JP2012200017A - Control device for controlling settings of setting information for network device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable collective setting of setting information by avoiding temporal duplication of the setting information during setting processing.SOLUTION: A control device comprises: means for acquiring a setting value before starting of each of a plurality of network devices; means for acquiring a setting value after completion of each of the plurality of network devices; means for determining whether or not there is duplication among the setting values after completion; means for creating a duplication group so that first and second network devices belong to the same duplication group in the case that a setting value before starting of the first network device and a setting value after completion of the second network device are the same, when it is determined that there is no duplication; means for determining transmission order to transmit setting instruction to each network device belonging to the duplication group; and means for transmitting the setting instruction depending on the determined transmission order.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for setting setting information for a network device.

  Various setting information necessary for performing network communication is set in a network device that is a device capable of performing data communication (network communication) via a communication network. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which setting of setting information for a network device is performed via a communication network, that is, based on an instruction from another device (for example, a management computer) connected to the communication network. It is disclosed.

Japanese Patent No. 3622733

  When setting information for a network device is set via a communication network, the management computer issues an instruction to each of the plurality of network devices in one setting process, so that each of the plurality of network devices is set. On the other hand, setting information can be set collectively.

  Here, the setting information includes information that should be set so as not to overlap between the network devices. One example is an IP (Internet Protocol) address. When the IP address is duplicated among a plurality of network devices, the network device in which the duplicate IP address is set cannot perform network communication with other devices.

  When setting information is set for multiple network devices at once, even if the setting information to be set for each network device does not overlap each other, the setting information There may be a temporary overlap. For example, this is a case where two network devices mutually exchange their IP addresses. In such a case, the management computer cannot perform network communication with the two network devices at the time when the IP addresses overlap, so that the setting process cannot be continued. In other words, if the setting process is completed normally, the IP address set in the two network devices does not overlap, but the setting process must be terminated halfway without eliminating the IP address duplication.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to prevent setting information from being temporarily duplicated during setting processing, and to enable setting information to be collectively set.

  A control device according to the present invention is a control device configured to collectively set setting items that are set in each of a plurality of network devices and should be set uniquely between the network devices. A setting value acquisition unit before starting to acquire a setting value before starting of the setting item set in each of the plurality of network devices from each network device; and a setting value set to each of the setting items of each of the plurality of network devices. A post-completion set value acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of post-completion set values to be obtained, and a determination unit that performs post-completion duplication determination as to whether or not values are duplicated among the plurality of post-completion set values. , If it is determined that the value is not duplicated in the duplication judgment after completion, the first of the plurality of network devices The first network device and the second network device when the pre-start setting value of the network device and the post-completion setting value of the second network device other than the first network device are the same And a duplicate group created by the duplicate group creating means for creating the duplicate group that is a combination of any two or more of the plurality of network devices so that they belong to the same duplicate group Transmission order determining means for determining a transmission order for transmitting a setting instruction for setting the setting value after completion to each network device belonging to the group, and transmission to each network device belonging to the duplicate group According to the transmission order determined by the order determination means, the setting instruction is Comprising an instruction transmission means signals to, the.

  In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the transmission order determination unit is a new information setting that is a network device in which the setting value after completion different from any of the setting values before start of the network devices belonging to the overlap group is set. When the device is included in the duplication group, the transmission order determination unit has the first transmission order of the setting instruction for the new information setting device, and the setting instruction for the first network device is the second network device. The transmission order for the overlap group may be determined so that the transmission is performed prior to the setting instruction for.

  In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the transmission order determining means includes a network device in which the post-completion setting value different from any of the pre-start setting values of the network devices belonging to the duplication group is set in the duplication group. If not included, the transmission order determination unit is configured to select any of the values of the setting items set in each of the plurality of network devices with respect to the selected device selected from the network devices belonging to the overlap group. The setting order transmission order for setting different values from the post-completion setting values of the network devices that are different and belong to the overlap group is first, and the setting instruction for the first network device is the second network Before setting instructions for the device, and Serial to the selected device, so that the setting instruction transmitting order of setting the completion set value of the selected device is the last, may determine the transmission order for the overlapping group.

  In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, there are a plurality of types of the setting items, each setting item is assigned a priority, and the setting value acquisition unit before start includes the plurality of setting items in each of the plurality of network devices. Each pre-start setting value set for each type of setting item is acquired from each network device, and the post-completion setting value acquiring unit is configured to acquire the setting value for each of the plurality of types of setting items in each of the plurality of network devices. Each post-completion set value to be set is acquired, the determination unit performs the post-completion duplication determination for each type of the setting item, and the duplication group creation unit performs the setting for each type of the setting item The duplication group is created, and the transmission order determination means is a setting to which the highest priority is given among the plurality of types of setting items. Make a decision of the transmission order for the eye, the transmission instruction, to the plurality of types of setting items in each network device may be an instruction to set each of the post-completion settings.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the computer system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a 1st duplication case. It is a figure which shows an example of a 2nd duplication case. It is a figure which shows the transmission order for avoiding the duplication in the example of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the 3rd duplication case. It is a figure explaining the duplication avoidance method by a save information value. It is a figure which shows an example of a batch setting management table. It is a figure which shows an example of the duplication confirmation list | wrist. It is a flowchart of the batch setting process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process which determines whether it corresponds to a 1st duplication case. It is a flowchart of the process for avoiding temporary duplication. It is a flowchart of the process which creates a duplication group. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which a package setting program displays.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer system according to the present embodiment.

  A plurality of network devices (hereinafter simply referred to as “devices”) 1 and a management computer 2 are connected via a communication network 3 (for example, a LAN (Local Area Network)). The communication network 3 is composed of a plurality of sub-networks 4, for example. When the communication network 3 includes a plurality of sub-networks 4, the device 1 is connected to any one sub-network 4.

  The device 1 is a network device capable of data communication with other devices connected to the communication network 3 via the communication network 3. The device 1 includes, for example, a printer, a storage device, a general-purpose computer, or any other device having a function of connecting to the communication network 3. The device 1 includes, for example, a network I / F (interface) 11. The network I / F 11 is a device for performing data communication (network communication) via the communication network 3. Note that the network I / F 11 is not necessarily provided in the device 1. For example, the device 1 can be externally connected to a network I / F 11 provided outside the device 1, and can perform network communication by using the externally connected network I / F 11.

  Various setting information necessary for network communication is set in the device 1 (network I / F 11 used by the device 1). The setting information related to the network communication includes information that should be set uniquely among the devices 1 (that is, not overlapped between the devices 1). Examples of setting information uniquely set between the devices 1 include an IP address and a device name (name assigned to the device 1). In the following description, the setting information related to network communication and to be set uniquely between the devices 1 is referred to as “setting information”. In particular, the term “setting information item” is used to indicate an item of setting information, and the term “setting information value” is used to indicate a value of setting information. The setting information is set in the device 1 via, for example, a user I / F provided in the device 1 or via the communication network 3, that is, from the management computer 2 connected to the communication network 3. Or based on instructions.

  The management computer 2 is a computer that sets setting information for the device 1 via the communication network 3. For example, the management computer 2 acquires necessary information (for example, a setting information value currently set for the device 1 and model information of the device 1) from the device 1. The management computer 2 outputs information acquired from the device 1, presents the information to the user of the management computer 2, and inputs a setting information value to be newly set for the device 1 from the user of the management computer 2. Accept. Further, the management computer 2 sets the setting information for the device 1 by transmitting an instruction to set the setting information (hereinafter, “setting instruction”) to the device 1. In the setting instruction, a setting information value (for example, a setting information value designated by the user of the management computer 2) to be newly set for the device 1 that is the transmission destination of the setting instruction is included as a parameter. The management computer 2 can also set a plurality of types of setting information for the device 1 by transmitting the setting instruction once. The setting instruction in this case includes a plurality of setting information values (setting information values to be newly set for each of the plurality of setting information items).

  The management computer 2 includes, for example, a CPU 21, a memory 22, an input / output unit 24, a network I / F 25, and the like. The CPU 21 is an arithmetic processing device that executes various programs stored in the memory 22. The memory 22 is a so-called internal storage device. For example, the memory 22 stores various programs such as an OS (Operating System) and a batch setting program 23 (not shown), various information used when the various programs are executed, and the like. The input / output unit 24 is a user I / F provided to the user by the management computer 2. For example, the input / output unit 24 receives input from the user of the management computer 2, outputs the result of processing performed by the management computer 2, and notifies the user of the management computer 2 of the result. For example, a display, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like is employed as the input / output unit 14. The network I / F 25 is a device for performing network communication with other devices connected to the communication network 3, similarly to the network I / F 11 provided in the device 1.

  The management computer 2 according to the present embodiment can collectively set one or a plurality of types of setting information for each of the plurality of devices 1. For example, the CPU 21 of the management computer 2 stores the processing (hereinafter referred to as “batch setting processing”) for collectively setting information (hereinafter referred to as “batch setting”) for the plurality of devices 1 in the memory 22. This is done by executing the batch setting program 23. In the batch setting process, a setting instruction is transmitted to each of the devices 1 (device 1 for which setting information is to be set) that are targets of batch setting. Then, the setting information is set in order from the device 1 that has received the setting instruction. In the following description, an explanatory statement describing the batch setting program 23 as a subject means that the processing is actually performed by the CPU 21 that executes the batch setting program 23.

  In the batch setting process, the batch setting program 23 prevents setting information (that is, setting information that should be set uniquely between the devices 1) from being set redundantly between the devices 1. Specifically, the collective setting program 23 determines whether or not duplication of setting information occurs between the devices 1 by performing the collective setting process before transmitting the setting instruction to each device 1. The collective setting program 23 performs processing for dealing with the duplication of setting instructions when it is determined that the duplication of setting instructions occurs or is likely to occur. For example, the batch setting program 23 cancels the execution of the batch setting process (ends without transmitting a setting instruction) or performs a process for avoiding the duplication as the processing for dealing with the duplication of the setting information.

  Several cases (for example, the following three types of cases) can be considered as cases in which the setting information overlaps. The collective setting program 23 performs, for each overlapping case, a coping process suitable for that case (stopping execution of the collective setting process or avoiding duplication). Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, three overlapping cases to be considered in the present embodiment and a countermeasure process performed by the collective setting program 23 in each case will be described. 2 to 6, the setting information item (setting information item) set in the device 1 is an IP address. Also, “IP1”, “IP2”, etc. in the figure indicate IP address values (setting information values). An arrow connecting the setting information values indicates that the setting information value has been changed when the device 1 receives the setting instruction. On the other hand, the dotted line connecting the setting information values indicates that the setting information value has not been changed.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first overlapping case.

  The first overlapping case is a case where the setting information overlaps after the batch setting process is completed. In the example of FIG. 2, the setting information value before the start of the batch setting process (hereinafter referred to as “pre-start information value”) is “IP1” for device A, “IP2” for device B, and “IP3” for device C, respectively. Yes, it shows the case where “IP4” is set for device A and “IP3” is set for device B by the batch setting process (device C is not subject to batch setting, so its setting information The value remains “IP3”). In this case, the setting information value “IP3” is set to both the device B and the device C by performing the batch setting. That is, the setting information value is duplicated after the batch setting process is completed, which corresponds to the first duplication case.

  The determination as to whether or not the first duplication case is applicable is made for all devices 1 (devices 1 on which the management computer 2 can perform network communication) under the monitoring of the management computer 2. That is, the batch setting program 23 refers to the setting information values after completion of the batch setting processing of all the devices 1 under monitoring (hereinafter referred to as “post-completion information values”), and whether or not duplication occurs in them. It is determined whether or not it corresponds to the first duplication case. The batch setting program 23 newly sets the device 1 (device A and device B in the example in the figure) that is the target of batch setting among the devices 1 under monitoring. The setting information value (in this embodiment, the setting information value designated by the user) can be referred to as the post-completion information value. In addition, the batch setting program 23 sets setting information that has already been set for the device 1 for the device 1 that is not subject to batch setting (device C in the example in the figure) among the devices 1 that are being monitored. The value (setting information value acquired from the device 1) can be referred to as the information value after completion.

  If it is determined that it corresponds to the first overlapping case, the collective setting program 23 stops the execution of the collective setting process. This is because duplication of setting information between devices 1 cannot be avoided unless setting information (information value after completion) to be newly set is changed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second overlapping case.

  In both the second duplication case and the third duplication case described later, the setting information is not duplicated after the batch setting process is completed, but is duplicated during the batch setting process (that is, the setting information is temporarily duplicated). Case). Among these, the second duplication case is a case where duplication occurs depending on the order of the devices 1 in which the setting information is set (that is, the order of the devices 1 to which the setting instructions are transmitted). In the example of FIG. 3, the pre-start information values are “IP1” for device A, “IP2” for device B, “IP3” for device C, and “IP2” is assigned to device A by the batch setting process. “IP3” is set in B and “IP4” is set in device C (that is, the setting information value of device A changes from “IP1” to “IP2”, and the setting information value of device B) Shows the case where “IP2” is changed to “IP3” and the setting information value of device C is changed from “IP3” to “IP4”). In this way, when the information value after completion of a certain device 1 (for example, device A) and the information value before starting of another device 1 (device B) are the same (in this example, “IP2” is the same) Both the above devices 1 (device A and device B) correspond to the second overlapping case. This is because if a setting instruction is transmitted to device A first (if the setting information value of device A is changed to “IP2” first), duplication occurs, but a setting instruction is transmitted to device B first. This is because it is possible to avoid duplication (that is, by changing the setting information value of device B to “IP3” and then changing the setting information value of device A to “IP2”). Note that it is assumed that the pre-start information value of device A and the post-completion information value of device A are not the same (if they are also the same, it corresponds to a third overlapping case described later). . In the example of FIG. 3, since device B and device C also correspond to the second overlapping case, actually, device A, device B, and device C as a whole correspond to the second overlapping case. It becomes. Hereinafter, the combination of the devices 1 corresponding to the second duplication case is referred to as a “second duplication group”. Similarly, a combination of devices 1 corresponding to a third overlapping case described later is referred to as a “third overlapping group”. Note that when both the second overlap group and the third overlap group are collectively indicated, they are simply referred to as “overlap groups”. In the example of FIG. 3, device A, device B, and device C belong to the second overlap group.

  When it is determined that it corresponds to the second overlapping case (that is, when a second overlapping group is formed from any one of the devices 1 to be collectively set), the batch setting program 23 For the devices 1 belonging to the second duplication group, the transmission order of setting instructions that do not cause duplication of setting information is determined. The batch setting program 23 avoids temporary duplication of setting information between the devices 1 by transmitting setting instructions in the determined transmission order.

  The collective setting program 23 can determine the transmission order of setting instructions that do not cause temporary duplication as follows, for example. That is, first, the batch setting program 23 selects a device 1 (that is, any device 1) whose post-completion information value is different from the pre-start information value of any device 1 among the devices 1 belonging to the second overlapping group. Is a device 1 to which a new setting information value that has not yet been set is set, and hereinafter, “new information value setting device”) is detected. In the example of FIG. 3, device C (device 1 in which “IP4” not yet set in any device 1 is set) corresponds to a new information value setting device. The batch setting program 23 determines the detected new information value setting device as the device 1 that transmits the setting instruction first (that is, the device 1 in which the setting instruction is transmitted in the first order (transmission order)). . This is because the setting information value to be set in the new information value setting device is not set in any device 1 before the start of the batch setting process, and the setting information value of the new information value setting device is set first. This is because even if it is changed, there is no temporary duplication.

  Next, the collective setting program 23 determines that the device 1 (the IP 1 after the completion) has the same information value as the pre-start information value (in this example, “IP3”) of the device 1 (device C) having the first transmission order. In this example, device B) is detected. The collective setting program 23 determines the detected device 1 (device B) as the device 1 that transmits the setting instruction next to the new information value setting device (that is, the device 1 with the second transmission order). This is because, when the setting information value of the new information value setting device is changed, the pre-start information value (“IP3”) of the new information value setting device is not set to any device 1 (hereinafter, “ This is because even if this empty information value is set in any of the devices 1, no temporary duplication occurs.

  Further, as described above, in the batch setting program 23, the post-completion information value is the same as the pre-start information value (in this example, “IP2”) of the device 1 (device B) having the second transmission order. Device 1 (device A in this example) is detected, and device 1 that has detected the detected device 1 transmits a setting instruction next to device 1 (device B) that has the second transmission order (that is, transmission order 3) Device No. 1).

  When there are more devices 1 belonging to the second overlap group, the batch setting program 23 determines the transmission order for the other devices 1 in the same manner as described above. As described above, the transmission order of the setting instructions for the devices 1 belonging to the second group is determined so that setting information does not overlap. In the example of FIG. 3, the batch setting program 23 avoids temporary duplication by transmitting setting instructions in the order shown in FIG. 4 (the order of device C → device B → device A). be able to.

  FIG. 5 (FIGS. 5A and 5B) is a diagram illustrating an example of a third overlapping case.

  Of the temporarily overlapping cases, the third overlapping case is a case where the occurrence of overlapping does not depend on the order in which the setting instructions are transmitted (ie, in what order the setting information is set for the device 1) Is also a case where temporary duplication occurs. The example of FIG. 5 is the same as the example of FIG. 3 except that the information setting value of the device C is changed from “IP3” to “IP1”. That is, in the example of FIG. 5, the setting information value (“IP2”) set in the device B is set in the device A, and the setting information value (“IP3” set in the device C is set in the device B). ") Is set, and the setting information value (" IP1 ") set in the device A is set in the device C. Thus, the setting information values (“IP1”, “IP2” and “IP3” in this example) set in the plurality of devices 1 (in this example, device A, device B and device C) are as follows: When it circulates among the plurality of devices 1 (that is, when there is no new information value setting device), it corresponds to the third overlapping case. This is because there is no new information value setting device, and no matter how the setting information is set for the device 1 in any order, the empty information value cannot be created, and temporary duplication occurs. . In both cases of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, temporary duplication occurs as shown in the respective drawings.

  When it is determined that it corresponds to the third overlapping case (that is, when a third overlapping group is formed from any one of the devices 1 to be collectively set), the batch setting program 23 By using a save information value that is a predetermined setting information value, temporary duplication is avoided. As the save information value, for example, a setting information value different from both the pre-start information value and the post-completion information value in all the devices 1 under monitoring is adopted. The saved information value is different from any of the setting information values set for all the devices 1 that are being monitored at the time when the saved information value is used, and the third duplicate in which the saved information value is used. Any setting information value different from each post-completion information value of each device 1 belonging to the group may be used. The save information value can be set in the management computer 2 in advance before the user starts the batch setting process, for example. Note that the save information value needs to be an appropriate value to some extent so that the device 1 to which the save information value is set can operate normally. For example, when the setting information item is an IP address, the save information value needs to be an IP address assigned to the subnetwork 4 to which the device 1 to which the setting information item belongs is set. A temporary duplication avoidance method using the withdrawal information value (hereinafter referred to as “duplication avoidance method using the save information value”) will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a duplication avoidance method based on the save information value.

  The pre-start information value and post-completion information value of each device 1 in FIG. 6 are the same as those in FIG. In the example of FIG. 6, “IP4” is employed as the save information value.

  The method for avoiding duplication based on the save information value is as follows. That is, first, a save information value (“IP4”) is set for any device 1 (device A in this example) belonging to the third overlap group ((1) in the figure). Thereby, a vacancy information value is created. That is, the pre-start information value (in this example, “IP1”) of the device 1 (device A) for which the save information value is set becomes the empty information value. After the empty information value is created, setting information is set in order from the device 1 in which the empty information value is set, as in the second overlapping case. That is, first, “IP1”, which is an empty information value, is set in the device C ((2) in the figure). As a result, the pre-start information value (“IP3”) of device C becomes a free information value. Thereafter, “IP3”, which is this empty information value, is set in the device B ((3) in the figure). As a result, the pre-start information value (“IP2”) of device B becomes the free information value. Finally, a setting information value (“IP2” in this example) that should be originally set is set to the device 1 (device A) for which the save information is set ((4) in the figure). By adopting the above method, it is possible to avoid temporary duplication even in the case of the third duplication case.

  In order to employ the duplication avoidance method based on the saved information value, the batch setting program 23 sets the transmission order of the setting instructions and the contents of the setting instructions (which setting information value is set) for the devices 1 belonging to the third overlapping group. Instructions). In the case of the example of FIG. 6, the batch setting program 23 sets device A (setting “IP4”) → device C (setting “IP1”) → device B (setting “IP3”) → device A (“ The setting instruction transmission order and instruction content are determined as in (IP2 "is set) (the arrangement of devices 1 by arrows indicates the transmission order, and the parentheses indicate the instruction content).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a table and the like (collective setting management table 5 and duplication confirmation list 6) used by the collective setting program 23 in the collective setting process will be described. The batch setting management table 5 and the duplication confirmation list 6 are stored in, for example, the memory 22 of the management computer 2.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the collective setting management table 5.

  The device management table 5 indicates that the batch setting program 23 determines whether or not duplication of setting information occurs in the batch setting processing (including the creation of duplicate groups) and handling processing for duplicates (setting instruction transmission order, This table is used when determining the contents of the instruction. For example, device ID 51, subnet information 52, setting target information 53, setting information value 54, and the like are recorded in the collective setting management table 5 for each device 1 monitored by the management computer 2, for example.

  The device ID 51 is an identifier for uniquely identifying the device 1 (network I / F 11 used by the device 1). As the device ID 51, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address or the like is employed. The subnet information 52 is information indicating the subnetwork 4 to which the device 1 belongs. In the present embodiment, as the subnet information 52, information directly indicating the subnetwork 4 is employed, for example, “subA” in the case of the subnetwork 4A. However, the subnetwork 4 can be indirectly derived. Information (eg, a subnet mask) may be employed. The setting target information 53 is information indicating whether or not the device 1 is a target for batch setting. For example, when the device 1 is a target for batch setting, the value of the setting target information 53 is “YES”. On the other hand, when the device 1 is not a target for batch setting, the value of the setting target information 53 is “NO”.

  The setting information value 54 includes a setting information value (pre-start information value) set for the device 1 before the start of the batch setting process, and a setting information value (completed) to be newly set by the batch setting process. Post-information value). Also, for example, when multiple types of setting information are collectively set in the batch setting process (when multiple setting information items are targets of batch setting), the setting information items that are targets of batch setting The setting information value 54 (pre-start information value and post-completion information value) is stored every time. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the setting information value 54 is stored for each of the two setting information items (IP address and device name). The batch setting program 23 can collectively set both the IP address and the device name for each of the plurality of devices 1 by using the batch setting management table 5 of FIG.

  It should be noted that setting information values 54 relating to setting information items that are not subject to batch setting may be included in the batch setting management table 5. Further, the setting information items to be collectively set may be different for each device 1. For setting information items that are not subject to batch setting, for example, information indicating that fact (in this example, “NULL”) is recorded in the post-completion information value for the setting information item.

  In addition, regarding a certain setting information item (for example, IP address), depending on the device 1, a value automatically assigned (hereinafter referred to as “automatic setting”) is set (for example, a protocol used for network communication). And DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is adopted. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the setting information item whose setting information value 54 is “automatic” (that is, the IP address of the device 1 whose device ID 51 is “dev4”) is automatically set. Hereinafter, “automatic setting item”). When transmitting a setting instruction to the device 1 having the automatic setting item, the collective setting program 23 does not need to include the post-completion information value regarding the automatic setting item in the setting instruction.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the duplication confirmation list 6.

  The duplication confirmation list 6 is a list used when the collective setting program 23 determines whether or not the first duplication case is applicable. For example, the duplication confirmation list 6 is created for each setting information item that is a target of batch setting. The duplication confirmation list 6 includes post-completion information values of all devices 1 monitored by the management computer 2 (setting information to be newly set if the device 1 is a target of batch setting). Value, setting information value already set in the case of the device 1 that is not a target of batch setting) is recorded. When a plurality of the same setting information values are recorded in the duplication confirmation list 6, it is determined that the first duplication case is applicable.

  The details of the batch setting process performed by the batch setting program 23 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the batch setting process according to the present embodiment.

  First, the collective setting program 23 obtains the currently set setting information value (if there are a plurality of setting information items, the setting information value for each) from each of the devices 1 under the monitoring of the management computer 2 ( S101). The batch setting program 23 records the acquired setting information value in the batch setting management table 5 as a pre-start information value corresponding to each device 1. The batch setting program 23 may acquire the device ID 51 and the subnet information 52 together with the currently set setting information value from each device 1 and record them in the batch setting management table 5 in the process of S101. Good. Further, the process of S101 may be performed in advance before the collective setting process is started.

  Next, the batch setting program 23 stores information indicating the devices 1 to be batch-set and setting information values to be set for each device 1 (when there are a plurality of setting information items to be batch-set). Accepts input of setting information values) from the user (S102). The batch setting program 23 sets the setting target information 53 in the batch setting management table 5 to “YES” for each device 1 that is the target of the batch setting designated by the user. The collective setting program 23 records the setting information value designated by the user in the collective setting management table 5 as a post-completion information value corresponding to each device 1 to be collectively set.

  Next, the collective setting program 23 performs a process of determining whether or not the first overlapping case is met (S103). Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the collective setting program 23 determines the result of the process of S103 (that is, whether or not the first duplicate case applies) (S104).

  If it is determined that it corresponds to the first overlapping case (S104: NO), the batch setting program 23 displays an error message to that effect on the input / output unit 24 (S107) and ends the batch setting process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that it does not correspond to the first duplication case (S104: YES), the batch setting program 23 performs a process for avoiding temporary duplication (S105). In S105, when it is determined that it corresponds to the second duplication case or the third duplication case, a setting instruction transmission order and instruction contents for avoiding temporary duplication are determined. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Note that when a plurality of setting information items are to be collectively set, the transmission order of setting instructions determined in S105 may be different for each setting information item. For example, when two setting information items of an IP address and a device name are targeted for batch setting, in order to avoid temporary duplication of the IP address, the transmission order is as follows: device A → device B → device C. A setting instruction needs to be transmitted, but in order to avoid a temporary duplication of device names, it is necessary to transmit a setting instruction in the transmission order of device C → device B → device A, etc. is there. In such a case, the collective setting program 23 can determine the transmission order that is actually employed when the setting instruction is transmitted based on, for example, the priorities given in advance to each of the plurality of setting information items. Specifically, the collective setting program 23 compares the priorities of a plurality of setting information items (for example, IP address and device name) for which the transmission order is determined, and the setting information item with the highest priority ( For example, the transmission order (for example, device A → device B → device C) determined with respect to the IP address can be determined as the transmission order that is actually employed when the setting instruction is transmitted. When determined in this way, temporary duplication of IP addresses is avoided.

  In addition, when an IP address is included in a plurality of setting information items to be collectively set, it is desirable to set the IP address to the highest priority. This is because, in order to transmit the setting instruction, the device 1 and the management computer 2 need to be able to communicate with each other by unicast. However, if the IP address is temporarily duplicated, the management computer 2 will then have the duplicate IP address. This is because it becomes impossible to communicate with the device 1 to which the address is set by unicast, and a setting instruction cannot be transmitted to the device 1. On the other hand, if temporary duplication of IP addresses is avoided, there is a high possibility that the batch setting process can be normally completed even if other setting information items are temporarily duplicated. If the batch setting process is normally completed, the temporary duplication of other setting information items is finally eliminated.

  Thereafter, the collective setting program 23 performs the following for each device 1 in accordance with the transmission order of the setting instruction determined in S105 and the instruction contents (in the case of no transmission order being determined because no duplicate group is created) The setting instruction is transmitted (S106). As a result, the setting information value (post-completion information value) designated by the user is set in each device 1 that is the target of batch setting.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing for determining whether or not the first overlapping case is applicable.

  First, the batch setting program 23 selects one device 1 from the devices 1 registered in the batch setting management table 5 (device 1 under the monitoring of the management computer 2) (S201). Hereinafter, in the description of FIG. 10, the device 1 selected in S201 is referred to as “target device 1”.

  Next, the batch setting program 23 selects one setting information item from the setting information items registered in the batch setting management table 5 (S202). Hereinafter, in the description of FIG. 10, the setting information item selected in S202 is referred to as “target item”.

  Thereafter, the batch setting program 23 determines whether or not the setting information item (target item) selected in S202 is an item that can be set in the target device 1 (S203). This determination is performed based on, for example, model information regarding the target device 1. For example, the collective setting program 23 can hold in advance a table or the like in which setting information items that can be set for each model are recorded. The management computer 2 can acquire each model information from each device 1 before performing the batch setting process or during the batch setting process.

  When the target item is an item that cannot be set in the target device 1 (S203: NO), the batch setting program 23 performs the process of S208 without performing the processes of S204 to S207.

  On the other hand, when the target item is an item that can be set in the target device 1 (S203: YES), the batch setting program 23 determines whether or not the target device 1 is a target of batch setting (S204). This determination is performed, for example, by referring to the setting target information 53 in the collective setting management table 5. Specifically, if “YES” is recorded as the setting target information 53 of the target device 1, it is determined that the target device 1 is a target of batch setting, and “NO” is recorded. The target device 1 is determined not to be a target for batch setting.

  When the target device 1 is not a target for batch setting (S204: NO), the batch setting program 23 records the information value before start of the target device 1 regarding the target item in the duplication confirmation list 6 (S207). This is because in this case, the setting information value 54 related to the target item of the target device 1 is not changed even when the batch setting process is performed (the information value before start becomes the information value after completion as it is).

  On the other hand, when the target device 1 is the target of setting change (S204: YES), the batch setting program 23 determines whether the target item for the target device 1 is the target of batch setting (S205). ). This determination is performed, for example, by referring to the information value after completion of the target device 1 regarding the target item. Specifically, if, for example, “NULL” is recorded as the post-completion information value, it is determined that the target item is not a target for batch setting.

  If the target item is not a target for batch setting (S205: NO), the batch setting program 23 records the pre-start information value of the target device 1 regarding the target item in the duplication confirmation list 6 (S207). S204: As in the case of NO, in this case as well, the setting information value 54 related to the target item of the target device 1 is not changed even if the batch setting process is performed (the information value before the start becomes the information value after completion as it is). It is.

  On the other hand, when the target item is a target for batch setting (S205: YES), the batch setting program 23 records the information value after completion of the target device 1 regarding the target item in the duplication confirmation list 6 (S206). . This is because in this case, the setting information value 54 related to the target item of the target device 1 is changed from the pre-start information value to the post-completion information value by the batch setting process.

  The batch setting program 23 repeats the processing of S202 to S207 for all the setting information items registered in the device management table 5 (S208).

  The collective setting program 23 repeats the processes of S201 to S208 for all the devices 1 registered in the device management table 5 (S209).

  Thereafter, the batch setting program 23 refers to the created duplication confirmation list 6 and determines whether or not the first duplication case is met (S210). Specifically, the batch setting program 23 checks whether or not a plurality of the same setting information values are recorded in the created duplication confirmation list 6. As described above, when a plurality of the same setting information values are recorded in the duplication confirmation list 6, it is determined that the first duplication case is applicable.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processing for avoiding temporary duplication.

  The process of FIG. 11 is performed for each setting information item. In the following description of FIGS. 11 and 12, the setting information item that is the target in the processing of FIGS. 11 and 12 is referred to as “target item”. The process of FIG. 11 may be performed for all or a part of the setting information items that are targets of batch setting, or may be performed only for the setting information item with the highest priority. Further, for example, a part of the processes in FIG. 11 (for example, the process in S301) is performed for all or a part of the setting information items, and the processes in FIG. For example, the processing of S302 to S308) may be performed only for the setting information item with the highest priority. When the processing of FIG. 11 is performed for a plurality of setting information items and the transmission order of setting instructions different among the plurality of setting information items is determined, as described above, one of the transmission orders is actually Is determined as the transmission order employed.

  First, the collective setting program 23 performs a process for creating a duplicate group (S301). Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the batch setting program 23 determines whether or not a duplicate group has been created in S301 (S302).

  When the duplicate group is not created (S302: NO), the batch setting program 23 performs the process of S106 in FIG. 9 without performing the processes of S303 to S307. In this case, since there is no possibility of temporary duplication, the transmission order of the setting instructions is not determined, and the transmission instructions are transmitted in an arbitrary transmission order. Note that the instruction content of the setting instruction does not include normal content (that is, does not include content indicating that the save information value is set, and sets a post-completion information value designated by the user for each device 1. Content).

  On the other hand, when a duplicate group is created (S302: YES), the batch setting program 23 selects one of the duplicate groups created in S301 (S303).

  Next, the collective setting program 23 determines the transmission order and transmission contents of the setting instructions for avoiding temporary duplication for the duplication group selected in S303 (S304). That is, if the duplicate group selected in S303 is the second duplicate group, the batch setting program 23 sends a transmission instruction for the devices 1 belonging to the duplicate group selected in S303 according to the method described in FIG. Determine the transmission order. Note that the setting contents of the setting instruction regarding the devices 1 belonging to the second overlapping group are the normal contents (contents indicating that the post-completion information value specified by the user is set for each device 1). The On the other hand, when the duplicate group selected in S303 is the third duplicate group, the collective setting program 23 performs the duplicate group selected in S303 according to the method described in FIG. 6 (the duplicate avoidance method using the saved information value). The transmission order of transmission instructions and the content of the instructions for the devices 1 belonging to the device 1 are determined.

  Next, the batch setting program 23 determines whether or not the save information value is insufficient (S305). This determination is performed when the save information value is used to avoid temporary duplication, that is, when the duplication group selected in S303 is the third duplication group. For example, if the number of save information values (appropriate) specified by the user is less than the number of save information values required to avoid temporary duplication, the save information values are insufficient. It is determined that

  If the save information is insufficient (S305: YES), the batch setting program 23 displays an error message to that effect on the input / output unit 24 (S308), and ends the batch setting process.

  The batch setting program 23 repeats the processes of S303 to S305 for all the duplicate groups created in S301 (S306).

  Thereafter, the batch setting program 23 determines the transmission order of the entire device 1 that is the target of batch setting (S307). That is, in S304, the transmission order (transmission order between devices 1 belonging to the duplicate group) in each duplicate group created in S301 is determined, but in S307, the transmission order between multiple duplicate groups is decided. The When there is a device 1 that does not belong to any overlapping group, the transmission order including those devices 1 is determined. The transmission order between overlapping groups and the transmission order including the devices 1 that do not belong to any overlapping group are arbitrarily determined. This is because temporary duplication can be avoided as long as the transmission order in the duplication group is the transmission order determined in S304. For example, when there is a duplicate group A to which device A and device B belong, a duplicate group B to which device C and device D belong, and a device E that does not belong to either duplicate group A or duplicate group B, in S307, The transmission order among the overlapping group A, the overlapping group B, and the device E is determined. For example, when the transmission order is determined as device E → duplicate group A → duplicate group B, the transmission order in duplication group A is device A → device B and the transmission order in duplication group B in S304. Are determined as device C → device D, the entire transmission order is device E → device A → device B → device C → device D. For the devices 1 that do not belong to any overlapping group, it is preferable that the setting instruction is transmitted before the devices 1 that belong to the overlapping group. The “transmission order of setting instructions determined in S105” in the description of FIG. 9 indicates the entire transmission order determined in S307.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process for creating an overlap group.

  First, the batch setting program 23 selects one device 1 from the devices 1 (device 1 whose setting target information 53 is “YES”) registered as a batch setting target registered in the batch setting management table 5. Select (S401). Hereinafter, in the description of FIG. 12, the device 1 selected in S401 is referred to as “target device 1”.

  Next, the batch setting program 23 determines whether or not the target item for the target device 1 is a target for batch setting (S402). This determination is performed in the same manner as S205 in FIG.

  If the target item for the target device 1 is not a target for batch setting (S402: NO), the batch setting program 23 performs the processing of S409 without performing the processing of S403 to S408.

  On the other hand, when the target item for the target device 1 is the target of batch setting (S402: YES), the batch setting program 23 is the device 1 that is the target of batch setting registered in the batch setting management table 5. One device 1 other than the target device 1 is selected from the list (S403). Hereinafter, in the description of FIG. 12, the device 1 selected in S403 is referred to as “comparison device 1”.

  Next, the batch setting program 23 determines whether or not the target item for the comparison device 1 is a target for batch setting (S404). This determination is performed in the same manner as S205 in FIG.

  When the target item is not the target of batch setting for the comparison device 1 (S404: NO), the batch setting program 23 performs the processing of S408 without performing the processing of S405 to S407.

  On the other hand, if the target item is the target of batch setting for the comparison device 1 (S404: YES), the batch setting program 23 reads the pre-start information value of the target device 1 and the post-completion information of the comparison device 1. It is determined whether or not the values are the same (S405).

  When the pre-start information value of the target device 1 and the post-completion information value of the comparison device 1 are the same (S405: YES), the batch setting program 23 determines that the target device 1 and the comparison device 1 are the same duplication. It is determined that it belongs to the group (S407).

  On the other hand, if the pre-start information value of the target device 1 and the post-completion information value of the comparison device 1 are different (S405: NO), the collective setting program 23 sets the post-completion information value of the target device 1 and the comparison device 1 It is determined whether or not the pre-start information value is the same (S406).

  When the post-completion information value of the target device 1 and the pre-start information value of the comparison device 1 are the same (S406: YES), the batch setting program 23 determines that the target device 1 and the comparison device 1 are the same duplication. It is determined that it belongs to the group (S407).

  The batch setting program 23 repeats the processes of S403 to S407 for all devices 1 (except for the target device 1) that are targets of batch setting (S408).

  The batch setting program 23 repeats the processing of S401 to S408 for all devices 1 that are the target of batch setting (S409).

  The above is the description of the batch setting process performed by the batch setting program 23. By performing such processing, when setting information for each of the plurality of devices 1 is collectively set, the setting information that should be uniquely set between the devices 1 is stored in each batch setting process. It is possible to prevent duplicate setting between devices 1 after completion and during batch setting processing.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen 7 displayed by the collective setting program 23.

  This screen 7 is displayed, for example, when receiving input of predetermined information from the user in S102 in FIG. The user refers to the information shown on the screen 7 and inputs predetermined information such as information indicating the devices 1 to be collectively set and setting information values to be set in each device 1. Can do. The user can also check whether the batch setting process has been normally performed by referring to the screen 7. On the screen 7, for example, for each device 1 monitored by the management computer 2, the currently set setting information value (in the example of FIG. 13, the device name 74 and the IP address 75) and the setting designated by the user A processing status 73 or the like indicating whether the information value is set normally is displayed.

  The above-described embodiments of the present invention are examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various other modes without departing from the gist thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Device, 2 ... Management computer, 3 ... Communication network, 4 ... Subnetwork, 5 ... Batch setting management table, 6 ... List for duplication confirmation.

Claims (7)

A control device configured to collectively set setting items that are set in each of a plurality of network devices and should be set uniquely between the network devices,
Pre-start setting value acquisition means for acquiring pre-start setting values of the setting items set in each of the plurality of network devices;
A post-completion setting value acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of post-completion setting values to be set in each of the setting items of the plurality of network devices;
A determination means for performing a post-completion duplication determination as to whether or not a value is duplicated among the plurality of post-completion setting values;
When it is determined in the duplication determination after completion that the values are not duplicated, the pre-start setting value of the first network device of the plurality of network devices and the second network other than the first network device Any two of the plurality of network devices are arranged such that the first network device and the second network device belong to the same overlapping group when the post-completion setting value of the device is the same. A duplicate group creating means for creating the duplicate group which is a combination of the above,
A transmission order determining means for determining a transmission order for transmitting a setting instruction for setting the setting value after completion to each network device belonging to the duplicate group created by the duplicate group creating means;
A control apparatus comprising: instruction transmission means for transmitting the setting instruction to each network device belonging to the duplication group according to the transmission order determined by the transmission order determination means. The transmission order determining means includes a new information setting device that is a network device in which the setting value after completion different from any of the setting values before start of the network devices belonging to the overlap group is included in the overlap group,
The transmission order determining means has a transmission order of setting instructions for the new information setting device first,
The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a transmission order for the overlapping group is determined so that a setting instruction for the first network device is transmitted before a setting instruction for the second network device. The transmission order determining means, when the network device in which the setting value after completion different from any of the setting values before the start of the network devices belonging to the overlap group is not included in the overlap group,
The transmission order determining means is different from any of the setting item values set for each of the plurality of network devices for the selected device selected from the network devices belonging to the duplication group, and the duplication The transmission order of the setting instruction to set a value different from any of the setting values after completion of the network device belonging to the group is first,
And the setting instruction for the first network device is ahead of the setting instruction for the second network device,
2. The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a transmission order for the overlapping group is determined so that a transmission order of a setting instruction for setting the setting value after completion of the selection device is last for the selection device. There are multiple types of the setting items, and each setting item is given a priority,
The pre-start setting value acquisition means acquires each pre-start setting value set for each of the plurality of types of setting items in each of the plurality of network devices from each network device,
The post-completion setting value acquisition means acquires each post-completion setting value to be set for each of the plurality of types of setting items in each of the plurality of network devices,
The determination unit performs the duplication determination after completion for each type of the setting item,
The duplicate group creating means creates the duplicate group for each type of the setting item,
The transmission order determining means determines the transmission order for a setting item having the highest priority among the plurality of types of setting items,
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmission instruction is an instruction to set the setting value after completion for each of the plurality of types of setting items in each network device. . A control method for performing control to collectively set setting items that are set in each of a plurality of network devices and should be set uniquely between the network devices,
Obtaining pre-start setting values of the setting items set in each of the plurality of network devices from each network device;
Obtaining a plurality of post-completion setting values to be set in each of the setting items of the plurality of network devices;
In the plurality of post-completion set values, a post-completion determination is made as to whether or not values are duplicated,
When it is determined in the duplication determination after completion that the values are not duplicated, the pre-start setting value of the first network device of the plurality of network devices and the second network other than the first network device Any two of the plurality of network devices are arranged such that the first network device and the second network device belong to the same overlapping group when the post-completion setting value of the device is the same. Create the duplicate group that is a combination of the above,
Determining a transmission order for transmitting a setting instruction for setting the post-completion setting value to each network device belonging to the created duplication group;
A control method of transmitting the setting instruction to each network device belonging to the duplication group according to the determined transmission order. A control program for performing control to collectively set setting items that are set in each of a plurality of network devices and should be set uniquely between the network devices,
Obtaining pre-start setting values of the setting items set in each of the plurality of network devices from each network device;
Obtaining a plurality of post-completion setting values to be set in each of the setting items of the plurality of network devices;
In the plurality of post-completion set values, a post-completion determination is made as to whether or not values are duplicated,
When it is determined in the duplication determination after completion that the values are not duplicated, the pre-start setting value of the first network device of the plurality of network devices and the second network other than the first network device Any two of the plurality of network devices are arranged such that the first network device and the second network device belong to the same overlapping group when the post-completion setting value of the device is the same. Create the duplicate group that is a combination of the above,
Determining a transmission order for transmitting a setting instruction for setting the post-completion setting value to each network device belonging to the created duplication group;
A control program for transmitting the setting instruction to each network device belonging to the duplication group according to the determined transmission order. A setting item set in each of a plurality of network devices, a recording medium recorded with a control program for performing control to collectively set setting items to be set uniquely between the network devices,
Obtaining pre-start setting values of the setting items set in each of the plurality of network devices from each network device;
Obtaining a plurality of post-completion setting values to be set in each of the setting items of the plurality of network devices;
In the plurality of post-completion set values, a post-completion determination is made as to whether or not values are duplicated,
When it is determined in the duplication determination after completion that the values are not duplicated, the pre-start setting value of the first network device of the plurality of network devices and the second network other than the first network device Any two of the plurality of network devices are arranged such that the first network device and the second network device belong to the same overlapping group when the post-completion setting value of the device is the same. Create the duplicate group that is a combination of the above,
Determining a transmission order for transmitting a setting instruction for setting the post-completion setting value to each network device belonging to the created duplication group;
A recording medium recorded with a control program for transmitting the setting instruction to each network device belonging to the duplication group in accordance with the determined transmission order.

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