JP3970859B2 - Data communication priority control method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a priority control technique for determining a priority for each session when establishing a session in data communication between terminals on a network.

  With the recent spread of broadband access, voice communications such as IP telephones using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and video communications such as videoconferencing systems have become widespread. / Delays need to be kept to a minimum in order to eliminate missing images. Therefore, priority control of data transmission in audio and video distribution is required to ensure communication quality.

  Conventionally, there is a method of setting QoS (Quality of Service) on an ATM layer as a technique for securing a specific communication band such as voice or video distribution on a network. For example, there is a method of executing data transfer control that guarantees QoS in units of flows by using a queue structure or a scheduling mechanism by using an IEEE 802.11 priority tag that is a priority control identifier as a flow identifier according to the situation ( Patent Document 1).

However, in the case of an ADSL line using the ATM layer, the above method can be used. However, since the priority order is fixedly determined between the ADSL modem and the BAS (Broadband Access Server) when the ADSL link is established, It is difficult to make detailed settings between services and services, and ADSL modems and BAS require significant changes including hardware changes.
Further, it cannot be used in the FTTH service that does not use the ATM layer.

  As a data communication independent of the ATM layer, there is PPP (Point to Point Protocol) as a protocol often used in dial-up connection for connecting a computer to a network through a telephone line. PPP was originally developed to connect to a network via a communication line that requires a call, such as a telephone line or an ISDN line. However, PPPoE () can be used in an always-connected environment such as a LAN. Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet (registered trademark)).

  In the conventional PPPoE protocol, packet priority control is not defined. However, services that can establish a plurality of sessions on one line are provided. In particular, when using IP telephone services, it is required to preferentially control IP telephone packets in order to ensure the quality. It is done.

JP2003-244222

An object of the present invention is to provide a priority control method and apparatus for determining a priority for each session when establishing a PPPoE session and performing priority control of a PPPoE packet after the session is established.
Another object of the present invention is a priority control method and apparatus for ensuring the quality of service by preferentially controlling packets of a specific session even when a large number of sessions are simultaneously established on one line. Is to provide.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a priority control method and apparatus capable of maintaining the quality of a specific service even when a slow communication line is used.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a priority control method and apparatus that can dynamically change the priority order between a terminal device and a server and can make detailed and flexible settings for each service. .
Another object of the present invention is to provide a priority control method and apparatus capable of determining a priority desired by a user even in the same service when determining the priority of a PPPoE session. .
Another object of the present invention is to provide a priority control method and apparatus that can be easily introduced to ADSL and FTTH services by realizing priority control on PPPoE.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a priority control method and apparatus that can be realized by adding a function to a Fire Wall such as an existing router and does not require a new special apparatus.

In the following, the numbers used in [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] are used in parentheses,
Means for solving the problem will be described. These numbers are written in the [Claims] and [
The best mode for carrying out the invention] is added to clarify the correspondence relationship. However, these numbers should not be used to interpret the technical scope of the invention described in [Claims].

In both the terminal device and the server, the received data analysis unit (11) that monitors the received packet, the ServiceNameServiceName tag priority table (13) and the VendorSpecific tag priority table (14) respectively corresponding to the ServiceName tag and the VendorSpecific tag included in the packet. ).
The above-mentioned tag included in the packet detected by the received data analysis unit (11) is compared with the priority table corresponding to the above-mentioned tag, the priority is determined for each session, and the priority control of the packet after the session is established Do.

  Both the terminal device and the server include a session ID storage unit (12) and a transmission data analysis unit (15), and when the reception data analysis unit detects a PADS packet or a PADR packet, the session included in the packet The ID and the above-mentioned tag are acquired, the priority of the session is determined by comparing the above-described tag with the priority table, and the determined priority is associated with the session ID and stored in the session ID storage unit (12). When the packet is transmitted after the session is established, the transmission data analysis unit (15) refers to the session ID of the packet and has a higher priority than the session ID stored in the session ID storage unit (12). Performs transmission processing with priority from the packet.

  A unique tag that does not exist in the conventional packet is used as a priority control tag. When this tag is added to the packet, both the terminal device and the server have a priority table for this tag, and the received data analysis unit (11) Detects a unique tag newly added to the packet, and performs priority control by comparing the unique tag with the priority table corresponding to the unique tag.

  Both the terminal device and the server have a priority control table (13) corresponding to the ServiceName tag, and when the PPPoE session is established, the received data analysis unit (11) compares the priority control table (13) corresponding to the ServiceName tag and the ServiceName tag. Then, priority control is performed for each session.

  Both the terminal device and the server have a priority control table (14) corresponding to the Vendor Specific tag, and when the PPPoE session is established, the received data analysis unit (11) compares the priority order table (14) corresponding to the Vendor Specific tag with the Vendor Specific tag. Then, priority control between the same services belonging to the same session is performed.

The present invention makes it possible to perform priority control of subsequent PPPoE packets by determining the priority order of sessions when establishing a PPPoE session. In addition, even when a large number of sessions are simultaneously established on one line by the above-described priority control, it is possible to ensure the quality of service by preferentially controlling packets of a specific session. . Furthermore, even when a line with a low communication speed is used, the quality of a specific service can be maintained.
As other effects, it can be realized on PPPoE which is widely used in ADSL and FTTH services, and can be easily introduced. In addition, it can be realized by adding a function to a Fire Wall such as an existing router, which is advantageous in terms of cost because a new special device is not required.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
An object of the present invention is to determine a priority order for each session when establishing a PPPoE session between communication devices connected to a network, and to perform priority control of a PPPoE packet after the session is established.
Here, session establishment and priority control when communication is performed between the terminal device and the server will be described. With reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the above-mentioned terminal device and server is demonstrated. The apparatus of FIG. 1 includes a reception data analysis unit 11, a session ID storage unit 12, a ServiceName tag priority table 13, a Vendor Specific tag priority table 14, a transmission data analysis unit 15, and a line control unit 16. Yes. The internal configurations of the terminal device and the server are the same as those of the device of FIG.
The ServiceName tag and the Vendor Specific tag are tags included in the received packet when establishing a session.

  On the terminal device side, the received data analysis unit 11 monitors packets received by the line control unit 16. When the received data analysis unit 11 detects a PADS packet, the received data analysis unit 11 acquires a session ID, a ServiceName tag, and a Vendor Specific tag from the PADS packet. Also, the received data analysis unit 11 compares the ServiceName tag acquired by the received data analysis unit 11 with the ServiceName tag registered in the ServiceName tag priority table 13, and based on the priority corresponding to the tag, the priority of the session To decide. Furthermore, the Vendor Specific tag acquired by the received data analysis unit 11 is compared with the Vendor Specific tag registered in the Vendor Specific tag priority table 14, and the priority within the same service is determined based on the priority corresponding to the tag. Then, the determined priority order of the session and the acquired unique session ID are associated with each other and stored in the session ID storage unit 12. When a PPPoE packet is transmitted after the session is established, the transmission data analysis unit 15 refers to the session ID of the packet, and performs transmission processing with priority from a packet with a higher priority in the session ID storage unit 12. The low priority packet is temporarily stored in a buffer provided in the transmission data analysis unit 15. The transmitted packet is transmitted through the line control unit 16.

  On the server side, the received data analysis unit 11 monitors packets received by the line control unit 16. When the received data analysis unit 11 detects a PADR packet, the received data analysis unit 11 acquires a session ID, a ServiceName tag, and a Vendor Specific tag from the PADR packet. Also, the received data analysis unit 11 compares the ServiceName tag acquired by the received data analysis unit 11 with the ServiceName tag registered in the ServiceName tag priority table 13, and based on the priority corresponding to the tag, the priority of the session To decide. Furthermore, the Vendor Specific tag acquired by the received data analysis unit 11 is compared with the Vendor Specific tag registered in the Vendor Specific tag priority table 14, and the priority within the same service is determined based on the priority corresponding to the tag. Then, the determined priority order of the session and the acquired unique session ID are associated with each other and stored in the session ID storage unit 12. When a PPPoE packet is transmitted after the session is established, the transmission data analysis unit 15 refers to the session ID of the packet, and performs transmission processing with priority from a packet with a higher priority in the session ID storage unit 12. The low priority packet is temporarily stored in a buffer provided in the transmission data analysis unit 15. The transmitted packet is transmitted through the line control unit 16.

The outline of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. When a plurality of sessions exist between the terminal device and the server, there is no priority order for PPPoE packets passing through session 1 and session 2. For this reason, in order to use services such as IP telephones where the sound may be interrupted if a specified packet is not transmitted within a certain period of time, priority is given to a specific packet in order to ensure its quality. Is required.
In the present invention, priority control of subsequent PPPoE packets is performed by determining the priority order of sessions when establishing a PPPoE session. Further, even when a large number of sessions are simultaneously established on one line by the above-described priority control function, the quality of service is ensured by preferentially controlling packets of a specific session. Furthermore, the quality of a specific service is maintained even when a line with a low communication speed is used.

The procedure for establishing a session between the terminal device and the server will be described below with reference to FIG.
First, a PADI packet in which a ServiceName tag and a Vendor Specific tag requested from the terminal device are set is transmitted to the server.
The server that has received the PADI packet confirms the ServiceName tag and the Vendor Specific tag, and if the ServiceName tag and the Vendor Specific tag are supported by the server itself, returns the PADO packet to the terminal device.
The terminal device that has received the PADO packet transmits the PADR packet to the server corresponding to the requested tag. Here, there is a possibility that the terminal device receives a plurality of PADO packets, and selects one server from the PADO packets and returns a PADR.
When receiving the requested ServiceName tag and Vendor Specific tag, the server that has received the PADR packet returns a PADS packet in which the ServiceName tag, the Vendor Specific tag, and the unique session ID are set to the terminal.

  Through the above procedure, a session having a unique session ID corresponding to the ServiceName tag and the Vendor Specific tag requested by the terminal device is established between the terminal device and the server. After the session is established, a PPPoE packet in which a unique session ID is set is transmitted and received between the terminal device and the server.

  In order to perform priority control of PPPoE packets, priorities are determined in advance for the ServiceName tag and the VendorSpecific tag. The service priority is first determined by the ServiceName tag. Next, the priority within the same service is determined by the Vendor Specific tag selected by the user. Thereby, after the session is established, priority control of the PPPoE packet can be performed between the terminal device and the server.

The operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
The operation on the terminal device side will be described.
In S <b> 41, when the terminal device is activated to generate a session, the reception data analysis unit 11 starts monitoring the packet received by the line control unit 16. In S42, when the received data analysis unit 11 detects the PADS packet, in S43, the ServiceName tag, the Vendor Specific tag, and the session ID are acquired from the PADS packet. In S44, the priority of the session being generated is determined from the acquired ServiceName tag and the ServiceName tag registered in the ServiceName tag priority table 13. Further, the priority order in the same service is determined from the acquired Vendor Specific tag and the Vendor Specific tag registered in the Vendor Specific tag priority table 14.
In S45, the determined priority order is associated with the session ID and stored in the session ID storage unit 12. Thereafter, a PPPoE session having a unique session ID determined by the priority control is established. In S46, the PPPoE packet is transmitted after the session is established. The transmission data analysis unit 15 refers to the session ID of the PPPoE packet, and in S47, the PPPoE packet transmission process is preferentially performed in the session having a high priority. . The PPPoE packet of the session with a low priority is temporarily stored in a buffer provided in the transmission data analysis unit 15. Then, the line control unit 16 transmits a PPPoE packet of a session with a high priority.

The operation on the server side will be described.
In S41, when activation of session generation is started, the server starts monitoring the packet received by the line control unit 16 in the reception data analysis unit 11. In S42, when the received data analysis unit 11 detects a PADR packet, in S43, the ServiceName tag, the Vendor Specific tag, and the session ID are acquired from the PADR packet. Then, in S44, the priority of the session being generated is determined from the acquired ServiceName tag and ServiceName tag priority table 13 and the acquired VendorSpecific tag and VendorSpecific tag priority table 14.
In S45, the received data analysis unit 11 stores the determined priority order and the session ID in the session ID storage unit 12 in association with each other. Thereafter, a PPPoE session having a unique session ID determined by the priority control is established. In S46, for transmission of the PPPoE packet after the session is established, the transmission data analysis unit 15 refers to the session ID of the PPPoE packet, and preferentially performs the PPPoE packet transmission processing in the session with higher priority in S47. . The PPPoE packet of the session with a low priority is temporarily stored in a buffer provided in the transmission data analysis unit 15. Then, the line control unit 16 transmits a PPPoE packet of a session with a high priority.

A specific example is shown with reference to FIG. For example, as shown in Table 3, when there are two sessions for the IP telephone service and one session for the Internet service, and the user desires the priority order of the table, it can be realized by the following processing. By setting the priority of the ServiceName tag as shown in Table 1, the priority of the sessions of the IP telephone service and the Internet service is determined. Furthermore, if the user wants to set the priority of the IP telephone service for emergency calls such as 110 and 119 higher, the priority of the Vendor Specific tag is set as shown in Table 2 so that even within the same service. It becomes possible to set the priority order desired by the user.
That is, the priority of the IP telephone service and other services can be determined by the ServiceName tag, and the priority of the IP telephone services can be determined by the Vendor Specific tag.

Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
Several tag types are currently specified in RFC (Request For Comment). In addition, a unique tag is added to the packet by changing the software between the terminal device and the server. By setting the priority order, more detailed priority control can be performed.

  The present invention can be realized on PPPoE widely used in ADSL and FTTH services, and is easy to introduce. Further, it can be realized by adding a function to the existing Fire Wall.

  The present invention can also be applied to a relay device such as a router having a VoIP function.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device or a server. FIG. 2 is a model diagram when establishing a PPPoE session. FIG. 3 is a model diagram illustrating a procedure for establishing a session between a terminal device and a server. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing session establishment and priority control processing. FIG. 5 shows a priority table and user settings.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Reception data analysis part 12 ... Session ID memory | storage part 13 ... ServiceName tag priority order table 14 ... Vendor Specific tag priority order table 15 ... Transmission data analysis part 16 ... Line control part

Claims (8)

  A first priority table in which priorities corresponding to ServiceName tags are registered;
  A second priority table in which priorities corresponding to the Vendor Specific tags are registered;
  The ServiceName tag and the VendorSpecific tag are acquired from the received packet, the priority of the session is determined based on the ServiceName tag and the first priority table, and the same based on the VendorSpecific tag and the second priority table A received data analysis unit for determining priority within the same service belonging to a session and performing packet priority control according to the determined priority;
With
  Communication device.   The communication device according to claim 1,
  A session ID storage unit for storing the priority order determined by the received data analysis unit and the session ID acquired from the received packet in association with each other;
  A transmission data analysis unit that compares a session ID of a transmission packet with a session ID stored in the session ID storage unit, and performs packet transmission processing in descending order of priority;
Further comprising
  Communication device.   The communication device according to claim 1 or 2,
  The received data analysis unit monitors packets transmitted and received between the terminal device and the server. When the terminal device side detects a PADS packet, the server side detects a PADR packet, the ServiceName tag, Get the above and VendorSpecific tags
  Communication device.   The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
  The received packet includes a unique tag added by a software change,
  The added unique tag has a priority set.
  Communication device.   Obtaining a ServiceName tag and a VendorSpecific tag from the received packet;
  Determining a session priority based on the ServiceName tag and a priority table corresponding to the ServiceName tag;
  Determining priority within the same service belonging to the same session based on the Vendor Specific tag and a priority table corresponding to the Vender Specific tag;
  Performing packet priority control according to the determined priority order; and
With
  Priority control method.   The priority control method according to claim 5,
  Associating the determined priority with a session ID obtained from the received packet;
  A step of comparing a session ID of a transmission packet with a session ID associated with the priority and determining a priority, and performing packet transmission processing in descending order of priority;
Further comprising
  Priority control method.   The priority control method according to claim 5 or 6,
  Monitoring packets transmitted and received between the terminal device and the server;
  Obtaining the ServiceName tag and the Vendor Specific tag when the terminal device detects a PADS packet and the server detects a PADR packet;
Further comprising
  Priority control method.   A priority control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
  Adding a unique tag to the packet due to software changes;
  Setting priorities for the added unique tags;
Further comprising
  Priority control method.

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