JP3438857B2 - Network communication quality control system and traffic management device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for guaranteeing the quality of communication service in a network, and more particularly to IP (Internet Protocol) as a communication protocol.
l-Internet Protocol), the present invention relates to a communication quality control system and a communication management device for a network suitable for guaranteeing communication quality of a multimedia information communication processing system in an IP network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Speeding up internet connection and multimedia personal computer (personal computer to Personal)
With the spread of Computer, that is, PC, not only transaction data but also audio, still image,
Also, multimedia communication services for transferring so-called multimedia such as moving images have become possible.

Under such circumstances, there is an increasing demand for companies to use the Internet for their business. Networks used in business require high quality and reliability.

However, TCP / IP (Transmission Contr), which is the main communication protocol in the Internet, is used.
ol Protocol / Internet Protocol) cannot always provide high quality in communication services due to its characteristics. TCP / IP is based on OSI (Open Systems I
nterconnection-open system interconnection) as a protocol corresponding to the transport layer in the model.
OS using CP (Transmission Control Protocol)
This is a method of using IP as a protocol corresponding to the network layer in the I model. A network that uses this IP as a protocol for the network layer, that is, I
The P network includes the Internet and the like.

The biggest reason why the Internet using TCP / IP cannot provide high quality is that IP, which is a network layer protocol, is a best effort.
This is because the quality of communication service is not guaranteed. That is, IP
Is an application program (AP: ApplicationP
rogram ~ hereinafter, simply referred to as "application"), the best effort is made to transfer information to the other party, and the transfer information itself does not guarantee sufficient quality. Therefore, there is a demand for guaranteeing a QOS that can withstand business use on the Internet.

Therefore, recently, Q on the Internet
Various discussions and attempts have been made to guarantee the OS (communication service quality).

[Concept of QOS Guarantee] The characteristics of the Internet in terms of QOS are listed in terms of protocol, packet switching, and routing.
It is as follows.

<Protocol> (1) IP, which is a network layer protocol of the Internet, is a best-effort protocol, and makes the best possible transfer of information to the other party for an application. However, in this IP, since the best transfer of information is made, the order of communication packets is changed depending on the network condition, or when the communication band cannot be sufficiently secured, the communication information is held in the buffer, or the communication packet is It may be lost. Therefore, from the viewpoint of network services, information may not be steadily transferred or a delay longer than expected may occur.

(2) As the transport layer protocol, UDP (User Datagram Protocol) may be used in addition to TCP. UDP, which is a transport layer protocol, realizes connectionless datagram delivery, and does not guarantee that information will reach the destination reliably. For this reason, UDP can reduce the delay in transfer, but does not provide reliability.

(3) TCP, which is a transport layer protocol like UDP, is a connection-oriented protocol in contrast to UDP, and provides reliability. However, TCP comes with a processing overhead at the cost of providing reliability.

<Packet Switching> Although related to the best effort described above, the Internet is information communication using packets, and therefore packets may stay in the router of the network depending on the traffic conditions. Therefore, the Internet is unsuitable for real-time communication that requires a high degree of real-time property (real-time property).

<Routing (Route Control)> A plurality of routers for controlling packet transfer routes exist between the transmitting side node and the receiving side node. These routers
By exchanging information between adjacent routers, routes to other nodes, that is, routes are defined. That is,
The information transfer route is uniquely determined in advance depending on the network connection form. However, in some applications, it is desired to dynamically change routes to meet various user demands regarding throughput, delay, or error rate.

Next, QOS for each service type will be examined. Here, QOS required by the service on the Internet is defined by a combination of parameters representing transmission quality and reliability provided by the network. These parameters are as follows: (a) Average delay and delay variance (jitter) (b) Data volume (bandwidth) per unit and its variance (c) Data loss rate and variance

QOS for each service type based on these
The concept of is as follows. [1] Broadcast-type one-way real-time communication specific example: VOD (Video on Demand-Video on Demand), broadcast-type service QOS: minimizing delay dispersion (jitter) [2] Telephone-type two-way real-time communication specific example: telephone, Video conference service QOS: Minimization of delay and jitter [3] Specific example of transaction type communication: Transaction, search service QOS: Maximum delay, minimization of data loss rate [4] Specific example of data transfer type burst communication: File transfer service QOS: Secure bandwidth, minimize data loss rate

Next, QO of services on the Internet
Consider S guarantee. The following can be said from the characteristics of the Internet regarding the above-mentioned QOS, that is, the characteristics of the Internet regarding the protocol, packet switching, and routing in terms of QOS.

<Protocol> For applications on UDP, the reliability cannot be guaranteed, and therefore it is not suitable for transaction type communication or data transfer type burst communication.

<Packet Switching> Since it is a packet switching type, packets may stay in the router depending on load conditions, and delays cannot be avoided. Therefore, it is not suitable for real-time communication.

<Regarding Routing> Since the routing is fixedly or dynamically determined by the system configuration, the user cannot select the transmission path suitable for various applications. So, for example, using a high-speed communication line for real-time communication,
It is impossible to use different lines depending on the service type, such as using a satellite line when broadcasting.

As described above, the Internet is not necessarily an ideal network in terms of QOS guarantee of communication services. Therefore, in order to provide communication services using the Internet, QOS
How to realize the guarantee is a big issue. Therefore, a method for realizing the QOS guarantee on the Internet will be considered below.

[Proposal for Realizing QOS Guarantee] First, QOS
Examine the way of thinking about guarantee. The most ideal method of guaranteeing QOS in communication services is to install a high-speed (large bundle, that is, large capacity) and highly reliable line that covers all traffic. However, in reality, a limited number of lines are used from the viewpoint of cost, and the line speed and reliability are limited. Therefore, any one of the delay, bandwidth, and data loss rate, which are the parameters described above, is used. It will be a sacrifice.

Here, regarding the delay, the value of the parameter is determined by the line capacity and the amount of traffic on this line. The parameter regarding the band indicates the amount of traffic that can be transferred at a certain point of communication. Focusing on the data loss rate related to the reliability, when a packet loss occurs due to poor line quality or a packet drop occurs due to high traffic, a protocol (TCP) is used. Alternatively, it is possible to maintain the required data loss rate by resending the transfer data at the application level. However, in this case, the overhead due to the retransmission processing causes a delay, and the performance is sacrificed. In this case, if the line capacity is sufficiently large, packet drop due to high traffic can be avoided and delay time due to overhead related to retransmission processing can be shortened.

As described above, since the delay, the bandwidth and the data loss rate have a trade-off relationship, the problem is simplified here, and the QOS guarantee can be realized by avoiding the delay and securing the bandwidth. To do. As a result, QO
The problem of S guarantee can be reduced to the correlation between communication line capacity and traffic volume. That is, the basic idea of QOS guarantee is how much bandwidth can be provided for the amount of data that the user wants to transfer. QO
FIG. 6 shows a mechanism for S guarantee, that is, a function and its contents necessary for realizing QOS guarantee.

The quality request function of the first item, that is, the signaling function, is a function of setting up the network constituent equipment according to the QOS parameter provided by the network when the application specifies it. Regarding this first term, RSVP (Resource Reser
A resource reservation function such as vation protocol) can be adopted.

The scheduling function of the second term is a function of controlling packet transmission according to a request value of an application. Regarding the second term, on the Internet,
Although various packet scheduling functions will be incorporated in the router, a mechanism for associating the QOS request from the application with the priority control at the packet level is required. The QOS routing function of the third term is a function of selecting a communication medium suitable for satisfying QOS. With regard to the third term, it is necessary to clarify the appropriate correspondence between the QOS required by the application and the communication medium for realizing this. It is considered that these items 2 and 3 are for further study.

The provision quality adjusting function of the fourth item is to provide the limited network resources effectively and appropriately.
This is a function that reflects the policy of what QOS is provided to the application. The present invention mainly relates to the provision quality adjusting function of the fourth item.

Therefore, a problem in QOS guarantee will be examined. The degree of guarantee of the QOS required by the application largely depends on the resources of the communication line used at that time. That is, the QOS required by all the applications is satisfied only when the total of the resources required by the plurality of applications falls within the resources of the communication line used. Other than that, some applications monopolize resources and cannot accept requests from other applications at all, or communication is performed with resources less than or equal to the request, which is a so-called best effort state.

The problem in this case is that there is an application that cannot be executed due to a local overload even if there are resources in the network as a whole, or there is a difference in the urgency of application execution. In principle, it is executed in the order of acceptance. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to incorporate a mechanism such as maximizing the use of resources and giving priority to the execution of an application with a high degree of urgency as much as possible even in the best effort state. The following two methods are possible. (i) Before executing the application, the application reserves necessary resources in advance. (ii) The execution priority is given to each application, and resources are distributed according to this execution priority.

Regarding (i) above, there is a resource reservation function such as RSVP, but in the current specifications, it is possible to check the existence of resources in the route between the transmitting and receiving nodes and make a reservation if the resources cannot be secured. Therefore, it is not an effective solution to the above problems. Also, (i
Regarding i), there is an example in which the execution function of the application is controlled by the scheduling function shown in FIG. 6, but this is also control between the events received by the router from a plurality of applications, and the wide area of the network. It does not control the execution priority of the application. In order to effectively solve these problems, it is necessary to control the QOS in the entire network.

Next, the adjustment function of the QOS proposed here will be examined. As a method of managing the entire network as shown in relation to the above-mentioned problems at the time of guaranteeing QOS, there are a method of performing centralized management within a limited range within the network, and a method of providing management functions to each router. A method of distributed management between the two can be considered. The features of these methods are shown in FIG. 7, and the management methods of the entire network are compared with reference to FIG. 7. Since the centralized management method can manage the entire network,
The advantage is that it is easier to control than the distributed management method. However, this centralized management method has a disadvantage that a control load may be concentrated. On the other hand, the distributed management method has an advantage that the processing load on each management location is small. However, a disadvantage of the distributed management method is that control is complicated because it is necessary to constantly exchange information between individual management points in distributed management in order to manage the entire system.

[0030]

As described above, as a method for guaranteeing QOS on the Internet at present, RSVP for reserving a resource, for example, a band is currently used.
Resource reservation protocols such as (Resource Reservation Protocol) have been developed. On the Internet, basically, a route between transmission and reception is uniquely determined by a router, and a resource reservation protocol such as RSVP basically reserves resources in advance in a route between transmission and reception nodes.

Therefore, the adjustment of QOS by the resource reservation protocol such as RSVP has the following problems. (a) Basically, resources are reserved in order of request. For this reason, it is impossible to control the execution of an application having a high degree of urgency over the application that has issued the request first. (b) When communication routes of multiple applications overlap, if there is a detour route, it may be transferred to that route and resource conflict may be avoided. However, since the current Internet does not have a function for circumventing communication depending on the traffic state, if the communication routes of a plurality of applications overlap, a situation in which resources cannot be reserved occurs.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and in a network using the IP protocol, with a simple configuration, based on the priority set separately, without being restricted by the request order, Appropriate and effective control of application execution, effective QOS
The purpose is to provide technology that can realize the guarantee. Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of appropriately and effectively controlling execution of an application and realizing effective QOS guarantee.

[0033]

In order to achieve the above object, the communication quality control system for a network according to the first aspect of the present invention is connected to each other via an IP network.
Multiple serviced networks and network
Traffic management means for managing traffic on the network
In the communication quality control system of the network equipped with
The service target networks are
It is located in the service target network and the service target
On the application execution system on the network
Request for resource reservation from the application
Accept and determine if the requested resource can be booked
Otherwise, if it is determined that it is possible, the traffic
Notify management means of reservation details and application priority
In addition, notify the requesting application of the reservation.
That includes a traffic control device, the traffic management
Means, according to the notification from each traffic control device,
About the reserved communication route of each application
Total resources required and resources held by the communication route
The sum of required resources is compared with the sum of the required resources.
If the total number of resources owned by the
However, the sum of required resources of each application is
If the total number of resources in the trust route is greater than or equal to
Is less than or equal to the sum of resources owned by the communication route
Perform allocation process to allocate resources as shown below
It is characterized by:

The traffic management means is, for example,
The sum of the required resources of the application is the communication route.
If the total number of resources owned by the
Allocate resources in order of priority. in this case,
The traffic management means may be, for example, each application.
The total number of required resources of the communication route is held by the communication route.
Is greater than or equal to the sum of resources, and resources based on priority
For applications that are determined not to be assigned,
A means to change the routing and control the detour of the communication route
May be included.

Plural managed by the traffic management means
Quality control area including the service target network of
Multiple quality control areas connected to the P network
Further higher-level management means for performing management across
You may comprise so that it may be equipped. Also said traffic
Multiple service target networks managed by management means
Including multiple quality control areas connected to the IP network
And the plurality of traffic management means have priority levels.
If assigned and control conflicts, priority
You may give priority to the operation of the higher-ranking management means.
Yes.

Traffic according to the second aspect of the present invention
The management devices are connected to each other via an IP network.
Multiple servers, each with its own traffic control means.
To manage traffic on the target network
Traffic management device for each service
From the traffic control means installed in the network,
The traffic control means is on the target network
Apps that run on other application execution systems
Request for resource reservation from the application
It is possible to determine whether the reserved resource can be reserved.
If it is determined that the reservation content and the application
And a method for receiving notification of the priority of the
Reserved communication according to the notification from the Fick control means
About the root of the requested resource of each application
Compare the sum total with the sum of the resources owned by that route
However, the sum of the requested resources is
If it is less than the sum of the sources, the reservation is successful and each application
The total number of resources requested by the
If the total number of resources is more than
Is less than or equal to the sum of the resources owned by that communication route
In this way, the allocation means for allocating resources is provided.

The assigning means may be, for example, each application.
The total number of required resources of the communication route is held by the communication route.
If it is more than the sum of resources, application priority
Allocate resources in order of degree.

The assigning means may be, for example, each application.
The total number of required resources of the communication route is held by the communication route.
If it is determined that the total number of resources is greater than or equal to
Application that determines that resources are not allocated based on
Route, change the routing to bypass the communication route.
Including means to control the rotation .

A plurality of traffic management devices as described above,
Multiple services managed by multiple traffic management devices
Between quality control areas including the target network
From the higher-level management means for managing
You may configure the communication quality control system
Yes. Further, the above-mentioned plurality of traffic management devices are provided,
A priority is assigned to the plurality of traffic management devices.
If there is a conflict and control conflicts,
Network to prioritize the operation of high management measures
You may comprise a communication quality control system.

[0040]

[0041]

[0042]

[0043]

[0044]

[0045]

[0046]

[0047]

[0048]

[0049]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. A communication quality control system for a network according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of a network communication quality control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The communication quality control system for the network shown in FIG.
"TCC") 1, routers 2 and 2 ', traffic control box (hereinafter "TCB")
3, 3 ', application systems 4, 4'and 5,
5 '. The router 2, the TCB 3, and the application systems 4 and 5 constitute a service target network 6 controlled by the router 2, and the router 2'and the TCB.
3 ', application systems 4'and 5'constitute a service target network 6'controlled by the router 2'. The TCC 1 and the routers 2 and 2'are connected via an IP network 7 such as the Internet,
An area including the C1 and the service target networks 6 and 6'is a range covered by the control of the TCC1, that is, a QOS control area (hereinafter referred to as "QCA").

The QCA is, for example, an autonomous system (AS: Autonomo).
us System-hereinafter referred to as "AS") or an area corresponding to AS. In FIG. 1, the T in the QCA
Although two service target networks 6 and 6'controlled by CC1 are shown, there is an appropriate number of service target networks 6, 6'of 2 or more in the QCA.
1 has jurisdiction over all service target networks 6, 6 ', etc. in these QCAs. The application systems 4, 4 ', 5, 5', etc. are systems centered on computers such as personal computers or workstations such as server and client systems capable of executing applications, respectively, and service target networks 6, 6 '. Etc. are connected to the internal network.

FIG. 2 shows in detail the TCC 1 and the service target network 6, that is, the part including the router 2, the TCB 3, and the application systems 4 and 5.

The TCC1 is a QC on the IP network 7.
The quality of service in a plurality of applications operating in A is monitored, and traffic control information for each application is generated to appropriately control the quality of service. The application is executed by the application system 4 or 5 such as the service target network 6. In this case, the TCC1 manages and controls the QOS by using the resource in the QCA, for example.

That is, the TCC 1 checks the utilization status of the resources in the QCA and constantly grasps them, and controls the resource allocation to the applications according to the predetermined priority of the application in response to the resource request from the application. . By controlling the resource allocation, the TCC 1 controls the execution priority of each application in the QCA, prevents the network from being overloaded in the QCA, or smooths the load. Therefore, T
CC1 is a resource monitoring unit 11 and a resource allocation unit 12
have. The resource monitoring unit 11 monitors the usage status of resources in the QCA on the IP network 7. The resource allocating unit 12 schedules the provision of resources in the QCA according to a predetermined priority of the application in response to a resource request from the application.

The router 2 and the like are provided in the connection part with the IP network 7 in the service target network 6 and the like, and connect the service target network 6 and the like to the IP network 7 and control the packet transfer route. The application systems 4, 5 and the like such as the service target network 6 build a transmitting side node and a receiving side node in communication. The routers 2 and the like define communication routes to other nodes by exchanging information between adjacent routers 2 and the like. In this case, the router 2 and the like support the resource reservation protocol, for example, RSVP. In the case of the router 2 etc. supporting the RSVP function, the application systems 4, 5 etc. of the transmitting side node and the receiving side node exchange path messages and reserve messages with each other via the router 2 etc. Reserve resources for.

In RSVP, the server side sequentially transmits the path information and the reservation information to the client side by a path message through the router of the communication route. The client side requests the quality assurance of the communication route by the reserve message through the router of the communication route in accordance with the transmitted path message. In this way, the bandwidth resource of the communication path is secured. Since such RSVP realizes smooth communication even in a congested network, multimedia communication such as TV (television) conference and IP network telephone, and EC
It is suitable for communications that require reliable delivery such as (Electronic Commerce).

However, in this communication quality control system, a part of the resource reservation function via the router 2 or the like by RSVP described above is suppressed by the control of TCC1 and TCB3, and the resource reservation is adjusted appropriately in QOS. By controlling, effective QOS guarantee is realized.

The TCB 3 and the like are, for example, the IP network 7
Is inserted between each router 2 and the like connected to each other and one or more application systems 4, 5 and the like. TCB3 etc.
Accepting the resource request from the application, A
In response to the request from the application, via the router 2,
Resource reservation protocol (RSVP) to destination
Check whether the resource can be reserved and check if it can be reserved.
If there is, the resource request is negotiated with the TCC 1 instead of the application, the result is notified to the application, and necessary scheduling processing is performed.

That is, the TCB 3 supplies the required contents regarding the service quality of the application executed by the application system 4, 5 or the like to the TCC 1, and the TCB 3 in the application system 4, 5 or the like based on the control information given from the TCC 1. Control the operation of each application. Specifically, TCB3 etc.
Communicate the application's QOS request to TCC1.
Further, the TCB 3 notifies the corresponding application of the QOS information regarding the application notified from the TCC 1.

In this case, the TCB 3 has the resource request unit 3
1 and an application control unit 32. The resource request unit 31 responds to a resource request from an application executed by the application system 4, 5 or the like .
Resource reservation protocol through router 2 to the destination
Whether resources can be reserved by (RSVP)
And if the reservation is available, the requesting application
Notify the reservation (requesting the resource) to
Reservation contents for both TCC1 (within resource request)
Content) to the resource allocation unit 12 of the TCC1. The application control unit 32 sets the schedule (resource allocation information) provided by the resource allocation unit 12 to each
The application is notified, and the operation of each application in the application systems 4, 5 and the like is controlled based on the schedule .

As described above, the application systems 4, 5 and the like are systems capable of executing applications represented by a server system, a client system, etc., and are mainly composed of computers such as personal computers or workstations, respectively. And is connected to an internal network such as the service target network 6.

Next, the operation of the communication quality control system for the network configured as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of the processing sequences shown in FIGS.

First, the QOS request sequence for requesting the QOS guarantee will be described. A flow chart of the QOS request sequence is shown in FIG.

(1) For example, the TCB3 is a line between itself or another router (eg, router 2 ') adjacent to the router 2 connected to it or another TCB (eg, TCB3'). , Attribute information about the line such as line type and line speed is acquired and held (step S11). Further, it is assumed that the TCB 3 also acquires in advance information regarding the network in the QCA by exchanging information with the TCC 1 regarding these pieces of information (step S12).

(2) For example, the client application in the application system 4 is previously RSV
A resource reservation request is made to the resource request unit 31 of the TCB 3 using a resource reservation protocol such as P (step S13).

(3) In response to the request from the application, the TCB 3 checks whether or not the resource can be reserved by the resource reservation protocol (RSVP) to the destination via the router 2 (step S14), and the reservation is made. If possible, make a reservation for the requesting application (resource
Of the reservation request) and the reservation contents ( request contents of the resource ) to the TCC1 (step S15). At this time, the TCB 3 also notifies the TCC 1 of the execution priority of the application, which will be described later (step S16), and ends the process. At this stage,
Allocation of resources has not been done yet. In step S14, reservation is not possible (resource allocation
If not possible) , the processing is terminated as it is without notifying the reservation (resource request) or the like.

Next, a QOS guarantee sequence for guaranteeing QOS will be described. A flow chart of the QOS guarantee sequence is shown in FIG.

(1) The TCC 1 compares and evaluates the resource reservation status (resource request status) regarding each application received from the subordinate TCB 3 and the like (step S).
21). (2) As a result of the comparative evaluation in step S21, if the total sum of the resources requested by each application in the designated communication route is less than the total sum of the resources held by the route (step S22), the reservation of all requests is validated, Allocation of resources to each reservation as reservation success
The allocation information (schedule) to TCB3.
Then, the process ends (step S23). TCB3
Notifies each application of this allocation information,
Control the operation of each application.

(3) If the total sum of the requested resources of each application in the designated communication route is larger than the total sum of the resources held by the route (step S22),
The following processing is performed. (4) The execution priorities of the applications are compared with each other, and resources are allocated from the reservation of high-priority applications (resource request) (step S24). For applications allocated in the resources of the communication route (step S25), the process proceeds to step S23 and the reservation is successful, and for other applications (step S25), the following processing is performed.

(5) If it is a detourable application and a detour route exists (step S26),
The routing is changed to bypass the communication route, and the changed route is processed (step S27). Otherwise, the resource reservation of the application is not guaranteed (step S28). TCC1 is divided
Assigned information (Resource allocation information for the bypassed route
Or information that resource is not allocated) to TCB3
Notice. The TCB3 uses this allocation information for the application.
Control the behavior of the application.

Here, a method of assigning the priority of the application used in the priority comparison and allocation in step S24 described above will be described.

In the TCC1, in the QCA, that is, TCC1
When a resource is requested from each application under the control of, the total sum of resources is compared with all existing traffic in the QCA, and new communication is permitted only for the available resources. For this purpose, the execution priority is given to the application.

As a method of giving a priority to an application, the priority may be easily determined by a port number. However, as a method of giving a priority for realizing a more appropriate QOS guarantee, the following is given. Something like is possible.

(A) User-designated type In the user-designated type priority assigning method, a reference is set corresponding to the user, and the priority is determined based on the user.

(B) Time designation type In the time designation type priority giving method, a time zone in which an application is desired to be executed is reserved in advance, and a high priority is given to the application in the reserved time zone. That is, the execution of the application that reserves the time period is given priority at any time.

(C) Traffic type designation type In the priority assigning method of the traffic type designation type, the priority is set according to the type of communication contents.
The priority of each traffic is set based on the idea that the transaction has the highest priority in real-time data communication and the bulk transfer of file data has the lowest priority.

These methods (a) to (c) are appropriately combined and used as necessary. Of course, only a part of these may be used, or it may be selectively switched and used depending on the situation. In addition, by using a priority assigning method other than these, or by combining them,
The execution priority of the application may be specified. When the above methods are used in combination, it is possible to determine in advance the priorities among the priorities determined by the combined methods, or the handling when the requests with the same priority are duplicated. desirable.

In the above description, the router 2, the TCB 3 and the application system 4 have been mainly described as an example. However, another router 2 ', another TCB 3', etc. or another application system 4 ', 5, 5'. The same applies to the case of the router 2, TCB 3 and application system 4.

As described above, the centralized management of QOS guarantee is realized by TCC1. The TCC1 checks the use status of the resources in the QCA under the control of the TCC1 and controls the resource allocation to the applications, thereby preventing the network overload in the QCA and smoothing the load. To this end, as described above, the method in which the application reserves resources in advance before execution, and the QCA
This is combined with a method of assigning a priority to all the applications operating in the inside and providing resources according to the priority. That is, in TCC1, when each application under the control of TCC1 requests the resource reservation, the total sum of the requested resources is compared with all the existing traffic in the QCA, and the new communication is performed as much as there is a free band. Allow resource reservation. For this reason, the execution priority is given to the application.

A network communication quality control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 schematically shows the configuration of a communication quality control system for a network according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The communication quality control system for the network shown in FIG. 5 has a plurality of TCCs provided on the IP network.
The QCA is set for each of the plurality of TCCs. The communication quality control system of the network shown in FIG. 5 sets two QCAs, that is, QCA-A and QCA-B, on the IP network 7. QCA
-A comprises TCC-A1A and three served networks 6A1, 6A2 and 6A3, and QC
AB includes TCC-B1B and two serviced networks 6B1 and 6B2.

Each service target network 6A1-6A
3, 6B1 and 6B2 have routers, TCBs and application systems equivalent to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. TCC-A1A and TCC-B1
Both B have the same configuration as the TCC 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The TCC-A1A controls the traffic for the subordinate service target networks 6A1 to 6A3 to guarantee the QOS in the QCA-A. TCC-
B1B controls the traffic for the subordinate service target networks 6B1 and 6B2, and QCA-B
Guarantee QOS in.

The TCC-A1A monitors the quality of service of a plurality of applications operating in the QCA-A on the IP network 7 and generates traffic control information for each application in order to properly control the quality of service. The application in QCA-A is
It is executed by the application system of the service target networks 6A1 to 6A3. TCC-A1A is QCA
-The QOS is managed and controlled by the resources in A. That is, the TCC-A1A checks the usage status of the resources in the QCA-A to keep track of the usage status, and with respect to the resource request from the application in the QCA-A, the resource allocation to the applications is given a predetermined priority. Schedule resource delivery with controlled degree. TCC
-A1A controls the resource allocation so that QCA-
Control the execution priority of each application in A,
It prevents the network in QCA-A from being overloaded or smooths the load.

Service target networks 6A1 to 6A3
A router is provided at each coupling part with the IP network 7, and the router serves as the service target network 6
A1 to 6A3 are coupled to the IP network 7 and the packet transfer route is controlled. The TCB is inserted, for example, between each router 2 coupled to the IP network 7 and the application system. The TCB receives a resource request from an application, negotiates a resource request with the TCC-A1A instead of the application, notifies the application of the result, and performs necessary scheduling processing and the like.

That is, the TCB supplies the TCC-A1A with the content of the request relating to the quality of service of the application executed by the application system, and
The operation of each application in the application system is controlled based on the control information given from the TCC-A1A. Specifically, the TCB delivers the application's QOS request to the TCC-A1A. Also,
The TCB notifies the corresponding application of the QOS information regarding the application notified from the TCC-A1A.

As described above, the application system is a system capable of executing an application represented by a server system or a client system, and is connected to the internal networks of the service target networks 6A1-6A3.

Service target networks 6B1 and 6B
A router is provided in each of the connection parts with the IP network 7 in 2 and the router connects the service target networks 6B1 and 6B2 to the IP network 7 and controls the transfer route of the packet. The TCB is inserted, for example, between each router 2 coupled to the IP network 7 and the application system. TCB is
It receives a resource request from an application, negotiates a resource request with TCC-B1B instead of the application, notifies the application of the result, and performs necessary scheduling processing and the like.

That is, the TCB supplies the TCC-B1B with the content of the request relating to the quality of service of the application executed by the application system, and
The operation of each application in the application system is controlled based on the control information given from the TCC-B1B. Specifically, the TCB delivers the application's QOS request to the TCC-B1B. Also,
The TCB notifies the corresponding application of the QOS information regarding the application notified from the TCC-B1B.

As described above, the application system is a system capable of executing an application represented by a server system or a client system, and is connected to the internal networks of the service target networks 6B1 and 6B2.

Regarding the range of management by TCC, that is, QCA, it is not realistic to manage the entire IP network by one TCC (that is, one site in the world) from the viewpoint of enormous management and difficulty. In FIG.
Although a configuration in which two QCAs are provided has been shown as an example, in reality, a larger number of TCCs will be arranged in the entire IP network. Further, in the above description, QCA is assumed by assuming an area of about AS for ease of control.
A wider area than that may be used as the QCA, or the TCC may be managed so as to extend across other QCAs.

As described above, when performing management across a plurality of QCAs, TCs existing in each QCA are
A higher-order TCC that comprehensively manages C may be provided so that the TCC has a hierarchy, or a priority order is set for the TCC, and when control conflicts, the operation of the higher-priority TCC May be prioritized.

Further, in the above description, the TCB 3 and the like are provided between the router 2 and the like and the network in the QCA, but the TCB may be incorporated in the router or the TCB and the router may be provided in parallel. May be.

The network communication quality control system of the present invention can be realized by using a normal computer system without being configured as a dedicated system. For example, by installing the program in a computer system from a medium (a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, etc.) storing a program for executing the above operation, a communication quality control system for a network that executes the above processing is constructed. can do. By the installation, the program is stored in a medium such as a hard disk in the computer system, configures a communication quality control system of the network, and is provided for execution.

The medium for supplying the program to the computer is not limited to a storage medium in a narrow sense, but a communication line,
It may be a storage medium in a broad sense including a communication medium that temporarily and fluidly holds information such as programs, such as a communication network and a communication system.

For example, the program may be registered in an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server provided on a communication network such as an IP network and distributed to the FTP client via the network. An electronic bulletin board (BBS: BBS: Bulletin Board System) and the like may be registered and distributed via a network. Then start this program and press O
By executing under the control of S (Operating System), the above-mentioned processing can be achieved. further,
The above-described processing can also be achieved by starting and executing the program while transferring the program via the communication network.

[0098]

As described above, according to the present invention, the traffic control unit for realizing the centralized control function for monitoring and controlling the QOS of all the applications executed in the predetermined management area on the IP network is provided. Provided, for example, by controlling the execution priority of the application or changing the communication route to achieve effective use of the resources within the predetermined management area, the IP network can be set separately with a simple configuration. Appropriately and effectively control the execution of the application based on the priority of
It is possible to provide a communication quality control system for a network that can realize effective QOS guarantee.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a communication quality control system for a network according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a main part of a communication quality control system for the network of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation sequence of a QOS (Quality of Service) request in the communication quality control system of the network of FIG.

4 is a flow chart for explaining an operation sequence of QOS guarantee in the communication quality control system of the network of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a network communication quality control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a function for guaranteeing QOS of a network.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for comparing management methods of the entire networks for QOS guarantee.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,1A, 1B Traffic Control Center (TCC) 2,2 'Router 3,3' Traffic Control Block (TCB) 4,4 ', 5,5' Application System 6,6 ', 6A1-6A3,6B1,6B2 Service Target network 7 IP network

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Takayoshi Kusaka Inventor Takayoshi Kusaka 3-3-3 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo, NTT Data Communications Co., Ltd. (56) References JP, A) JP 49-95502 (JP, A) JP 10-84349 (JP, A) JP 9-121217 (JP, A) JP 9-18489 (JP, A) JP 5-219091 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04L 12/56 H04L 29/06

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. Connected to each other via an IP network
Traffic that manages multiple served networks and traffic on the network
A communication quality control system for a network including management means.
System, the service target networks are
Service target network
The application on the work is executed on the system
Reservation requests for resources from applications
Determine whether the requested resource can be reserved,
If it is determined that the traffic management is possible,
The reservation details and application priority, and
In addition, the transaction that notifies the requesting application of the reservation
A traffic control device, and the traffic management means comprises:
According to the notification from, about the reserved communication route,
Sum of required resources of each application and its communication rule
Request resource by comparing the total resource
If the sum of resources is less than or equal to the sum of resources owned by the communication route
If so, the reservation is considered successful and the request request for each application is returned.
The sum of the sources is less than the sum of the resources owned by the communication route.
If it is above, the resource allocation amount is
Allocate resources so that the total is less than or equal to the total number of owned resources.
A network characterized by executing appropriate allocation processing
Communication quality control system. 2. The traffic management means is provided for each application.
The total number of required resources for the communication is held by the communication route.
If the total number of resources to be
A contract characterized by allocating resources in order of priority
A communication quality control system for a network according to claim 1. 3. The traffic management means is for each application.
The total number of required resources for the communication is held by the communication route.
Is greater than or equal to the total number of resources
For applications that are determined not to allocate
And change the routing to bypass the communication route
The network of claim 2, including means.
Communication quality control system. 4. A plurality of units managed by the traffic management unit
Quality control area including the service target network of
To manage across multiple P control networks and across multiple quality control areas
The further upper management means of is further provided.
Communication quality control system for the network according to 1, 2 or 3
Tem. 5. A plurality of units managed by the traffic management unit
Quality control area including the service target network of
A plurality of P-networks are connected , and a priority is assigned to the plurality of traffic management means.
If there is a conflict and control conflicts,
A contract characterized by giving priority to the operation of high management means
Communication quality control of the network according to claim 1, 2 or 3
system. 6. Connected to each other via an IP network.
Multiple servers, each with its own traffic control means.
To manage traffic on the target network
Traffic management device, which is located in each serviced network
From the control means, the traffic control means
On the application execution system on the target network
Resources must be reserved from applications running on
Whether the request can be accepted and the requested resource can be reserved
And if it is determined that it is possible,
Receive notification of content and priority of the application
Reserved according to the notification from the receiving means and each traffic control means
For each communication route,
Sum of resources and the sum of resources held by the route
Compare, and the total sum of required resources is held by the communication route.
That equal to or less than the total sum of resources, to make a reservation with success, each A
The sum of application requested resources is the communication route
If the total number of resources owned by
If the allocated amount is less than or equal to the sum of the resources owned by the communication route
Allocation means for allocating resources,
A traffic management device characterized in that 7. The assigning means is a key for each application.
The sum of the requested resources is the resource owned by the communication route
If the sum is greater than or equal to the sum of
The source is assigned, according to claim 6.
Traffic management equipment. 8. The assigning means is a key for each application.
The sum of the requested resources is the resource owned by the communication route
When it is determined that it is equal to or more than the sum of
For applications that are determined not to allocate resources
And change the routing to control the detour of the communication route.
The trough according to claim 7, further comprising:
Management device . 9. A plurality of troughs according to claim 6, 7 or 8.
Security management device and a plurality of services managed by the plurality of traffic management devices.
Between quality control areas including the target network
It is equipped with a higher-level management means for performing strict management.
Characteristic network communication quality control system. 10. A plurality of tigers according to claim 6, 7 or 8.
A traffic management device , a priority order is assigned to the traffic management devices.
If there is a conflict and control conflicts,
This is characterized by giving priority to the operation of high management means.
Network communication quality control system.