JP2020088583A - Resource management device, resource management method, and resource management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to prevent network utilization quality from being deteriorated and to efficiently utilize communication resources.SOLUTION: A resource management device is connected to at least one device of a plurality of intermediate devices interposed between a plurality of first communication devices and one or more second communication devices. In response to a resource request, the resource management device allocates a request resource, which is a resource according to the resource request, from free resources on the basis of resource management data for managing communication resources, which are resources that are related to at least some of the plurality of first communication devices, the one or more second communication devices, and the plurality of intermediate devices and are utilized for communication. On the basis of the resource management data, the resource management device can manage a plurality of types of resources. The plurality of types of resources include an iteration type resource with a resource amount continuing iteratively in addition to a constant type resource with a resource amount continuing constantly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates generally to managing communication resources involved in communication between communication devices.

The amount of traffic transmitted on the network is continuously increasing, and efficient use of network resources such as bandwidth in the network is desired. In addition, when data loss occurs due to congestion, user satisfaction is reduced, and therefore it is desired to guarantee the data transmission quality according to the user's wishes.

As a background art of this field, there is a technology described in Patent Document 1. In this document, "The purpose is to adjust the resource provision state to each user in the future as well as in the future so as to generate a margin in NW resources and to realize an increase in service utilization opportunities. , A resource aggregating unit 30 that adjusts the content distribution state to each user terminal 10 to reduce resources, a resource selling unit 31 that sells resources to each user terminal 10, and determines a free resource in the NW. A resource determination unit 32 is provided.The resource aggregation unit 30 includes a resource aggregation determination function 301 for determining resource aggregation availability, an NW control function 302 for performing traffic control during NW based on resource aggregation availability determination, and a resource sales unit 31 for a user. The resource determination unit 32 includes an information database 310, a reception function 311 that receives a NW resource request from a user, a response function 312 that answers a resource request, and a notification function 313 that notifies a resource reservation person. It has a database 320 of NW state information, an NW monitoring function 321 for monitoring the NW usage state, and a resource determination function 322 for determining a free resource”.

JP, 2004-236062, A

However, in the technique described above, the system side that sells resources executes traffic aggregation control and determines whether the newly requested network band can be accommodated. For this reason, when congestion occurs on the aggregation side, there is a problem that the network usage quality of existing traffic users deteriorates. Further, it is desirable to improve the utilization efficiency of communication resources such as bandwidth.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent deterioration of network usage quality of a user and to enable efficient use of communication resources.

A resource management device connected to at least one device among a plurality of intermediate devices interposed between a plurality of first communication devices and one or more second communication devices is the plurality of first communication devices. And resource management data for managing communication resources that are resources related to at least a part of the one or more second communication devices and the plurality of intermediate devices and are used for communication. In response to the request, the requested resource, which is a resource complying with the resource request, is allocated from the free resources. The resource management device can manage multiple types of resources based on the resource management data. The plural types of resources include a constant resource in which the resource amount is constantly maintained, and a repetitive resource in which the resource amount is repeatedly repeated.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent deterioration of network usage quality and to use communication resources with high efficiency.

It is an example of a network system configuration diagram in the first embodiment. It is an example of physical resource management data in the first embodiment. It is an example of a diagram showing a sequence of resource setting for the path P1 in the first embodiment. It is an example of a diagram showing a sequence of resource setting for the path P2 in the first embodiment. It is an example of the block diagram of the management apparatus in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is an example of a diagram showing programs and data held in a memory in the management device in the first embodiment. It is an example of a diagram showing setting resource management data for a path P1 in the first embodiment. It is an example of a figure showing a resource state about course P1 in a 1st embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the setting resource management data about the path|route P2 in 1st Embodiment. It is an example of a figure showing a resource state about course P2 in a 1st embodiment. It is an example of a diagram showing the resource management data of the fixed permanent free resource in the first embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the resource management data of the fixed individual free resource in 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the resource management data of the determined repeating free resource in 1st Embodiment. It is an example of a flowchart showing resource allocation in the first embodiment. It is an example of a flowchart showing free resource management in the first embodiment. It is an example of a flowchart showing resource allocation in the second embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the data hold|maintained at the memory in the management apparatus in 3rd Embodiment. It is an example of the flowchart which shows the adjustable resource management in 3rd Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the fixed type adjustable resource in 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 9 is an example of a diagram showing an iterative adjustable resource in a third embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the adjustable resource management data of the adjustable constant type resource in 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 8 is an example of a diagram showing adjustable resource management data of adjustable repetitive resources in a third embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the resource request|requirement of the individual type resource in 3rd Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the resource request of the repetitive type resource in 3rd Embodiment. It is an example of a flowchart showing resource allocation in the third embodiment. It is an example of the flowchart which shows adjustable resource management in a 4th embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the fixed type adjustable resource in 4th Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the repetitive adjustable resource in 4th Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the overlap area|region with the fixed type adjustable resource and the repetitive type adjustable resource in 4th Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the duplication with the constant type adjustable resource state with respect to the repetitive type adjustable resource in 4th Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the measurement time series data in the 1st week in 5th Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the measurement time series data in the 5th week in 5th Embodiment. It is an example of the figure showing the prediction time series data in the 12th week in a 5th embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the adjustable resource from the 7th week to the 11th week in 5th Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the resource request screen in 6th Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the resource request response screen in 6th Embodiment.

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments below. It is easily understood by those skilled in the art that the specific configuration can be changed without departing from the concept or the spirit of the present invention.

The position, number, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings and the like may not represent the actual position, number, size, shape, range, etc. for easy understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, number, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings and the like.

In the following description, the “interface device” may be one or more interface devices. The one or more interface devices may be at least one of the following:
-One or more I/O (Input/Output) interface devices. An I/O (Input/Output) interface device is an interface device for at least one of an I/O device and a remote display computer. The I/O interface device for the display computer may be a communication interface device. The at least one I/O device may be a user interface device, for example, an input device such as a keyboard and pointing device, and an output device such as a display device.
-One or more communication interface devices. The one or more communication interface devices may be one or more communication interface devices of the same type (for example, one or more NICs (Network Interface Cards)) or two or more communication interface devices of different types (for example, NIC and It may be an HBA (Host Bus Adapter).

Further, in the following description, “memory” is one or more memory devices, and typically may be a main storage device. At least one memory device in the memory may be a volatile memory device or a non-volatile memory device.

Further, in the following description, the “persistent storage device” is one or more persistent storage devices. The permanent storage device is typically a non-volatile storage device (for example, an auxiliary storage device), and specifically, for example, is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive).

Further, in the following description, the "storage device" may be at least the memory of the memory and the permanent storage device.

Moreover, in the following description, a "processor" is one or more processor modules. The at least one processor module is typically a microprocessor device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may be another type of processor device such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). At least one processor device may be single-core or multi-core. At least one processor module may be a processor core. The at least one processor device may be a processor device in a broad sense such as a hardware circuit (eg, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)) that performs a part or all of the processing.

Further, in the following description, the process may be described with the term “program” as the subject, but the program is executed by the processor so that the predetermined process is appropriately performed by the storage device and/or the interface device or the like. Since the processing is performed while being used, the subject of the processing may be a processor (or a device such as a controller having the processor). The program may be installed in a device such as a computer from the program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable (for example, non-transitory) recording medium. Further, in the following description, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

Further, in the following description, the expression “xxx management data” may be used to describe the data whose output is obtained with respect to the input, but the data may be data of any structure, and A learning model such as a neural network that generates an output may be used. The management data may be managed by being divided into two or more management data, or all or part of the two or more management data may be managed as one management data.

Further, in the following description, when the same type of element is described without distinction, a common code among reference numerals is used, and when the same type of element is described separately, the reference code (or element ID) is used. May be used. For example, in the case where the transmission device is not particularly distinguished, it is described as “transmission device (10)”, and when the individual transmission devices are described separately, “transmission device N1 (10-1)”, It may be described as "transmission device N2 (10-2)".

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In any of the embodiments, when the network resource is constantly used (constant resource request), repeatedly used (repetitive resource request), and when it is used one time, the constant type and the repetitive type are used. The network resources are managed in a case where they are not included in any of the cases (individual resource request), and the network resources are provided according to the usage pattern desired by the user. In the following embodiments, for simplification of description, the resource is a band as an example of a network resource. Therefore, in the description of each embodiment, unless otherwise specified, both “resource” and “network resource” mean “bandwidth”. In addition, “resource” includes both “resource item” (for example, resource name) such as “bandwidth” and “resource amount” such as “200 Mbps”. Further, the “bandwidth” is an example of a network resource, and the network resource is an example of a communication resource. “Network resources” are resources related to the network. The network resources include, for example, resources (for example, a usage rate of a processor in the transmission device) in a transmission device described later as a component of the network, in addition to the band. The “communication resource” is a resource used for communication. The communication resources include, for example, resources (for example, a usage rate of a processor in a server or a terminal) in at least one of a server and a terminal, which will be described later, in addition to network resources.
[First Embodiment]

In the present embodiment, an example of controlling provision of a network resource of a type that matches a type of a network resource request from a user will be described. The operation of the network resource management according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

FIG. 1 is an example of a network system configuration diagram in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the resource management system according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a management device M (20) (an example of a resource management device) and a plurality of transmission devices (10) that respectively transmit (relay) data. And transmission devices N1 to N3 (10-1 to 10-3)). One or more servers (30) (for example, servers S1 (30-1) and S2 (30-2) providing contents) and a plurality of terminals (40) (for example, via a plurality of transmission devices (10)). , Communication between the terminals T1 to T6 (40-1) to (40-6)) using the content is performed. For each transmission device (10), one of the following:
-Two or more devices of the server (30), the terminal (40), the management device M (20) and the transmission device (10) are connected,
-Two or more transmission devices (10) are connected,
Is applicable. Each transmission device (10) may be a switch, for example, a switch to which MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) is applied.

The terminal (40) may be an example of the first communication device. The server (30) may be an example of the second communication device. The “communication device” may be a device that functions as at least one of a transmission device and a reception device. The transmission device (10) may be an example of an intermediate device. Both the communication device and the intermediate device have hardware such as an interface device, a storage device, and a processor, and resources such as a band and a processor usage rate may be defined for the hardware.

The terminal (40) accesses the server (30) via the transmission device (10) and requests the server (30) to transmit desired content (data). The server (30) calculates the distribution timing of the content requested by the terminal (40) and requests the management device M (20) for the network resource required for the distribution of the content, via the transmission device (10). The management apparatus M (20) determines whether the requested network resource can be secured. If the management device M (20) can secure the necessary network resources, the management device M (20) relates to a route connecting the distribution source server (30) and the distribution destination terminal (40) with each transmission device on the route. Set to (10). In addition, the management device M (20) notifies the server (30) whether or not the requested network resource can be provided. When the server (30) receives the notification that the provision is possible, the server (30) delivers the content (data) requested by the terminal (40) according to the schedule (calculated delivery timing) via the route.

FIG. 2 is an example of physical resource management data in the first embodiment.

The physical resource management data (611) includes, for example, for each route between the server (30) and the terminal (40), a management number (201) indicating a resource management number of the route and a route ID (representing the ID of the route. 202), a transit transmission device (203) that is a list of IDs of transmission devices through which the route passes, a band (204) indicating a band (vacant band) that can be secured for the route, and between end points of the route. It has a row (entry) composed of a field in which information such as a delay (205) indicating a delay is stored. According to the line 211, the transmission path (hereinafter referred to as path) P1 managed by the management number “L1” is capable of data transmission of 1000 Mbps between the end points via the transmission devices N1 and N2, and The transmission delay between them is 40 ms. Further, according to the row 212, similarly, the transmission device, the band that can be transmitted, and the transmission delay are managed for the path P2. For each route, the band (204) is the upper limit of the total of one or more resource amounts (bands) allocated for the route. In the following description, although the details are omitted, the total resource amount of free resources for each route is the amount obtained by subtracting the total resource amount of set resources from the bandwidth (204) related to the route.

FIG. 3 is an example of a diagram showing a sequence of resource setting for the path P1.

The terminal T1 (40-1) accesses the server S1 (30-1) and requests the desired content (step S301). The server S1 (30-1) calculates the distribution timing of the requested content and requests the management device M (20) to secure network resources for transmitting the content to the terminal T1 (40-1) ( Step S302). The management device M (20) determines whether or not the network resource requested by the server S1 (30-1) can be secured. When the security is possible, the management device M (20) secures the network resource for transmitting the content by each of the transmission devices N1 (10-1) and N2 (10-2) which are the constituent elements of the path P1. (Steps S303-1 and S303-2). When the securing of the requested network resource is completed, the management device M (20) notifies the requesting server S1 (30-1) that the securing of the requested network resource is completed (step S304).

Also for the terminal T2 (40-2), the same steps as steps S301 to S304 are performed (steps S305 to S308). Also for the terminal T3 (40-3), the same steps as steps S301 to S304 are performed (steps S309 to S312). Also for the terminal T4 (40-4), the same steps as steps S301 to S304 are performed (steps S313 to S316). Also for the terminal T5 (40-5), the same steps as steps S301 to S304 are performed (steps S317 to S320).

The server S1 (30-1) receives the notification that the requested network resources have been secured for each of the terminals T1 (40-1) to T5 (40-5), and then calculates the calculated content distribution. At the timing, the requested content is distributed (steps S321 to S325).

In FIG. 3, for each of the terminals T1 (40-1) to T5 (40-5), the content request transmitted from the terminal (40) to the server S1 (30-1) is also the server S1 (30-1). Content to be distributed from the terminal to the terminal (40) also passes through the route P1. Which route the content is delivered to for each terminal (40) depends on the route of the content request corresponding to the content. Does not depend on Specifically, for example, the management device M (20) receives a request from one of the servers (10) for content from the terminal (40) and receives a request from the server (10) for network resources for distribution of the content. When the securing is requested, the route of the content is selected from the route between the terminal (40) and the server (10), and at least one of the following:
The allowable delay associated with the content request and the delay for each path,
-The requested bandwidth associated with the content request and the free bandwidth for each route,
Select based on. For example, when the allowable delay is "50", the free bandwidth of P1 is "500", the free bandwidth of P2 is "500", and the required bandwidth is "300", both free bandwidths of the routes P1 and P2 are requested. Since the delay (205) of the path P2 is larger than the band "300" but larger than the allowable delay "50", the path P1 having the delay (205) of "50" or less is selected. Note that such route selection may be similarly performed for FIG.

FIG. 4 is an example of a diagram showing a sequence of resource setting for the route P2.

The terminal T1 (40-1) accesses the server S2 (30-2) and requests the desired content (step S401). The server S2 (30-2) calculates the distribution timing of the content and requests the management apparatus M (20) to secure network resources for transmitting the content to the terminal T1 (40-1) (step S402). .. The management apparatus M (20) determines whether or not the network resource requested by the server S2 (30-2) can be secured. When the security is possible, the management device M (20) secures the network resource for transmitting the content by using the transmission devices N1 (10-1), N2 (10-2) and N3 which are the constituent elements of the path P2. It is set to each of (10-3) (steps S403-1 to S403-3). When the securing of the requested network resource is completed, the management device M (20) notifies the requesting server S2 (30-2) that the securing of the requested network resource is completed (step S404).

Also for the terminal T2 (40-2), the same steps as steps S401 to S404 are performed (steps S405 to S408). Also for the terminal T3 (40-3), the same steps as steps S401 to S404 are performed (steps S409 to S412). Also for the terminal T4 (40-4), the same steps as steps S401 to S404 are performed (steps S413 to S416). Also for the terminal T5 (40-5), the same steps as steps S401 to S404 are performed (steps S417 to S420).

The server S2 (30-2) receives the notification that the requested network resources have been secured for each of the terminals T1 (40-1) to T5 (40-5), and then calculates the calculated content distribution. When the timing comes, the requested content is distributed (steps S421 to S425).

FIG. 5 is an example of a configuration diagram of the management device M (20).

The management device M (20) is a CPU (501) which is an example of a processor, a main memory (502) and an auxiliary storage device (503) which are an example of a storage device, and an example of an interface device which transmits and receives data through a network. And an input/output interface (504) for performing. These components (501) to (504) are connected to each other via a bus (505). The management device M (20) may further include an input/output device (not shown) such as a keyboard or an image display device. The management device M (20) also accepts requests from the server (30) and sets resources in the transmission device (10) via the input/output interface (504).

The CPU (501) controls each unit of the management device M (20), loads the program stored in the auxiliary storage device (503) into the main memory (502), and executes the program, thereby managing the management device. It executes various functions of the M (20). The main memory (502) stores one or more programs executed by the CPU (501) and data necessary for executing the one or more programs.

FIG. 6 is an example of a diagram showing programs and data stored in the main memory (502).

A resource allocation management program (601) and a free resource management program (602) are loaded and executed in the main memory (502). Further, resource management data (652) necessary for executing the program (for example, data including physical resource management data (611), setting resource management data (612) and free resource management data (613)) is held. The resource allocation management program (601) will be described later with reference to FIG. The free resource management program (602) will be described later with reference to FIG. The physical resource management data (611) has already been described with reference to FIG. The setting resource management data (612) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9. The free resource management data (613) will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is an example of a diagram showing the setting resource management data 612 for the route P1.

The setting resource management data 612 includes a management number (701) indicating a setting resource management number, a path ID (702) indicating an ID of a path in which the setting resource is set, and a setting number for each setting resource (already set resource). A start date (703) indicating the start date of using the setting resource, a start hour and minute (704) indicating the start time of using the setting resource, and an end indicating the end date of using the setting resource Date (705), end time (706) indicating the end of use of the setting resource, use type (707) indicating the type of use of the setting resource, and when repeatedly using the resource It has a row composed of a field in which information such as a repetition frequency (708) indicating a frequency of use repetition (start cycle) and a band (709) indicating a band (for example, [Mbps]) as the setting resource is stored. The set of start date and start time is an example of start time, and the set of end date and end time is an example of end time. That is, in the present embodiment, the time is represented by a combination of the year, month, day and the hour. The time may be expressed in a coarser or finer unit (for example, the time may be expressed in year/month/day/hour/minute/second).

According to the line 711, the setting resource is managed by the management number “A01”, is constantly used for the route P1 from the start time (D1:0:00), and the bandwidth as the setting resource is set. It is 200 Mbps. According to the rows 712 and 713, the same setting as that of the row 711 is executed. According to the line 714, the set resource is managed by the management number “A04”, and the path P1 is individually (single shot) from the start time (D1:0:00) to the end time (D1:12:00). The bandwidth used as the setting resource is 200 Mbps. According to the line 715, the setting resource is managed by the management number “A05”, is constantly used for the route P1 from the start time (D2:00:00), and the bandwidth as the setting resource is set. It is 200 Mbps.

FIG. 8 is an example of a diagram showing a resource state for the path P1. The horizontal axis of the figure represents time, and the vertical axis represents the network band (Mbps). In the following description, the resource corresponding to the management number “xx” may be expressed as “resource xx”.

According to the setting resource A01 indicated by reference numeral 801, the band of 200 Mbps is constantly used from D1:0:00. Similarly, according to the setting resources A02 and A03 indicated by reference numerals 802 and 803, the band of 200 Mbps is constantly used from D1:0:00. According to the setting resource A04 indicated by reference numeral 804, the band of 200 Mbps is individually used only between D1:00:00 and D1:12:00. According to the setting resource A05 indicated by reference numeral 805, the band from D2:00:00 to 200 Mbps is constantly used.

FIG. 9 is an example of a diagram showing setting resource management data for the route P2.

According to the line 911, the setting resource is managed by the management number “A11”, is constantly used for the route P2 from D1:0:00, and the band as the setting resource is 200 Mbps. According to the rows 912 to 914, the same setting as that of the row 911 is executed. According to the line 915, the set resource is managed by the management number “A15”, and is repeatedly used for the route P2 from D1:00:00 to D1:6:00 as a repeating unit on a daily basis, The bandwidth as the setting resource is 200 Mbps.

FIG. 10 is an example of a diagram showing a resource state of the second route (route P2) in the first embodiment.

According to the setting resource A11 indicated by reference numeral 1001, a band of 200 Mbps is constantly used from D1:0:00. Similarly, according to the setting resources A12 to A14 indicated by reference numerals 1002 to 1004, the band of 200 Mbps is constantly used from D1:0:00. According to the setting resource A15 indicated by the reference numerals 1005-1 and 1005-2, a bandwidth of 200 Mbps from D1:00:00 to D1:6:00 is used in the same time zone on a daily basis (that is, repeatedly used). ..

In this embodiment, a resource is set (reserved) in response to a request to secure the resource. A request for securing a resource is called a "resource request", a resource complying with the resource request (that is, a requested resource) is called a "request resource", a resource set in response to the request is called a "setting resource", and an empty space Resources managed as can be called "free resources".

Further, in the present embodiment, the types of resources are classified into constant type, repetitive type, and individual type. Specifically, it is as follows.
-A constant resource is a resource whose resource amount is constantly continuing, specifically, for example, a resource in which a start time and a resource amount to be used are defined and an end time is not defined.
The repetitive resource is a resource in which the resource amount is repeated (intermittently), specifically, for example, a resource in which a use period (for example, start time and end time) and resource amount for each use are defined. .. In the present embodiment, the repetitive resource is a resource in which a constant resource amount (for example, 200 MBps) is used at a constant cycle (for example, every day) and during a constant usage period (for example, 0:00 am to 6:00 am). A resource having regularity in repeated use may correspond to a repetitive resource regardless of whether the use is periodic or whether the resource amount is the same in each use period.
The individual resource is a resource that can be used once, and specifically, for example, the usage period (for example, start time and end time) and the resource amount are defined for one use. It is a resource.

FIG. 11A is an example of a diagram showing the resource management data 613 of the fixed permanent free resources. FIG. 11B is an example of a diagram showing the resource management data 613 of the determined individual free resources. FIG. 11C is an example of a diagram showing the resource management data 613 of the determined repetitive free resource.

The free resource management data 613 of FIGS. 11A to 11C includes, for free resources, a management number (1101) indicating the resource management number of the free resource, a route ID (1102) indicating the ID of the route related to the free resource, The resource status (1103) indicating the status of the free resource, the free type (1104) indicating the type of the free resource, the repetition frequency (1105) indicating the repetition frequency when the free resource is a repetitive resource, and the free resource A start date (1106) indicating the start date, a start hour (1107) indicating the start time of the free resource, and an end date (1108) indicating the end date of the free resource , A line including fields for storing information such as an end time (1109) indicating the end time of the empty resource and a band (1110) indicating the band of the empty resource.

According to the row 1121 in FIG. 11A, the resource managed by the management number B01 has a fixed free state and can be constantly used in the path P1, and since D1:0:00, the resource is 200 Mbps. Bandwidth is effective as a free resource amount.

According to the row 1151 of FIG. 11B, the resource managed by the management number B02 has an unoccupied state established in the path P1, and can be used individually on a one-off basis, and D1:12:00:00 to D1: At 24:00, the bandwidth of 200 Mbps is effective as the amount of free resources.

According to the row 1181 of FIG. 11C, the resource managed by the management number B11 has a vacant state established in the route P2, and can be repeatedly used on a daily basis. D1:6:00 to D1: At 24:00, a bandwidth of 200 Mbps on a daily basis is effective as a free resource amount.

FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing resource allocation in the first embodiment.

The CPU (501) of the management apparatus M (20) loads the resource allocation management program (601) stored in the auxiliary storage device (503) into the main memory (502) and starts resource allocation management (step S1200). ).

The resource allocation management program (601) determines whether the resource allocation setting for data transmission has been updated (step S1201).

When the result of the determination in step S1201 is true, the resource allocation management program (601) updates the information on the free resource (step S1202). The information update of the free resource will be described later with reference to FIG.

If the determination result of step S1201 is false, step S1203 is executed.

The resource allocation management program (601) determines whether or not a resource request for transmitting data has been received from the server (30) (step S1203).

If the determination result of step S1203 is false, step S1201 is executed.

When the determination result of step S1203 is true, the resource allocation management program (601) determines whether the requested resource (requested resource according to the received resource request) is a constant resource request (step S1204).

When the result of the determination in step S1204 is true, the resource allocation management program (601) determines the determined permanent free resources based on the free resource management data 613, the start time and the resource amount of the requested resource. It is determined whether or not the requested resource can be provided (can be secured) from the constant free resources (step S1205). The case where the requested resource can be provided is, for example, the case where all of the following are satisfied.
-There is always a free resource amount from the same time as or earlier than the start time of the requested resource.
-The resource amount is equal to or larger than the resource amount of the requested resource.

If the determination result in step S1205 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) presents to the requesting server (30) that it is impossible to allocate (secure) the requested resource (step S1207). , Step S1201 is executed.

If the result of the determination in step S1205 is true, the resource allocation management program (601) allocates the request resource from the determined permanent free resource, specifically, the setting for data transmission (request resource setting). Is performed for each transmission device (10) belonging to the route related to the free resource of the allocation source (step S1206).

When the determination result of step S1204 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) determines whether the requested resource is a repetitive resource (step S1208).

If the result of the determination in step S1208 is true, the resource allocation management program (601) determines, based on the free resource management data 613 for the determined repetitive free resources, the usage period, usage frequency, and resource amount regarding the requested resource. It is determined whether the requested resource can be provided from the determined repetitive free resource (step S1209). The case where the requested resource can be provided is, for example, the case where all of the following are satisfied.
-There is a free resource having a plurality of periods each including a plurality of use periods (repeated use periods) related to the requested resource.
-For each of the plurality of periods, the amount of free resources in the period is equal to or larger than the amount of resources in the usage period corresponding to the period (the amount of resources in the requested resource).

If the determination result of step S1209 is true, the resource allocation management program (601) allocates the requested resource from the determined repetitive free resource, specifically, the setting for data transmission (setting of the requested resource). Is performed for each transmission device (10) belonging to the route related to the free resource of the allocation source (step S1210).

If the determination result of step S1209 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) presents to the requesting server (30) that it is impossible to allocate the requested resource (step S1211), and executes step S1201. Run.

If the determination result of step S1208 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) determines whether the requested resource is an individual resource (step S1212).

If the determination result of step S1212 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) presents to the requesting server (30) that the requested resource cannot be allocated (step S1214), and executes step S1201. Run.

If the result of the determination in step S1212 is true, the resource allocation management program (601) determines the determined individual free resources based on the free resource management data 613 and the usage period and the resource amount related to the requested resource. It is determined whether the requested resource can be provided from the individual free resources (step S1213). The case where the requested resource can be provided is, for example, the case where all of the following are satisfied.
-There are free resources with a period including the usage period related to the requested resource.
The free resource amount in the period is equal to or larger than the resource amount (resource amount in the requested resource) in the usage period corresponding to the period.

When the determination result of step 1213 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) presents that the requested resource cannot be allocated (step S1214), and executes step S1201.

When the determination result of step 1213 is true, the resource allocation management program (601) allocates the requested resource from the determined individual free resource, specifically, the setting for data transmission (setting of the requested resource). Is performed for the transmission device (10) belonging to the route related to the free resource of the allocation source (step S1215).

FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart showing free resource management in the first embodiment.

The CPU (501) of the management apparatus M (20) loads the free resource management program (602) stored in the auxiliary storage device (503) into the main memory (502) and starts free resource management (step S1300). ). The free resource management process (steps S1302 to S1310) described with reference to FIG. 13 corresponds to the process of step S1202 in FIG.

The free resource management program (602) first sets the ratio of resources used for the constant type, the repetitive type, and the individual type (step S1301). For example, the free resource management program (602) manages and sets all free resources as 50% permanent resources, 30% repetitive resources, and 20% individual resources. In addition, you may manage by other ratios.

Subsequently, the free resource management program (602) determines whether or not the resource set for use has been updated by allocating the resource for transmitting data from the free resource (step S1302).

If the determination result of step S1302 is false, the free resource management program (602) continues the process of step S1202.

When the determination result of step S1302 is true, the free resource management program (602) determines whether the allocated resource is a permanent resource (step S1303).

If the result of the determination in step S1303 is true, the free resource management program (602) updates the permanent free resource (step S1304). As a result, a constant free resource is fixed.

When the determination result of step S1303 is false, the free resource management program (602) determines whether the allocated resource is a repetitive resource (step S1305).

If the determination result of step S1305 is true, the free resource management program (602) updates the repetitive free resource (step S1306). As a result, iterative free resources are established.

When the determination result of step S1305 is false, the free resource management program (602) determines whether the allocated resource is an individual resource (step S1307).

If the determination result of step S1307 is true, the free resource management program (602) updates the individual free resources (step S1308). As a result, individual free resources are determined.

If the determination result of step S1307 is false, the free resource management program (602) presents a resource control error to the requesting server (30) (step S1309), and ends free resource management (step S1310). ).

As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of resource types are defined, and the management device M(20) manages a free resource as a free resource belonging to any one of the plurality of types. .. The management device M (20) specifies a free resource of a type matching the type according to the type of the resource requested by the user (terminal (40)), and the distributed content passes through the free resource. It is set in each transmission device (10) belonging to the route. In other words, a resource of a type different from the requested resource type is not allocated (for example, a constant resource is allocated in response to a repetitive or individual resource request). Therefore, it becomes possible to guarantee the amount of network resources according to the usage form desired by the network user and to use the network resources with high efficiency.
[Second Embodiment]

In the first embodiment, when there is a constant type, repetitive type, or individual type resource request, it is determined whether it is possible to provide from a constant type, repetitive type, or individual type free resource. In the second embodiment, when it is not possible to provide a repetitive resource request from a repetitive free resource, it is determined whether the repetitive free resource can be provided from the constant free resource. In addition, when the individual type resource request cannot be provided from the individual type free resource, it is determined whether the individual type resource request can be provided from the repetitive type or constant type free resource. The operation of network resource management according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. Note that the differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the points in common with the above-described embodiment will be omitted or simplified (this is the same for the third and subsequent embodiments).

FIG. 14 is an example of a flowchart showing resource allocation in the second embodiment.

The resource allocation management program (601) is loaded into the main memory (502), and resource allocation management starts (step S1400).

The same steps as steps S1201 to S1210 are executed (steps S1401 to S1410). However, when the determination result of step 1409 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) executes step S1405 instead of step S1211. As a result, even if the request resource is a repetitive resource, if there is no repetitive free resource that satisfies the request resource, it is allocated from the constant free resource that satisfies the request resource. It is expected that a plurality of resource amounts corresponding to the respective periods will be allocated from the constant free resources. When a repetitive type request resource is allocated from the constant type free resource, the free resource management data (613) indicates the repetitive type free resource according to the part of the constant type free resource excluding the repetitive type request resource. Are registered by the resource allocation management program (601). The repetitive free resource is defined according to a set of a usage period and a resource amount, and a repetition frequency.

The same steps as steps 1212 to S1215 are executed (steps S1411 to S1414). However, when the determination result of step 1412 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) executes step S1409 instead of step S1214 (step S1413). As a result, even if the request resource is an individual resource, if there is no individual free resource that satisfies the request resource, it is allocated from the repetitive free resource that satisfies the request resource, specifically, in the usage period related to the request resource. It is expected that the corresponding amount of resources will be allocated from the iterative free resources. If the determination result of step S1409 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) executes step S1405. As a result, even if the request resource is an individual resource, if there is neither an individual free resource that satisfies the request resource nor a repetitive free resource, a constant free resource that satisfies the request resource is allocated, It is expected that a constant free resource having a resource amount equal to or larger than the requested resource amount is allocated to the.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when it is not possible to provide a repetitive resource request from a repetitive free resource, it is determined whether the constant free resource can be provided. In addition, when the individual type resource request cannot be provided from the individual type free resource, it is determined whether the individual type resource request can be provided from the repetitive type or constant type free resource. Therefore, it is possible to use network resources with high efficiency. If the result of the determination in step 1412 is false, step S1409 is performed before step S1405, so that it is possible to leave as many permanent resources as possible that have the highest versatility among free resources of multiple types. As a result, more efficient use of network resources can be expected.
[Third Embodiment]

In the second embodiment, the network resources required for transmitting data are allocated from the resources whose availability is determined. In the third embodiment, the management terminal M (20) uses, as the adjustable resource, a resource that is assumed to be excessively allocated from the resource that has been allocated once (allocated resource). To reduce the possibility of non-allocatability (for example, by coordinating resources among users). The operation of network resource management according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 15 is an example of a diagram showing data held in the memory in the management device according to the third embodiment.

A resource allocation management program (601), a free resource management program (602), and an adjustable resource management program (603) are loaded and executed in the main memory (502). It also includes resource management data (652) (physical resource management data (611), setting resource management data (612), free resource management data (613), and adjustable resource management data (614) necessary for executing the program. Data) is retained. The resource allocation management program (601) will be described later with reference to FIG. The adjustable resource management program (603) will be described later with reference to FIG. The adjustable resource management data (614) will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, the free resource management program (602) has already been described with reference to FIG. The physical resource management data (611) has already been described with reference to FIG. The setting resource management data (612) has already been described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, and the free resource management data (613) has been described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16 is an example of a flowchart showing the adjustable resource management in the third embodiment.

The CPU (501) of the management apparatus M (20) loads the adjustable resource management program (603) stored in the auxiliary storage device (503) into the main memory (502) and starts adjustable resource management ( Step S1600).

The adjustable resource management program (603) registers a section as an adjustable unit for time and resource amount when calculating the adjustable resource amount (step S1601). Specifically, for example, in this embodiment, each time segment is 6 hours. Further, each division of the resource amount is 20 Mbps.

The adjustable resource management program (603) determines whether or not it is time to calculate and update the adjustable resource (step S1602). Specifically, for example, when the adjustment is performed at 6-hour intervals and the current time is any of 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, and 18:00, the determination result of step S1602 is Is true.

When the determination result of step S1602 is true, the adjustable resource management program (603) selects one allocated resource (setting resource) (step S1603).

The adjustable resource management program (603), in step S1603, based on resource consumption data (not shown) indicating the past resource consumption actually used (for example, time-series data of the resource amount consumed (used) in the past). Among the selected resources, an unused resource that is a resource that does not overlap with the used resource (consumed resource) assumed from the resource consumption data is specified, and a component of the adjustable resource is identified from the specified unused resource. The following resource parts are listed in a division unit (for each unit division in the time direction and the resource amount direction) (step S1604). One or more of the listed resource parts may constitute a constant, repetitive or individual adjustable resource. Further, the resource consumption data may exist for each user (terminal (40)), each set of the user and the server (30), or each set of the user, the server (30), and the route, In step S1604, the resource consumption data corresponding to the user, the set of the user and the server (30), or the set of the user, the server (30), and the route related to the setting resource selected in step S1603 is referred to. Good.

The adjustable resource management program (603) evaluates unused resources in the time direction and determines whether or not there is a constant adjustable resource (step S1605). The determination result of S1605 is true if the set of one or more resource parts listed above has the unused resource amount constantly continuing in the time direction.

If the determination result of step S1605 is true, the adjustable resource management program (603) registers information indicating the permanent adjustable resource as adjustable resource management data (614) (step S1606).

If the determination result in step S1605 is false, the adjustable resource management program (603) determines whether or not a repetitive adjustable resource exists based on the result of evaluating the unused resources in the time direction. The determination is made (step S1607). If a set of a plurality of unused periods and the amount of unused resources is regularly arranged in the set of one or more resource parts listed above in the time direction (for example, a predetermined period (1 minute, (1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, etc.) (if there is a set of unused period and unused resource amount), the determination result of S1607 is true.

When the determination result of step S1607 is true, the adjustable resource management program (603) registers information indicating the repetitive adjustable resource as adjustable resource management data (614) (step S1608).

If the determination result of step S1607 is false, the adjustable resource management program (603) determines whether or not it is confirmed whether or not there is an adjustable resource for all the set resources (step S1609).

If the determination result of step S1609 is false, the adjustable resource management program (603) executes step S1603 (that is, selects one setting resource for which it is not confirmed whether or not an adjustable resource exists).

If the determination result of step S1609 is true, the process returns to step S1602.

FIG. 17 is an example of a diagram showing a permanent adjustable resource in the third embodiment.

According to the example of FIG. 17, resources are managed in slot units. In other words, a resource is a set of slots. A “slot” is a unit resource of “6 hours” in the time direction and a resource amount of “20 Mbps”. "6 hours" is an example of a unit time, and "20 Mbps" is an example of a unit resource amount. In this way, resources are quantized and managed in the resource amount direction and the time direction.

The adjustable resource management program (603) predicts a surplus (for example, excess) resource amount of the constant type setting resource (allocated constant 200 Mbps). In the present embodiment, the adjustable resource management program (603) predicts the transition (1701) of resource consumption from the resource consumption data, and checks the slot groups other than the slot group occupied by the predicted transition (1701) of the set resources. Among them, a group of slots (1702) continuous in the time direction, which is shown in gray as an adjustable constant resource, is estimated. The slot group is one or more slots. In this way, the adjustable resource management program (603) identifies and registers constant 40 Mbps as an adjustable constant resource as a constant adjustable resource.

FIG. 18 is an example of a diagram showing a repetitive adjustable resource in the third embodiment.

The adjustable resource management program (603) displays the adjustable repetitive resource amount in gray among the slot groups other than the slot group occupied by the predicted transition of resource consumption (1801) among the constant setting resources in gray. Infer a plurality of consecutive slot groups (1802-1) to (1802-7) shown in the drawing, which are arranged in the time direction. In this way, the adjustable resource management program (603) identifies and registers 100 Mbps as a repetitive adjustable resource, which repeats every day from 12:00 to 24:00. According to FIG. 18, the plurality of continuous slot groups arranged in the time direction have the same number of slots arranged in the time direction and the number of slots arranged in the resource amount direction. That is, among a plurality of discrete regions arranged along the time direction, a plurality of regions in which the minimum period and the minimum resource amount (that is, the common part of the period and the common part of the resource amount) correspond to the adjustable repetitive resource. Corresponds to the slot group of.

FIG. 19A is an example of a diagram showing adjustable resource management data of adjustable permanent resources in the third embodiment.

The adjustable resource management data includes, for an adjustable resource, a management number (1901) indicating a management number of the resource, a path ID (1902) indicating an ID of a path related to the resource, and a resource state (state indicating the status of the resource. 1903), a free type (1904) indicating the type of the resource, a repetition frequency (1905) indicating the repetition frequency when the resource is a repetitive resource, and a start date indicating the available start date of the resource. Day (1906), time (1907) indicating the start time of the resource available, end date (1908) indicating the end date of the resource available, end available of the resource End time (1909) indicating the hour and minute, a band (1910) indicating the band of the relevant resource, and an adjustment source (1911) indicating the management number of the setting resource including the relevant resource. Have a row.

According to the line 1921, the resource managed by the management number “C01” is a constant resource that can be adjusted with respect to the route P1, and has a bandwidth of 40 Mbps from the start time 0:00 of the start date D15. , The resource managed by the management number “A01” is adjustable (flexible).

FIG. 19B is an example of a diagram showing adjustable resource management data of adjustable repetitive resources that are adjustable according to the third embodiment.

According to the line 1951, the resource managed by the management number “C02” is a repetitive resource that can be adjusted with respect to the route P1, the repetition frequency is 1 day, and the start time 12 of the start date D 15 is 12. From 0:00 to the end time 24:00 of the end date D15, the bandwidth of 100 Mbps can be adjusted from the resource managed by the management number “A02”.

FIG. 20A is an example of a diagram showing a resource request for an individual resource in the third embodiment.

The resource request includes, for example, a management number (2001) as a resource request, endpoint nodes (2002) indicating transmission devices at both ends of the route, an allowable delay (2003), a resource consumption type (2004), and a consumption type. Repetition frequency (2005) indicating the repetition frequency in the case of repetitive type, start date (2006) indicating the date of start of use, start hour (2007) indicating the time of start of use, date of end of use It has fields for storing information such as an end date (2008) indicating a day, an end time (2009) indicating an hour and minute of end of use, and a band (2010) indicating a band to be used. According to the resource request illustrated in FIG. 20A, the requested resource is a resource related to a path having the transmission device N1 (10-1) and the transmission device N2 (10-2) at both ends, and has an allowable delay of 50 (ms). Yes, the consumption type of the requested resource is individual type, the usage period of the requested resource is D15:12:00 to D15:24:00, and the required bandwidth is 200 (Mbps).

FIG. 20B is an example of a diagram showing resource requests for repetitive resources in the third embodiment.

According to the resource request illustrated in FIG. 20B, the requested resource is a resource related to a path having the transmission device N1 (10-1) and the transmission device N2 (10-2) at both ends, and has an allowable delay of 50 (ms). Yes, the required resource consumption type is repetitive, the repetition frequency is one day, and the required bandwidth is 100 (Mbps) at D15:12:00 to D15:24:00.

FIG. 21 is an example of a flowchart showing resource allocation in the third embodiment.

The resource allocation management program (601) is loaded into the main memory (502), and resource allocation management starts (step S2100).

Steps similar to steps S1401 to S1406 are executed (step S2101) to (step S2106).

If the determination result of step S2105 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) can refer to the adjustable resource management data 614 to provide the resource requested from the permanent free resource by one or more adjustments. It is determined whether or not (step S2107).

When the result of the determination in step S2107 is true, the resource allocation management program (601) allocates the requested resource from the constant free resources by one or more adjustments (step S2108).

If the determination result of step S2107 is false, the same step as step S1407 is executed (step S2109).

Steps similar to steps S1408 to S1410 are executed (step S2110) to (step S2112).

If the determination result of step S2111 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) refers to the adjustable resource management data 614, and is it possible to provide the requested resource from the iterative free resource by one or more adjustments? It is determined whether or not (step S2113).

When the determination result of step S2113 is true, the resource allocation management program (601) refers to the adjustable resource management data 614, and allocates the requested resource from one or more repetitive free resources by adjustment (step S2114). ..

When the determination result of step S2113 is false, the resource allocation management program (601) executes step S2105.

Steps similar to steps S1411 to S1414 are executed (step S2116) to (step S2119).

As described above, in the present embodiment, a portion of the set resources that is considered excessive from the past resource amount transition is accommodated as an adjustable resource. Therefore, the possibility that allocation cannot be performed is reduced, and therefore, it is possible to use network resources with higher efficiency.

Note that the adjustable resource allocation may be performed regardless of whether or not there is a requested resource in the decided free resource, but in the present embodiment, the requested resource is preferentially assigned from the decided free resource. At least a part of the adjustable resources is allocated as the request resource when the requested free resource is (reserved) and does not exist in the determined free resource. Therefore, it is further expected that the resources once allocated (set) are maintained as much as possible, and as a result, the deterioration of the network utilization quality is prevented.
[Fourth Embodiment]

In the third embodiment, of the resources once allocated, the resources that are assumed to be allocated excessively than the actually required amount are adjustable of any type such as constant type or repetitive type. Managed as a resource. In the fourth embodiment, if a resource that is assumed to be over-allocated can correspond to both a constant type and a repetitive type, the repetitive tunable resource can also be used as a constant tunable resource. It is also managed as a resource. The operation of the network resource management according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 22 to 23D.

FIG. 22 is an example of a flowchart showing the adjustable resource management in the fourth embodiment.

The adjustable resource management program (603) is loaded into the main memory (502), and management of adjustable resources is started (step S2200).

The same steps as steps S1601 to S1608 are executed (steps S2201 to S2208). However, after step 2206, step S2207 is executed instead of executing step S2211 similar to step S1609.

The adjustable resource management program (603) determines whether the resource selected in step S2203 is both a constant adjustable resource and a repetitive adjustable resource, and there is an overlap in these resources. It is determined (step S2209).

When the determination result of step S2209 is true, the adjustable resource management program (603) registers information indicating the overlapping resource in the adjustable resource management data (614) (step S2210). Then, the same step as step S1609 is executed (step S2211).

If the determination result of step S2209 is false, the adjustable resource management program (603) executes step S2211.

FIG. 23A is an example of a diagram showing a permanent adjustable resource in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23B is an example of a diagram showing iterative adjustable resources in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23C is an example of a diagram showing an overlapping region of the constant adjustable resource and the repetitive adjustable resource in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23D is an example of a diagram showing an overlapping region of the repetitive tunable resource and the permanent tunable resource in the fourth embodiment.

According to FIG. 23A, among the constant setting resources with the resource amount of 200 Mbps, among the slot groups other than the slot group occupied by the predicted resource consumption transition (2301), the adjustable constant resource is grayed out. The indicated slot group (2302) corresponds to an adjustable constant resource (resource amount: 40 Mbps).

According to FIG. 23B, among the permanently set resources with the resource amount set to 200 Mbps, among the slot groups other than the slot group occupied by the predicted resource consumption transition (2301), the adjustable iterative resource amount is grayed out. The slot groups (2303-1) to (2303-7) indicated by the above correspond to adjustable repetitive resources (use period: 12:00 to 24:00, use frequency: day, resource amount: 120 Mbps). ..

According to FIG. 23C, among the constant adjustable resources of FIG. 23A, information indicating the slot groups (2304-1) to (2304-7) overlapping with the repetitive adjustable resource of FIG. 23B is registered. .. As a result, when the repetitive tunable resource of FIG. 23B is assigned, the permanent tunable resource of FIG. 23A cannot be assigned as a request resource, but the permanent tunable resource of FIG. Resources corresponding to the remaining plurality of slots (a plurality of slots dispersed in the time direction), which are obtained by subtracting the indicated overlapping slots, are managed as new repetitive adjustable resources by the adjustable resource management program (603). To be done.

According to FIG. 23D, among the repetitive adjustable resources of FIG. 23B, the information indicating the slot groups (2305-1) to (2305-7) overlapping with the constant adjustable resource of FIG. 23A is registered. .. As a result, when the constant adjustable resource of FIG. 23A is allocated, a plurality of remaining slot groups (discrete in the time direction) obtained by subtracting the overlapping slot group shown in FIG. 23D from the repetitive adjustable resources of FIG. The resources corresponding to the plurality of slot groups) are managed as new repetitive adjustable resources by the adjustable resource management program (603).

As described above, in the present embodiment, adjustable resources of the setting resources are managed as both constant type and repetitive type adjustable resources if possible, and the constant type adjustable resources are Iterative, adjustable resource duplication is also managed. When one of the constant tunable resource and the repetitive tunable resource is allocated, a part of the other tunable resource excluding duplication is managed as a new repetitive tunable resource. Therefore, it is expected that the possibility that the resource cannot be allocated will be further reduced.
[Fifth Embodiment]

In the fifth embodiment, the future prediction of resources required for data transmission is calculated from the history of actual consumed resources in the first and second periods, and the resources required in the future third period are calculated. Thus, it is possible to calculate the amount of resources that will be available in the future. The first period and the second period may be examples of a plurality of past periods, each of which has the same length as a future period (third period as an example). The operation of network resource management according to the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 24A to 24D.

FIG. 24A is an example of a diagram showing measurement time series data in the first week in the fifth embodiment. The first week is an example of the first period.

FIG. 24B is an example of a diagram showing measurement time series data in the fifth week in the fifth embodiment. The fifth week is an example of the second period.

FIG. 24C is an example of a diagram showing predicted time series data at the 12th week in the fifth embodiment. The 12th week is an example of the third period.

FIG. 24D is an example of a diagram showing free resources from the seventh week to the eleventh week in the fifth embodiment.

According to FIG. 24A, for the first week, with respect to the path P1 (an example of a path), the transmission apparatus N1 (10-1) (an example of the transmission apparatus (10)) periodically, for example, a free resource management program (602). Based on the measurement data acquired by, the measurement time series data indicating the transition (2400) of the consumed resource amount is acquired.

According to FIG. 24B, for the fifth week, the measurement time series data indicating the transition (2410) of the consumed resource amount regarding the route P1 and the transmission device N1 (10-1) is acquired.

According to FIG. 24C, the free resource management program (602) estimates the transition (2420) of the consumed resource amount in the 12th week from the acquired transition of the consumed resource amount in the first week and the fifth week.

According to FIG. 24D, the free resource management program (602) determines from the estimated consumption resource amount transition (2420) in the 12th week that the estimated consumption resource amount is increasing in the 12th week. One or more slot groups that are assumed to be free are determined as free resources from the seventh week to the eleventh week. On the other hand, when the estimated consumption resource amount tends to decrease, it is determined as an empty resource from the seventh week to the eleventh week based on the consumption resource of the fifth week. According to the example of FIG. 24D, a case where the estimated consumption resource amount is in an increasing tendency is shown, and a repetitive type corresponding to a plurality of slot groups (2430-1) to (2430-7) dispersed in the time direction is shown. Free resources are determined. Note that the 7th week is an example of the m-th period in one or more periods after the present time (m is a natural number), and the 11th week is one or more periods after the present time. This is an example of the n-th period (n is a natural number of m or more). Information indicating the determined free resources is registered in the free resource management data 613 by the free resource management program (602). According to FIG. 24D, the free resource management program (602) determines the shortest period of the plurality of periods that have been dispersed in the time direction in the 12th week as the repetitive use period of the free resource, and the 12th period. The minimum resource amount of the plurality of resource amounts dispersed in the time direction in the week is determined as the resource amount of the repetitive free resource.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the resources that are supposed to be adjustable in the future third period are determined based on the actual consumption resource transitions in the first and second periods. Then, for example, when the amount of consumed resources tends to increase, the resource consumption between the second period and the third period is not estimated, and the available bandwidth is calculated based on the estimated consumed resources in the third period. Is calculated, and the amount of calculation for calculation is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to manage free resources that are expected in the future by reducing the processing amount for calculating free resources and the data amount for registering the free resource amounts. Although not shown, when the estimated consumption resource amount is increasing, the free resource management program (602) sets the minimum value of the continuous free resource amount in the third period to a future permanent free resource. Determined as the resource amount of. Further, although not shown, the free resource management program (602), like the adjustable resource described with reference to FIG. 22, for example, is a constant free resource and a repetitive free resource that share some slots. May be determined, and information indicating these free resources may be registered in the free resource management data 613.
[Sixth Embodiment]

In the sixth embodiment, the user (terminal (40)) does not request the management device M (20) for the content distribution server to request the management device M (20) for the resources necessary for data transmission, but the management device M (20). 20) to access and request. The operation of network resource management according to the sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

FIG. 25 is an example of a diagram showing a resource request screen in the sixth embodiment.

The management device M (20) provides a function for setting the data transmission with the quality desired by the user. For example, in the management device M (20), a request processing program (not shown) for processing a request from a user causes a network resource request screen (2500) illustrated in FIG. It provides information on the basis of objects displayed on a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Objects displayed on the network resource request screen (2500) include a plurality of setting items (2501), setting values (2502) for each setting item (2501), and a request transmission button for transmitting the input request. 2530. Some setting values (for example, management numbers) of the plurality of setting values (2502) may be automatically determined. The setting value (2502) is input via a UI (user interface) such as a GUI component that receives a change by the user. For the consumption type, for example, a UI (for example, pull-down menu) for selecting a pre-registered option such as a constant type, a repetitive type, or an individual type is possible. Further, for example, regarding the repetition frequency, a UI for selecting a pre-registered option such as minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years as the repetition frequency is possible.

FIG. 26 is an example of a diagram showing a resource request response screen in the sixth embodiment.

For example, when the resource set by the user is requested (for example, the request transmission button 2530 in FIG. 25 is pressed), the request processing program described above causes the terminal (40) to display the resource illustrated in FIG. The request response screen (2600) (for example, responds to the information that is the basis of the object displayed on the GUI. The objects displayed on the response screen (2600) include the setting value (2502) for each setting item (2501). In addition, a request response (2503) and an alternative plan (2504) are displayed, and a price and options (options for selecting resources to be used) are displayed as setting items (2501). In the present embodiment, there are a price when the request resource is executed and a price when the alternative plan is executed.A selection button (2540-1) for selecting to execute the request resource as an option. ) And a selection button (2540-2) for selecting execution by another option.For example, in the present embodiment, the use period (at least one of the start time and the end time) of resource use is changed. When it is done (for example, when it is shortened), it is a presentation that enables resource provision at a lower price.

Furthermore, on the network resource response screen (2600), a button (2550) for canceling the requested resource and a resource (selection button (2540-1) or (2540-2) selected from the response are selected. A button (2560) for confirming the use in the resource corresponding to the pressed button) is also displayed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the user accesses the management device M (20) to execute the request for the resource required for data transmission. Therefore, even if the server (30) does not have the function of requesting the resource to the management apparatus M (20), data can be received with the quality desired by the user.

Further, in the present embodiment, when there is neither a free resource that can provide the requested resource nor an adjustable resource, the request processing program changes at least one setting value related to the requested resource without making resource allocation impossible. By doing so (for example, by shortening the use period or reducing the required bandwidth), it is possible to reduce the possibility of unassignable. Specifically, for example, in the present embodiment, the request processing program satisfies the setting value of each setting item regarding the requested resource based on the setting resource management data 612, the free resource management data 613, and the adjustable resource management data 614. It may be determined whether or not it is possible. For a setting item for which the determination result is false, the request processing program changes the setting value of the setting item based on the setting resource management data 612, the free resource management data 613, and the adjustable resource management data 614, It may be determined whether or not allocation is possible.

Although some embodiments have been described above, these are merely examples for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to only these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the network band has been described as an example of the resource, but similar resource management is possible for other resources such as a storage and a computer (CPU).

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, there are various contents, such as video streaming data and data that is measured by a sensor and periodically generated. Further, in the example of the usage form, in the case of video streaming data, the constant resources are used for transmission/reception, and in the case of sensor data, the repetitive resources are used for transmission/reception. However, it is not always necessary to perform data transmission and reception according to the above example.

Further, in the above embodiment, the management device M (20) may be software (application) executed on the cloud infrastructure (one or more computers) via the network without being connected to the transmission device (10).

In addition, at least two of the above-described first to sixth embodiments can be combined.

Further, the resource request from the user (terminal (40)) and the response thereto (for example, transmission of information displayed on the screens illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26) are executed via the server (30) or non-light oil. Good.

Further, the above-described embodiment can be applied to a packet switching network and a circuit switching network.

10 transmission device 20 management device 30 server 40 terminal

Claims (20)

An interface device connected to at least one of the plurality of intermediate devices interposed between the plurality of first communication devices and the one or more second communication devices;
Resources for managing communication resources that are resources related to at least a part of the plurality of first communication devices, the one or more second communication devices, and the plurality of intermediate devices and that are resources used for communication A storage device for storing management data,
A processor that is connected to the interface device and the storage device, and that allocates a request resource, which is a resource according to the resource request, from an empty resource in response to the resource request based on the resource management data,
The processor is capable of managing multiple types of resources based on the resource management data,
The plurality of types of resources include a repetitive resource having a repetitive resource amount, in addition to a constant resource having a constant resource amount,
Resource management device. The plurality of types of resources further include individual resources that can be used once for the resource amount,
The resource management device according to claim 1. Resources are managed in slot units according to unit time and unit resource amount,
The resource management device according to claim 1. The processor is
A first determination is made as to whether or not the requested resource exists in a free resource of the same type as the requested resource,
If the result of the first determination is true, the request resource is allocated from free resources of the same type,
The resource management device according to claim 1. If the result of the first determination is false, the processor
A second determination is made as to whether or not the requested resource exists in free resources of different types,
If the result of the second determination is true, the request resource is allocated from free resources of the different type,
The resource management device according to claim 4. The plurality of types of free resources further include individual free resources that can be used once for the resource amount,
In addition to the result of the first determination being false, if the type of the requested resource is individual type, and there are both the constant type free resource and the repetitive type free resource, The processor, in the second determination,
In the repetitive free resource, it is determined whether or not the requested resource exists,
When the result of the determination is false, it is determined whether or not the requested resource exists in the constant type free resource.
The resource management device according to claim 5. The processor manages a resource that is estimated to be a surplus resource among allocated resources as an adjustable resource using the resource management data,
The processor is capable of managing the multiple types of adjustable resources based on the resource management data,
The processor is
Making a third determination of whether the requested resource is present in a tunable resource of the same type as the requested resource,
Assigning the requested resource from the same adjustable resource if the result of the third determination is true;
The resource management device according to claim 4. The processor performs the third determination when the result of the first determination is false.
The resource management device according to claim 7. The processor, when the result of the third determination is false,
A second determination is made as to whether or not the requested resource exists in free resources of different types,
If the result of the second determination is true, the request resource is allocated from free resources of the different type,
The resource management device according to claim 8. The processor is
Determine if there is an overlap between a constant tunable resource and a repetitive tunable resource,
If the result of the determination is true, information about the duplication is registered in the resource management data,
When one of the constant tunable resource and the repetitive tunable resource is allocated, the processor sets a part of the other tunable resource excluding the duplication as a new repetitive tunable resource. , Managing based on the resource management data,
The resource management device according to claim 7. The resource management device according to claim 7, wherein the surplus resource and its type are resources and types estimated by the processor based on a past consumption resource amount transition. The processor is
Predict the transition of resource consumption in the future period based on the transition of resource consumption in each of a plurality of past periods, each of which has the same length as the future period,
Based on the predicted transition of the amount of consumed resources, determine future free resources,
Managing the determined future free resources based on the resource management data,
The resource management device according to claim 1. The processor determines the minimum value of the continuous free resource amount in the future period as the resource amount of a future constant type free resource,
The resource management device according to claim 12. The processor determines the shortest period among a plurality of time-divided periods in the future period as a period of use of the iterative free resource, and determines a plurality of resource amounts discrete in the time direction in the future period. The minimum resource amount is determined as the resource amount of the repetitive free resource,
The resource management device according to claim 12. The processor determines, as the future free resources, both a constant free resource and a repetitive free resource having at least a part of a period and a resource amount in common.
The resource management device according to claim 12. When the repetitive type request resource is allocated from the constant type free resource, the processor assigns the repetitive type free resource according to the part obtained by removing the repetitive type request resource from the constant type free resource to the resource management data. Manage based on
The resource management device according to claim 5. The repetitive resource follows a pair of resource amount and usage period, and a repetition frequency,
The resource management device according to claim 1. The processor receives the resource request from any first communication device via a second communication device that is a communication partner of the first communication device, or does not pass through any of the first communication devices. Accepting from a second communication device requested for communication by the communication device,
The resource management device according to claim 1. Received a resource request,
A plurality of first communication devices, one or more second communication devices, and a plurality of intermediate devices interposed between the plurality of first communication devices and the one or more second communication devices A request that is a resource that complies with the resource request in response to the resource request, based on resource management data for managing a communication resource that is a resource related to at least a part and used for communication Allocate resources,
Multiple types of resources may be managed based on the resource management data,
The plurality of types of resources include a repetitive resource having a repetitive resource amount, in addition to a constant resource having a constant resource amount,
Resource management method. A plurality of intermediate devices interposed between the plurality of first communication devices and the one or more second communication devices;
A resource management device connected to at least one intermediate device of the plurality of intermediate devices,
The resource management device is a resource related to at least a part of the plurality of first communication devices, the one or more second communication devices, and the plurality of intermediate devices, and is a resource used for communication. Based on the resource management data for managing the resource, in response to the resource request, the request resource, which is a resource complying with the resource request, is allocated from the free resource,
The resource management device is capable of managing multiple types of resources based on the resource management data,
The plurality of types of resources include a repetitive resource having a repetitive resource amount, in addition to a constant resource having a constant resource amount,
Resource management system.