-5 indicates that when the congestion avoidance program, the congestion avoidance parameter, the congestion avoidance data, etc. stored in the second cyclic active packet MP2 (congestion avoidance packet MP2-2) are given, the transfer packet processing unit 22 The parameters and the processing method in the queue control unit 22-2 are changed.
When changing the parameter, the transfer packet P is changed so that a larger number of queues are preferentially allocated. Also,
When changing the processing method, change the queue control method to FIFO
From, for example, Weighted Fair Queue
Queue control using a QoS processing table, such as ng (WFQ), which uses packet-specific information for specifying the contents of the transfer packet P as a parameter and a packet transfer priority order consisting of a class and importance, and queue control by Priority A change is made so that a larger number of queues are preferentially assigned to the transfer packet P by queue control using a table (PQ) of (PQ), queue control using a table of queue control by Custom (CQ), or the like.

The cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5
Is associated with the tracing processing packet MP1-1 resident in the tracing processing executing section 23-3a.
Is inserted into the tracking processing data of the second cyclic active packet MP2 (congestion avoidance packet MP2-2).

Here, the cyclic active packet execution unit 2
The necessary processing program (most of the programs) executed in 3-5 may be stored in the cyclic active packet MP2, and the cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5 may be configured to have an execution environment for the processing program.

The cyclic active packet transmitting section 23-6
Is a cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1 or congestion avoidance packet MP2-2) in which programs, parameters, data, and the like are stored in the path (link) from which the resident active packet MP1 was transmitted.
Is sent. At this time, the cyclic active packet transmitting unit 23-6 transmits the cyclic active packet MP2
The tracking processing data of the (information collection packet MP2-1 or the congestion avoidance packet MP2-2) is referred to. In addition,
The cyclic active packet transmitting unit 23-6 of the fourth node (derived example edge node) 2-4 sends the cyclic active packet MP2 to the network management device 4.

When there are a plurality of routes (links) to which the resident active packet MP1 has been transmitted, the cyclic active packet MP2 is also duplicated and can be transmitted to each route.

Further, the cyclic active packet MP2
When the (information collection packet MP2-1 or the congestion avoidance packet MP2-2) is a plurality of packets, the cyclic active packet transmitting unit 23-6 divides the single packet into a plurality of packets and then performs transmission processing. May be sent to the network management device 4.

In the above description, the network management device 4 collects a plurality of cyclic active packets MP2. However, the cyclic active packet execution unit 2 of the fourth node (outgoing edge node) 2-4 of the transfer packet P
3-5 may collect a plurality of cyclic active packets MP2.

(A-2) Operation of First Embodiment Next, the operation of the SLA management of the network SLA management system 1 of the first embodiment will be briefly described.

When the transfer packet P to be managed by the SLA is designated and the SLA management is instructed, the network management device 4
A resident active packet MP1 composed of the A management packet MP1-2 is formed and transmitted to the first node (introducing edge node) 2-1.

First node (introducing edge node) 2-
1 stores the tracking processing program of the tracking processing packet MP1-1 in the second storage unit 23-3b of the tracking processing execution unit 23-3a as described above, and
At 3a, the tracking processing program is executed, and waits until the corresponding transfer packet P arrives. Further, the first node (introduction-side edge node) 2-1 stores the SLA management program of the SLA management packet MP1-2 in the third storage unit 23-3 of the SLA management execution unit 23-3c as described above.
d and stored in the SLA management execution unit 23-3c.
A management program is executed, and the fluctuation and delay of the corresponding transfer packet P are measured. If there is room in the processing, return information for this fluctuation and delay is calculated.

When the transfer packet P arrives at the tracing processing execution unit 23-3a, the tracing processing packet MP1-1
The path information of the transfer packet P is inserted into the tracking processing data of the second storage unit 23-3b in which the tracking processing program and the like stored in the transfer packet P are stored.
Route (for example, destination: link 3-1 or 3-2)
Then, a copy of the resident active packet MP1 is transmitted through the resident active packet transmission unit 23-4. The other second node 2-2 to fourth node 2-4 also perform the same tracking process on the transfer packet P as described above. Note that the resident active packet MP1 is not copied and output for the transfer packet P passing through the same route (link), and the copy of the resident active packet MP1 is not performed for the transfer packet P passing the new route. Execute the output.

The network management device 4 thereafter transmits the first cyclic active packet MP2 having the information collection packet MP2-1 to the first node (introduction edge node) 2-1. The information collection program and the like stored in the first cyclic active packet MP2 are stored in the fourth storage unit 23-5a of the cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5 of each node, and the cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5 , An information collection program is executed. If high accuracy is required for delay time measurement,
Cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet M
The reception time and transmission time of P2-1) are inserted into the information collection data of the first cyclic active packet MP2.

Each node performs an SLA management packet MP1-
In connection with the second, the SLA-managed result information stored in the third storage unit 23-3d of the SLA management execution unit 23-3c is transferred to the first cyclic active packet MP2 ( It is inserted into the information collection data of the information collection packet MP2-1). Further, each node sets the path information stored in the second storage unit 23-3b of the tracking processing execution unit 23-3a in the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information It is inserted into the tracking processing data of the collected packet MP2-1). The first cyclic active packet MP2 is transmitted on the same route (link) as the resident active packet MP1, and
The information collection program ends, and the fourth storage unit 23-5 is completed.
a is also erased except for the information passed by the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-2). In the fourth node (outgoing edge node) 2-4,
The first cyclic active packet MP2 is transmitted to the network management device 4.

The network management device 4 determines that the first
Cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet M
P2-1) is transmitted by the cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46 from the information for data collection stored in the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1) to the result of the SLA management of the transfer packet P. To analyze.

The network management device 4 thereafter executes the following when the cyclic active packet reception analysis unit 46 determines that it is in a congestion state. The network management device 4 transmits the second cyclic active packet MP2 (congestion avoidance packet MP2-2) to the first node (introduction edge node) 2-1 and stores the same in the congestion avoidance packet MP2-2. A congestion avoiding program or the like is sent to the cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5 of each node.
Is stored in the fourth storage unit 23-4a, and the congestion avoidance program is executed in the cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5. The congestion avoidance data of the second cyclic active packet MP2 (congestion avoidance packet MP2-2) includes:
The transmission time is inserted when transmitted from the network management device 4.

Each node checks the tracking processing packet MP1-1.
In connection with the above, the setting of the path information stored in the second storage unit 23-3b of the tracking processing execution unit 23-3a is changed to the first cyclic active packet MP2 (the information collection packet MP2-
It is inserted into the tracking processing parameter of 1). The second cyclic active packet MP2 is a resident active packet M
At the same time as sending to the same path (link) as P1, the congestion avoiding program ends, and the fourth storage unit 23-5a also stores all information other than the information passed by the second cyclic active packet MP2 (congestion avoiding packet MP2-2). Will be erased.

Fourth Node (Derived Edge Node) 2-
4, the second cyclic active packet MP2 is transmitted to the network management device 4, and the network management device 4
Recognizes from the incoming second cyclic active packet MP2 that the processing for avoiding congestion of the transfer packet P in each node has been completed. Further, the network management device 4 acquires the reception time at which the second cyclic active packet MP2 was received, and the transmission time inserted in the congestion avoidance data of the second cyclic active packet MP2 (congestion avoidance packet MP2-2). From this reception time, the time of the congestion state is analyzed.

The network management device 4 calculates return information from the analyzed information, and returns the return information to S
This is transmitted to the LA management device 8.

(A-3) Effects of the First Embodiment As described above, according to the first embodiment, the network management device communicates with all or many nodes without exchanging information with the edge nodes. By exchanging the information, it is possible to manage the SLA of a predetermined transfer packet and to collect the result information of the SLA management. As a result, the processing load on the network management device is reduced as compared with the related art.

Further, regarding the SLA management and the collection of the result information managed by the SLA, only the node through which the transfer packet has passed performs the operation necessary for the collection, so that the processing load on the node is reduced as compared with the conventional case when viewed on average. Is done.

(A-4) In the modified embodiment of the first embodiment, the transfer destination of the transfer packet P does not dynamically change, and the execution environment of the SLA management is changed to the queue processing unit 22.
-2, the SLA management packet execution unit 23-3c only needs to set a table required for SLA management in the queue processing unit 22-2. Therefore, the tracking processing execution unit 23-3a does not need to keep the tracking processing packet MP1-1 resident, and the SLA management packet execution unit 23-3c does not need to keep the SLA management packet MP1-2 resident.

Tracking processing packet M resident in each node
Although the method of eliminating the resident active packet MP1 including the P1-1 and the SLA management packet MP1-2 has not been described, for example, it may be eliminated by the following method.

First, the second cyclic active packet M
When the transmission process of P2 is completed, the resident active packet MP1 resident is deleted.

Second, the second cyclic active packet M
After the transmission of P2, the network management device 4 sends an extinction start packet for executing the extinction to the first node (introducing edge node) 2-1. Each node becomes resident when the extinction start packet arrives. The resident active packet MP1 is deleted.

Third, the extinction time and the resident time are written in the resident active packet MP1, and the resident active packet MP1 in which each node autonomously resides is deleted by time management.

Fourth, by recognizing the passage of the last packet of the transfer packet P, the second cyclic active packet MP2
Pass (regardless of before and after the final transfer packet P passes)
Condition, each node is resident and the resident active packet MP1 is deleted.

In the above description, the SLA management and the SLA management result information are obtained by using the two types of management packets of the resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP2.
The SLA management may be performed using only one, and the result information of the SLA management may be acquired.

For example, the resident active packet MP1 stores all the path information up to that node, and the fourth node (leading edge node) 2-4 stores the resident active packet MP1 in the network management device 4.
Should be sent to the user.

(B) Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the network SLA management system according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the second embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Is shown.

In the network SLA management system 1A according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the network management apparatus 4 allows the resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet M
It is a source of P2, and is for SLA management and collecting result information of SLA management. However, the command of the SLA management device 8 is transmitted from the user terminal (or server) 6 to the eighth terminal.
The network management device 4 and the SLA management device 6 are commanded via the link 5-3 and the signal line 7-1. The acquired result information is provided to the SLA management device 8 via the network management device 4.

The operation of the first to fourth nodes 2-1 to 2-4 is the same as that of each node in the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, it is possible to enjoy the advantages that the SLA management of the transfer packet P and the collection of the result information of the SLA management can be performed on demand.

The technical concept described as a modified embodiment of the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment.

(C) Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the network SLA management system according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the third embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Is shown.

The network SLA management system 1B of the third embodiment is a configuration example in which a network excluding the SLA management device is further connected to the network SLA management system of the first embodiment.

The configuration added to the first embodiment comprises a fifth node 2-5 to an eighth node 2-8, a ninth link 3-6 to a thirteenth link 3-10. A network N1, a fourteenth link 5-4 to a fifteenth link 5-5, and a network management device 4-1.

Fifth node 2-5 to eighth node 2-8
Are a plurality of (five in FIG. 7) ninth links 3-6 to first
3 are appropriately connected and configured by three links 3-10. The processing of the fifth node 2-5 to the processing of the eighth node 2-8 is the same as the processing of the first node 2-5 to the processing of the fourth node 2-4, except for the differences. 4th
Between the second node 5-4 and the fifth node 2-5.
6 by a link 3-11. here,
The transfer packet P transmitted from the network N to the network N1 passes through the fourth node 2-4, the sixteenth link 3-11, and the fifth node 2-5.

The fourteenth link 5-4 is connected to the fifth node 2
-5 and the network management device 4-1,
The fifteenth link 5-5 is connected between the eighth node 2-5 and the network management device 4-1.

The processing of the network management device 4-1 is basically the same as the processing of the network management device 4. The different points are the parameters of the resident active packet MP1 and the parameters of the cyclic active packet MP2 generated according to the connected network, as described later.

As in the first embodiment, the transfer packet P is introduced into the network N from the first node (introducing edge node) 2-1 and is transferred to the fourth node (outgoing edge node) 2-4. Derived from the network N. Further, the derived transfer packet P is the same as
Is introduced into the network N1 from the fifth node (introduction-side edge node) 2-5 via the link 3-11 of
It is derived from the network N1 by an eighth node (deriving side edge node) 2-8.

Along with the transmission path of the transfer packet P, the resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP2 are generated by the network management device 4 according to the instruction of the SLA management device 8, as in the first embodiment. The first node (introducing edge node) 2-1 is introduced into the network N. The management program is the fourth
Is derived from the network N from the node (deriving side edge node) 2-4 and received by the network management device 4.

When the resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP2 return to the network management device 4, the network management device 4
Resident active packet MP via link 5-6 of
1 and the cyclic active packet MP2 are transmitted to the network management device 4-1. Network management device 4-1
In, parameters dependent on the network N1 are generated. The parameters that depend on the network N1 are:
The parameters depending on the network N in the resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP2 are overwritten.

Similarly to the above, the resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP2, which have been changed to the parameters related to the network N1 along with the transmission path of the transfer packet P, are transmitted from the network management device 4-1, and the fifth node (Introduction side edge node) It is introduced into the network N1 from 2-5. The resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP2 are derived from the network N1 by the eighth node (deriving edge node) 2-8 and received by the network management device 4-1. The received resident active packet MP1 and cyclic active packet MP2 are again transmitted to the network management device 4 and the SL via the seventeenth link 5-6.
It is sent to the A management device 8.

Through this series of processing, SLA management of the transfer packet P and collection of the SLA managed result information are performed.

Note that the technical idea described as a modified embodiment of the first embodiment is also applicable to the third embodiment.

According to the third embodiment, even on a network having a plurality of network management devices, the network management device can exchange information with all or many nodes by transmitting and receiving programs between the network management devices. In addition, by exchanging information with the edge node, it is possible to manage the SLA of the transfer packet P and collect the result information of the SLA management. As a result, the processing load on the network management device is reduced as compared with the related art.

Also, SLA management of the transfer packet P, SL
Regarding the collection of the result information managed by A, only the node through which the transfer packet P has passed performs an operation necessary for collection, so that, on average, the processing load on the node is reduced as compared with the related art.

(D) Other Embodiments In each embodiment, the resident active packet MP1
And the cyclic active packet MP2 is composed of one packet, but if the data amount is large, the function may be realized by a plurality of packets.

In each of the embodiments, the resident active packet MP1 and the circulating active packet MP2 are packets belonging to the same layer as the transfer packet P, but may be packets belonging to a different layer. Also, if the network allows, the resident active packet MP1 and the cyclic active packet MP
The packet corresponding to 2 may be transferred using a packet other than the packet. Note that what is equivalent to the transfer packet P is not limited to a packet.

Further, in each embodiment, the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1) is transmitted only once after transmitting the resident active packet MP1, but the resident active packet MP1 is transmitted. After sending the first cyclic active packet MP2
(Information collection packet MP2-1) may be transmitted a plurality of times. For example, the second cyclic active packet MP2 (for information collection) may be transmitted at predetermined time intervals, and SLA management information may be acquired at predetermined time intervals. In this case, the resident active packet MP1 is
A method that does not depend on the passage of the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1) is preferable.

In each embodiment, the resident active packet MP1 is introduced from the network management device 4 to the network N. However, the resident active packet MP1 is always stored in the first node (introduction edge node) 2-1. Alternatively, the network management device 4 may only activate the resident active packet MP1 including the specific information of the transfer packet P.

In each of the embodiments, the system has been described in which the transmission of the transfer packet P is tracked and the SLA is managed. If the transfer packet P passes through the nodes in a predetermined order in advance, the order of passing through the nodes may be stored in the data relating to the tracking processing of the resident active packet and the cyclic active packet.

In each embodiment, the SLA management device,
As for the time synchronization between the network management device and each node, for example, one of network protocols is used.
NTP (Network Time Prot)
col) or an external reference signal (eg, GPS
Time generated by the ISDN Digital Network Synchronous UNI (User Network Interface)
Time synchronization may be performed using a clock signal phase-synchronized with the frame synchronization bit sent in e).

In each of the embodiments, the SLA management device and the network management device are described as separate devices.
The LA management device and the network management device may be one management device.

In each of the embodiments, the network management device transmits the return information to the SLA management device. However, the network management device transmits the cyclic active packet MP2 to the SLA management device, and transmits the return information to the SLA management device. May calculate the amount of the return information from the information obtained by the cyclic active packet MP2.

In each embodiment, when the information collection program of the first cyclic active packet MP2 (information collection packet MP2-1) is activated in the cyclic active packet execution unit 23-5, the reception time and the information collection Although the time when the program is finished is set as the transmission time, the reception time is determined by the cyclic active packet receiving unit 23-2 by the first cyclic active packet MP2 (the information collection packet MP2-
1), the transmission time is determined by the cyclic active packet transmitting unit 23-6 by the first cyclic active packet MP.
2 (information collection packet MP2-1).

[0127]

As described above, the network S of the present invention is used.
According to the LA management system, the SLA management related to the transfer signal and the result information of the SLA management are acquired by using the tracking signal that tracks the transfer signal.
The number of nodes from which SLA-managed result information is obtained can be minimized, and the processing load on each node can be reduced. Further, a system with high scalability can be constructed without imposing a load on the SLA management system and the network management system. further,
Even when the management method is changed, it is possible to realize the present invention by changing the program without changing the management system itself.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a network management device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a node according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1A, 1B, 1C: Network SLA management system, 2-1 to 2-4, 2-5 to 2-8: First node
Eighth node, 21: packet discriminating unit, 22: transfer packet processing unit, 23: management packet processing unit, 23-1: resident active packet receiving unit, 23-2: cyclic active packet receiving unit, 23-3: resident Active packet execution unit, 23-3a: tracking processing execution unit, 23-3b: second storage unit, 23-3c: SLA management execution unit, 23-3
d: third storage unit, 23-4: resident active packet transmission unit, 23-5: cyclic active packet execution unit, 2
3-5a: Fourth storage unit, 23-6: Cyclic active packet transmission unit 3-1 to 3-5, 5-1 to 5-2, 5-3, 3-6 to 3
-10, 5-4 to 5-5, 5-6 ... first link to seventeenth link, 4 ... network management device, 41 ... management packet activation unit, 42 ... first resident active packet generation and transmission unit 43, a first timer unit; 44, a first cyclic active packet generation and transmission unit; 45, a second timer unit; 46, a second cyclic active packet generation and transmission unit;
47: cyclic active packet reception analyzer, N: network, P: transfer packet, MP1: resident active packet, MP1-1: tracking processing packet, MP1-2:
SLA management packet, MP2: cyclic active packet, MP2-1: information collection packet, MP2-2: congestion avoidance packet.

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. In each of the nodes in a network configuration, a transfer packet storing transfer data is introduced from an introduction-side edge node to a network, and is derived from a derivation-side edge node to outside the network via a relay node. A first storage unit for storing a tracking processing program and first path information stored in the received tracking processing packet; and executing the tracking processing program, in response to passing of the transfer packet under a first predetermined condition. A first packet execution unit that inserts path information of the transfer packet into the first path information; and a received SLA (service level agreement).
SLA management program stored in management packet and first
A second storage unit for storing the result information of the second packet execution unit; a second packet execution unit for executing the SLA management program, managing the transfer state of the transfer packet, and acquiring the managed result information; The tracking processing packet storing the processing program and the first path information and the SLA management packet storing the SLA management program are transmitted to the transfer packet according to the passage of the first predetermined condition. A first packet transmitting unit for transmitting to the transmission path, an information collecting program stored in the received information collecting packet and a third storage unit for storing first result information, and once executing the information collecting program, A third packet execution unit that stores the result information in the first result information; and the information collection in which the information collection program and the first result information are stored. Network SLA management system characterized by having a socket, and a second packet transmission unit for transmitting to the delivery path of the transfer packet. 2. The network processing SLA management system according to claim 1, wherein the tracking processing packet, the SLA management packet, and the information collection packet are introduced from the introduction side edge node to the network configuration.
The network SLA management system, wherein the information collection packet is derived from the deriving edge node. 3. The network SLA management system according to claim 1, wherein the third storage unit further stores a congestion avoidance program stored in the received congestion avoidance packet, and wherein the third packet execution unit further comprises: Executing the congestion avoidance program once, performing congestion avoidance on the transfer packet, the second packet transmitting unit further transmits the congestion avoidance packet storing the congestion avoidance program to the first transfer packet. A network filter processing system for transmitting to a transmission path. 4. The network processing SLA management system according to claim 3, wherein the tracking processing packet, the SLA management packet, the information collection packet, and the congestion avoidance packet are introduced from the introduction side edge node to the network configuration. A network SLA management system, wherein the information collection packet and the congestion avoidance packet are derived from the deriving edge node. 5. The network SLA management system according to claim 2, further comprising a network management device for managing said network configuration, said network management device comprising: a tracking processing packet storing said tracking processing program; The SLA storing an SLA management program
A first packet generation and transmission unit that generates and transmits a management packet; a second packet generation and transmission unit that generates and transmits the information collection packet storing the information collection program; and a first that receives the information collection packet The first receiving unit transmits the tracking processing packet and the SLA management packet to the first, and the second information collecting packet to the introduction-side edge node, and transmits the information collection packet to the derivation-side edge node. Receiving from a network SLA management system. 6. The network SLA management system according to claim 4, further comprising a network management device for managing said network configuration, said network management device comprising: a tracking processing packet storing said tracking processing program; The SLA storing an SLA management program
A first packet generation and transmission unit that generates and transmits a management packet; a second packet generation and transmission unit that generates and transmits the information collection packet storing the information collection program; and a second predetermined condition is satisfied. A third packet generation and transmission unit that generates and transmits the congestion avoidance packet storing the congestion avoidance program; and a second packet reception unit that receives the information collection packet and the congestion avoidance packet. The tracking processing packet and the SLA management packet are transmitted first to the introduction-side edge node, the information collection packet is transmitted second, and the congestion avoidance packet is transmitted third to the introduction-side edge node. Is received from the originating edge node, and the second predetermined condition is the information received from the originating edge node. Network filtering system collecting packet and wherein the can not be received within a predetermined time. 7. The network SLA management system according to claim 5, wherein the network management device converts the tracking processing packet, the SLA management packet, and the information collection packet into the introduction-side edge node according to a command from a user terminal or a server. And transmitting the information collection packet from the originating edge node. 8. The network SLA management system according to claim 6, wherein the network management device transmits the tracking processing packet, the SLA management packet, the information collection packet, and the congestion avoidance packet according to a command from a user terminal or a server. A network SLA management system, wherein the network SLA management system transmits the information collection packet and the congestion avoidance packet from the derivation side edge node to the introduction side edge node. 9. The network SLA management system according to claim 1, wherein the third packet execution unit inserts the current time information of each of the nodes into the result information when executing the information collection program. A network SLA management system, wherein the current time information of each of the nodes is inserted into the result information when terminating the information collection program. 10. The network SLA management system according to claim 1, further comprising an SLA management device that obtains return information from the result information stored in the information collection packet and unit information per unit of the result information. Characteristic network SLA management system. 11. The network management device in the network SLA management system according to claim 6, wherein the third packet generation and transmission unit transmits the congestion avoidance packet to the current network management when transmitting the congestion avoidance packet. Storing first time information of the device; and the second packet receiving unit, when receiving the congestion avoidance packet, stores the current second time information of the network management device in the congestion avoidance packet. A network SLA management system. 12. The network SLA according to claim 11,
In the network management device in the management system, the time information of the difference between the first time information and the second time information stored in the congestion avoidance packet, and unit information per unit of the time information of the difference SL to get return information
A network having an A management device
A management system. 13. The network SLA management system according to claim 1, wherein the network configuration including the introduction-side edge node, the relay node, and the derivation-side edge node is a connectionless network. Network SLA management system.