JP4002928B2 - Node device and maintenance operation support device - Google Patents

Description

  In the transmission system to which the synchronous transmission mode is applied, the present invention maintains a link device and a path based on the cross-connect by arranging the node device arranged for each transmission section and performing the cross-connect, and linking with these node devices. And a maintenance operation support apparatus.

The new synchronous interface (SDH: Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) is involved in various maintenance and operation of transmission lines, in addition to synchronizing various signals from low-order groups to high-order groups and flexible editing of transmission information in high-order groups. Because it can be monitored, tested and controlled, it is widely applied not only to B-ISDN and other trunk systems but also to private networks.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network to which the new synchronization interface is applied.

In the figure, node devices 42-a to 42-d are arranged in a network 41 formed in a ring as UPSR (Unidirectional Path Switched Ring) and duplexed based on a common redundancy system. ˜42-d are connected to the monitoring controller 51 via the LAN 52.
Among these node devices 42-a to 42-d, the node device 42-a is composed of the following elements.
High-speed interface units (HIFs) 43W-a and 43E-a connected to the two most recent transmission sections of the network 41
A cross-connect (XC) unit 44-a disposed between the high-speed interface units 43W-a and 43E-a.
A path switch (PSW) 45-a cascaded to two low-speed outputs of the cross-connect unit 44-a individually corresponding to the high-speed interface units 43W-a and 43E-a described above.
A low-speed interface unit (LIF) that interfaces the output of the path switch 45-a and the low-speed input of the cross-connect unit 44-a with individual communication devices (not shown) accommodated in the node device 42-a. 46-a
A holding memory (HM) 47-a connected to one control terminal of the cross-connect unit 44-a
The monitoring control unit 48-a connected to the other control terminal of the cross-connect unit 44-a and the control terminal of the path switch 45-a and connected to the LAN 52
The configurations of the node devices 42-b to 42-d are basically the same as the configuration of the node device 42-a. Therefore, in the following, the functions and configurations are the same, and the subscript “a” is substituted for the subscript “a”. The same reference numerals with the letters “b” to “d” are given, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

In the network having such a configuration, each part of the node devices 42-a to 42-d is linked as described below, so that a cross-connect is established in units of a predetermined next group (for example, a path having a transmission rate of 52 Mbps). And a predetermined path is formed between the communication devices accommodated in these node devices 42-a to 42-d via the network 41.
In the following, for the matters common to the node devices 42-a to 42-d, the subscript “C” meaning that it can correspond to any of the subscripts “a” to “d” is applied. Describe.

Also, in the following, for any transmission section formed between the node devices 42-a to 42-d, an attachment added individually to the codes of the two nodes arranged at both ends of the corresponding transmission section. Characters (for example, “ab” for the transmission section from the node device 42-a to the node device 42-b) are shown.
The holding memory 47-C is formed between the preceding transmission section and the subsequent transmission section of the network 41 and between any of these transmission sections and the communication device accommodated in the node device 42-C. Control information indicating the designated path is stored as station information (including station information updated by the monitoring control unit 48-C).

The cross-connect unit 44-C connects all paths indicated by such station information between the preceding transmission section and the subsequent transmission section of the network 41, and any of these transmission sections and the node device 42-C. It is formed between the accommodated communication devices.
Further, the path switch 45-C has a low-speed output corresponding to a path to be individually connected to the communication device among the low-speed outputs of the cross-connect unit 44-C (the input path of two adjacent transmission sections). Is selected under the initiative of the supervisory control unit 48-C, and the low-speed output is connected to the low-speed interface unit 46-C.

Further, in the process of maintenance and operation, for example, when the transmission section ab is to be released as a node addition or test target, the units are linked as follows.
-The supervisory control device 51 is in the range of the surplus transmission capacity in each transmission section and the working path formed through any of the transmission sections ab, bc, cd, da, ad, dc, cb, ba. Preliminary paths that are reserved in advance and can replace these working paths are managed in an integrated manner.
When the transmission section ab is designated as a “transmission section to be released” by the operator, the supervisory control device 51 identifies all the paths formed through the transmission section ab (hereinafter referred to as “specific paths” individually). ").
The supervisory control device 51 identifies, under the management described above, spare paths that can individually replace these specific paths, and for each of these spare paths, the identifier of the corresponding specific path, The identifiers of the node devices arranged at both ends of the specific path are notified to the operator based on a predetermined man-machine interface.
Furthermore, each time any one of these specific paths is specified by the operator, the monitoring control device 51 updates the system configuration information related to the corresponding specific path (used for the management described above). In addition, a “switching command” including identifiers of these specific paths and backup paths is sent to two node devices arranged at both ends of the corresponding backup paths via the LAN 52.
Among the node devices 42-a to 42-d, the monitoring control unit 48-C individually provided in the above-described two node devices has a specific path indicated by the identifier included in such a “switching command”. Is commanded to the path switch unit 45-C to be replaced with a spare path.

By the way, in such a conventional example, the above-described “switching command” is not sent to any node device unless a specific path is specified by the operator, and the individual specific command specified by the operator is not transmitted. Each path is sent to two node devices arranged at both ends of the specific path.
Therefore, in order for the transmission section ab to be released as a node addition or test target, a large number of times (the maximum number is, for example, a bit of 52 megabits / second in the next group having a bit rate of 10 gigabytes / second). It is “192” equal to the number of next groups to be cross-connected at each rate), and all specific paths are specified correctly without omissions. Therefore, it was necessary to provide a man-machine interface capable of providing “appropriate information indicating a substantial system configuration” to the operator and avoiding erroneous operations with high accuracy.

However, the next group of transmission sections that should be cross-connected is particularly desirable in trunk networks because it is likely to shift to a higher next group in response to an increase in demand for data transmission services. There has been a strong demand for a technology that can greatly reduce the increase in man-hours related to the release of the transmission section and the reduction in the accuracy of the release.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a node device and a maintenance operation support device that can efficiently achieve a desired transmission section or link release without greatly changing the basic configuration.

Another object of the present invention is to maintain high transmission quality and service quality of the transmission system without lowering the overall reliability.
Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to efficiently and accurately release a link in which a path to be replaced with another path is formed as required.
Another object of the present invention is to release a desired transmission section smoothly and with high accuracy.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to form these paths as long as the above-mentioned spare links are determined under the system configuration, even if a plurality of or many active links are formed on any link. The link is released efficiently and with high accuracy.
In addition, the object of the present invention is to determine whether any of the following groups of individual links, the number of paths to be replaced according to the above-described requirements, and the redundant configuration of physical links. Even in the case where a plurality of or many active links are formed on the link, the link on which these paths are formed is released efficiently and with high accuracy.

Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to prioritize maintenance, operation and other requests, and to stably secure a specific transmission section and link released in response to the request.
In addition, the object of the present invention is to reduce the cost as well as simplifying the configuration and improving the reliability compared to the case where a dedicated communication link has to be laid between the command transmission end and the relay end. It is in the point that reduction is achieved.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to eliminate the geographical limitation of the site where the monitoring and control work related to maintenance and operation through a specific communication link should be performed, and to flexibly cope with various forms of maintenance and operation. It is in the point that can be adapted.
In addition, an object of the present invention is to reduce costs in combination with simplification of the configuration and improvement of reliability.

Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to save labor and increase the efficiency of work related to the release of a desired transmission section or link as compared with the conventional example.
Another object of the present invention is to mitigate the increase in traffic associated with the transmission of the above-mentioned command regardless of the transmission interval and the combination and number of links to be released.
Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to simplify operations related to designation of links to be released and transmission sections, and to improve work efficiency related to maintenance and operation.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of these operations together with flexible adaptation to various types of operations related to maintenance and operation.
The purpose described above is based on a system configuration adapted to the duplexing scheme of these paths when a command including identifiers of all paths for which alternative paths are to be formed is given from the outside. This is achieved by a node device which is characterized in that the path selects a spare link to be formed individually.

In such a node device, all the paths designated from the outside have a system configuration that conforms to the above-described duplexing scheme, even if no alternative link on which a path to replace these paths is to be formed is designated. It is formed into a spare link determined below.
Therefore, even if the next group of these links is high or there are a large number of paths that should be replaced in response to the above-mentioned requirements, the links on which these paths are formed are efficient and highly accurate. To be released.

The purpose mentioned above is that when an instruction is given externally that includes identifiers of all paths for which alternative paths are to be formed and alternative links for which these alternative paths are to be formed, these alternative paths This is achieved by a node device characterized in that a link is preferentially selected.
In such a node device, all paths that should be replaced in response to maintenance, operation, or other requests are collectively designated from the outside, and an alternative path to an alternative link to form a path in place of these paths Can be formed.

Therefore, even if the physical link is redundantly configured in any form, as long as the above-described alternative link is determined under the system configuration, the link in which these paths are formed is efficient, and It is released with high accuracy.
The above-described object is achieved by a node device characterized by the fact that the path indicated by the identifier included in the command and that is to be formed in the alternative link is all paths formed in a specific transmission section.

In such a node device, all the paths formed in the specific transmission section described above are replaced with other paths formed in alternative links that do not include the specific transmission section.
Therefore, the desired transmission section can be released smoothly and with high accuracy.
The above-mentioned purpose is that when a command indicating a set of identifiers of links to be released is given from the outside, registration is performed in association with the set based on a system configuration adapted to the duplexing method of these links. All the paths indicated by the identified identifiers are achieved by a node device characterized in that it selects a spare link to be formed individually.

  In such a node device, the node device corresponds to a start point or an end point, and all paths that should be replaced in accordance with maintenance, operation, and other requests, and spare paths that should be substituted for these paths are formed. A link is independently selected based on a string of identifiers of links that are collectively designated from the outside and in which these paths are formed, and a system configuration that conforms to the duplexing scheme described above.

Therefore, even if multiple or many working links are formed on any link, as long as the above-mentioned spare links are determined under the system configuration, the links on which these paths are formed are efficiently And released with high accuracy.
The purpose described above is to specify all paths and all links indicated by identifiers registered in association with the set when a command indicating the set of identifiers of links to be released is given from the outside. However, this is achieved by a node device that is characterized in that an alternative link is preferentially selected for all these paths.

In such a node device, the node device corresponds to a start point or an end point, and all paths that should be replaced in accordance with maintenance, operation, and other requests, and spare paths that should be substituted for these paths are formed. A link is specified independently from the outside, and is independently selected based on a column of identifiers of links in which these paths are formed.
Therefore, even if a plurality of or many working links are formed on any link, the links on which these paths are formed are released efficiently and with high accuracy.

The object described above is achieved by a node device characterized by the fact that the links to be released are indicated by identifiers included in the command and are “all links formed in a specific transmission section”.
In such a node device, all the paths formed in the specific transmission section described above are replaced with other paths formed in alternative links that do not include the specific transmission section.

Therefore, the desired transmission section can be released smoothly and with high accuracy.
The above-described object is achieved by a node device that is characterized by deferring the update of a path formed in the selected link described above.
In such a node device, all paths formed on an alternative link for the purpose of releasing a specific transmission section or link in response to maintenance, operation or other requests are other paths formed on other links. It is maintained without further substitution.

Therefore, priority is given to the above-mentioned maintenance, operation, and other requests, and a specific transmission section or link released in response to the request is stably secured.
The above-described object is achieved by a node device that is characterized in that the command is given as information delivered via the “excess transmission band of the link formed in the preceding transmission section”.

In such a node device, the above-described command is surely given even when a dedicated communication link is not laid between the command transmission end and the relay end.
Therefore, compared with the case where such a dedicated communication link has to be laid, the cost can be reduced together with the simplification of the configuration and the improvement of the reliability.
The object described above is achieved by a node device characterized in that the command is given as information delivered via “a specific communication link different from any preceding transmission section”.

In such a node device, the command described above is surely given through the specific communication link described above even when the transmission end or relay end of the command does not exist in the area where the existing link is laid. It is done.
Therefore, flexible adaptation to various forms of maintenance and operation is possible.
The above-mentioned purpose is characterized in that the command includes an identifier of the node device corresponding to the destination of the command, and relays the command whose destination does not correspond to the own station through an excessive transmission band in the subsequent transmission section. Is achieved by a node device.

In such a node device, the above-described command is delivered to another node that is the destination of this command by utilizing the surplus transmission band of the link to be cross-connected.
Therefore, the cost can be reduced together with the simplification of the configuration and the improvement of the reliability.
The above-described object is achieved by a maintenance operation support apparatus characterized in that a command including a path registered together with a node is distributed to an individual node registered in advance corresponding to a specified link. Is done.

In such a maintenance operation support device, the individual paths arranged at both ends of all the paths formed in the specified link described above are collectively notified of the alternative paths in place of all the corresponding paths. can do.
Therefore, compared to the conventional example, labor saving and efficiency of work related to release of a desired transmission section and link can be achieved.

The above-mentioned purpose is a maintenance characterized in that a command including a path registered with a node and an alternative link is collectively delivered to each node registered in advance corresponding to the designated link. This is achieved by the operation support device.
In such a maintenance operation support device, all applicable paths and alternative paths in place of these paths are formed for individual nodes arranged at both ends of all paths formed on the specified link. You can be notified of alternative links to be done at once.

Therefore, compared to the conventional example, labor saving and efficiency of work related to release of a desired transmission section and link can be achieved.
The object described above is achieved by a maintenance operation support apparatus characterized in that all of the links are duplicated links.
In such a maintenance operation support apparatus, it is not necessary to notify a link on which an alternative path instead of the corresponding path is to be formed to nodes arranged at both ends of any path.

Therefore, an increase in traffic due to the transmission of the above-described command is mitigated regardless of the transmission interval and the combination and number of links to be released.
The purpose described above is that links belonging to the set are registered in advance for each set that matches the network configuration, and all links registered corresponding to the set designated from the outside are identified as links to be released. This is achieved by a maintenance operation support device characterized by the following points.

In such a maintenance operation support apparatus, a combination of links and transmission sections to be released is designated as a single set from the outside as long as it is previously defined as a known set.
Therefore, the operation related to the designation of the link and the transmission section described above is simplified, and the efficiency of work related to maintenance and operation is achieved.
The above-described object is achieved by a maintenance operation support apparatus characterized in that the set is “a transmission section and / or a link that is a target of work related to network maintenance or operation”.

In such a maintenance operation support apparatus, the transmission sections and link combinations that are the targets of the above-described work are reported to the related nodes with high accuracy without the work related to maintenance and operation becoming complicated.
Therefore, in addition to flexible adaptation to various work forms related to maintenance and operation, the efficiency of these work can be improved.

As described above, in the first and second node devices according to the present invention, a link in which a path to be replaced with another path is formed according to the above-described request is efficiently and accurately released. .
Further, in the third and sixth node devices according to the present invention, a desired transmission section can be released smoothly and with high accuracy.

Further, in the fourth node device according to the present invention, even if a plurality or a large number of working links are formed on any link, as long as the above-mentioned spare links are determined under the system configuration, The link in which the path is formed is released efficiently and with high accuracy.
Further, in the fifth node device according to the present invention, the following groups of individual links, the number of paths to be replaced according to the above-described request, and the form of redundant configuration of physical links are determined. Regardless of this, even when a plurality of or many active links are formed on any link, the links on which these paths are formed are released efficiently and with high accuracy.

Further, in the seventh node device according to the present invention, priority is given to maintenance, operation and other requests, and a specific transmission section and link released in response to the request are stably secured.
Further, in the eighth node device according to the present invention, the configuration is simplified and the reliability is improved as compared with the case where a dedicated communication link has to be laid between the transmission end and the relay end of the command described above. Along with the improvement, the cost can be reduced.

Further, in the ninth node device according to the present invention, the geographical restriction of the site where the monitoring and control work related to the maintenance and operation through the specific communication link should be performed is eliminated. Flexible adaptation to various forms is possible.
In the tenth node device according to the present invention, the cost can be reduced together with the simplification of the configuration and the improvement of the reliability.

Further, in the first and second maintenance operation support apparatuses according to the present invention, labor and efficiency of work related to release of a desired transmission section and link can be improved as compared with the conventional example.
Further, in the third maintenance and operation support device according to the present invention, the increase in traffic due to the transmission of the above-described command is alleviated regardless of the transmission section and the combination and number of links to be released.

Furthermore, in the fourth maintenance operation support apparatus according to the present invention, the operation related to the designation of the link to be released and the transmission section is simplified, and the efficiency of the work related to the maintenance and operation is improved.
In the fifth maintenance operation support apparatus according to the present invention, the efficiency of these operations can be improved in combination with the flexible adaptation to various work forms related to maintenance and operation.

  Therefore, in the transmission system to which these inventions are applied, the transmission quality and the service quality are maintained high without reducing the overall reliability.

First, it is a figure explaining the principle of the node apparatus concerning this invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principle of a node device according to the present invention.
The node device shown in FIG. 1 includes control means 11 and 11A, cross-connect means 12 and 12A, and storage means 13 and 13A.
The principle of the first node device according to the present invention is as follows.

  The control means 11 is duplexed for all links that can be used to form individual paths between the communication devices 10-1 to 10-n accommodated in the own station and the communication devices accommodated in other stations. , Individually select the working links on which these paths are to be formed. The cross-connect unit 12 forms a path between the communication devices 10-1 to 10-n and the communication devices accommodated in other stations via the active link selected by the control unit 11 among all the links. To do. When a command including identifiers of all paths for which alternative paths are to be formed is given from the outside, the control unit 11 forms these paths individually based on a system configuration adapted to the duplex system. Select a spare link to be used.

In such a node device, all paths specified from the outside for all paths that should be replaced in response to maintenance, operation, or other requests are all alternative paths that should be substituted for these paths. Even if no link is specified, it is formed as a spare link determined under a system configuration adapted to the above-described duplexing scheme.
Therefore, even if the next group of these links is high or there are a large number of paths that should be replaced in response to the above-mentioned requirements, the links on which these paths are formed are efficient and highly accurate. To be released.

The principle of the second node device according to the present invention is as follows.
The control means 11A includes the links among all the links that can be used to form individual paths between the communication devices 10-1 to 10-n accommodated in the own station and the communication devices accommodated in other stations. Select individual links for which paths should be formed. The cross-connect means 12A forms a path between the communication devices 10-1 to 10-n and the communication devices accommodated in other stations via the links selected by the control means 11A among all the links. The control means 11A, when a command including an identifier of all the paths for which the alternative paths are to be formed and the alternative links for which these alternative paths are to be formed is given from the outside, Select links preferentially.

In such a node device, all paths that should be replaced in response to maintenance, operation, or other requests are collectively designated from the outside, and an alternative path to an alternative link to form a path in place of these paths Can be formed.
Therefore, the above-mentioned group of alternative links is high, or not only there are a large number of paths to be replaced by these alternative paths, but also when the physical link is configured redundantly in any form. However, as long as the above-described alternative links are determined under the system configuration, the links in which these paths are formed are released efficiently and with high accuracy.

The principle of the third node device according to the present invention is as follows.
The paths indicated by the identifier included in the command and to be formed in the alternative link are all paths formed in the specific transmission section.
In such a node device, all the paths formed in the specific transmission section described above are replaced with other paths formed in alternative links that do not include the specific transmission section.

Therefore, the desired transmission section can be released smoothly and with high accuracy.
The principle of the fourth node device according to the present invention is as follows.
The control means 11 is duplexed for all links that can be used to form individual paths between the communication devices 10-1 to 10-n accommodated in the own station and the communication devices accommodated in other stations. , Individually select the links on which these paths are to be formed. The cross-connect unit 12 forms a path between the communication devices 10-1 to 10-n and the communication devices accommodated in other stations via the links selected by the control unit 11 among all the links. The storage means 13 registers, for each set of links that can be released in parallel, identifiers of all paths formed in the links belonging to the set. When a command indicating a set of identifiers of active links to be released is given from the outside, the control means 11 is associated with the set and stored in the storage means 13 based on a system configuration adapted to the duplex system. All the paths indicated by the identifiers registered in (1) are selected as spare links to be individually formed.

  In such a node device, the node device corresponds to a start point or an end point, and all paths that should be replaced in accordance with maintenance, operation, and other requests, and spare paths that should be substituted for these paths are formed. The link is automatically selected based on a string of identifiers of links that are collectively designated from the outside and in which these paths are formed, and a system configuration that conforms to the duplexing method described above.

  Therefore, regardless of whether the next group of individual links, the number of paths to be replaced according to the above-mentioned maintenance, operation or other requirements, and the form of redundant configuration of physical links, Even if multiple or many working links are formed, as long as the above-mentioned spare links are determined under the system configuration, the links in which these paths are formed are released efficiently and with high accuracy. Is done.

The principle of the fifth node device according to the present invention is as follows.
The control means 11A includes the links among all the links that can be used to form individual paths between the communication devices 10-1 to 10-n accommodated in the own station and the communication devices accommodated in other stations. Select individual links for which paths should be formed. The cross-connect means 12A forms a path between the communication devices 10-1 to 10-n and the communication devices accommodated in other stations via the links selected by the control means 11A among all the links. In the storage means 13A, for each set of links that can be released in parallel, all the paths formed in the links belonging to the set do not belong to this set, and individual alternative paths instead of these paths The identifier of the alternative link to be formed is registered. When a command indicating a set of identifiers of links to be released is given from the outside, the control unit 11A associates all paths and all of the paths indicated by the identifiers registered in the storage unit 13A in association with the set. A link is identified, and an alternative link is preferentially selected for all these paths.

In such a node device, the node device corresponds to a start point or an end point, and all paths that should be replaced in accordance with maintenance, operation, and other requests, and spare paths that should be substituted for these paths are formed. A link is specified independently from the outside, and is independently selected based on a column of identifiers of links in which these paths are formed.
Therefore, regardless of whether the next group of individual links, the number of paths to be replaced according to the above-mentioned maintenance, operation or other requirements, and the form of redundant configuration of physical links, Even if a plurality or a plurality of working links are formed, the links on which these paths are formed are released efficiently and with high accuracy.

The principle of the sixth node device according to the present invention is as follows.
The links indicated by the identifier included in the command and to be released are all links formed in a specific transmission section.
In such a node device, all the paths formed in the specific transmission section described above are replaced with other paths formed in alternative links that do not include the specific transmission section.

Therefore, the desired transmission section can be released smoothly and with high accuracy.
The principle of the seventh node device according to the present invention is as follows.
The cross-connect means 12 and 12A hold the update of the path formed in the link selected by the control means 11 and 11A.
In such a node device, all paths formed on an alternative link for the purpose of releasing a specific transmission section or link in response to maintenance, operation, or other demands are faults, fluctuations in traffic distribution, congestion, etc. Even when an event occurs, it is maintained without being replaced by another path formed in another link.

Therefore, priority is given to the above-mentioned maintenance, operation, and other requests, and a specific transmission section or link released in response to the request is stably secured.
The principle of the eighth node device according to the present invention is as follows.
The command is information delivered via an excess transmission band of a link formed in the preceding transmission section.

In such a node device, the above-described command is surely given even when a dedicated communication link is not laid between the command transmission end and the relay end.
Therefore, compared with the case where such a dedicated communication link has to be laid, the cost can be reduced together with the simplification of the configuration and the improvement of the reliability.
The principle of the ninth node device according to the present invention is as follows.

The command is information delivered via a specific communication link different from any preceding transmission section of the link connected to the cross-connect means 12 and 12A.
In such a node device, the command described above is surely given through the specific communication link described above even when the transmission end or relay end of the command does not exist in the area where the existing link is laid. It is done.

This eliminates the geographical limitations of the site where maintenance and operation related to maintenance and operation should be performed via such a specific communication link, and allows flexible adaptation to various forms of maintenance and operation. It becomes possible.
The principle of the tenth node device according to the present invention is as follows.
The command includes an identifier of the node device corresponding to the destination of the command. The control means 11 and 11A relay a command whose destination does not correspond to the own station to the transmission section that follows the cross-connect means 12 and 12A via the surplus transmission band of the transmission section.

In such a node device, the above-described command is delivered to another node that is the destination of this command by utilizing the surplus transmission band of the link to be cross-connected.
Therefore, the cost can be reduced together with the simplification of the configuration and the improvement of the reliability.
FIG. 2 is a principle block diagram of the maintenance operation support apparatus according to the present invention.

The maintenance operation support apparatus shown in the figure includes storage means 21, 21A, man-machine interface means 22, and command distribution means 23, 23A.
The principle of the first maintenance operation support apparatus according to the present invention is as follows.
All paths formed for each link and nodes arranged at both ends of these paths among nodes arranged in the network are registered in the storage means 21 in advance. The man-machine interface means 22 takes a man-machine interface related to designation of a link to be released. The command distribution unit 23 is directed to each node registered in the storage unit 21 corresponding to the link specified via the man-machine interface unit 22 and includes a path registered in the storage unit 21 together with the node. Are delivered in a batch.

In such a maintenance operation support apparatus, for each node arranged at both ends of all the paths formed in the link designated via the man-machine interface means 22, an alternative to all the corresponding paths is used. It is possible to notify the path all at once.
Therefore, the above-mentioned command is sent to each node arranged at both ends of the path for each path, and the manual work of personnel involved in maintenance and operation has to be performed for each command. In comparison, it is possible to save labor and increase the efficiency of work related to the release of a desired transmission section or link.

The principle of the second maintenance operation support apparatus according to the present invention is as follows.
The storage means 21A includes all paths formed for each link, alternative links where alternative paths to replace these paths are to be formed, and of these alternative paths among nodes arranged in the network. Nodes arranged at both ends are registered in advance. The man-machine interface means 22 takes a man-machine interface related to designation of a link to be released. The command distribution unit 23A addresses each node registered in the storage unit 21A corresponding to the link specified via the man-machine interface unit 22, and replaces the path registered in the storage unit 21A together with the node. Distributes commands including links in a batch.

In such a maintenance operation support apparatus, instead of these paths, all corresponding paths for individual nodes that terminate all paths formed in links designated via the man-machine interface means 22 are used. It is possible to collectively notify an alternative link for which an alternative path is to be formed.
Therefore, the above-mentioned command is sent to each node arranged at both ends of the path for each path, and the manual work of personnel involved in maintenance and operation has to be performed for each command. In comparison, it is possible to save labor and increase the efficiency of work related to the release of a desired transmission section or link.

The principle of the third maintenance operation support apparatus according to the present invention is as follows.
Since all of the links are duplicated links, these links are placed at both ends of any path, as long as the system configuration of these links is maintained independently by individual nodes based on the form of duplexing of individual links. It is not necessary to notify the node of a link that should form an alternative path instead of the corresponding path.

Therefore, regardless of the number of transmission sections and links to be released, and the number of links, the increase in traffic due to the transmission of the above-described command is mitigated.
The principle of the fourth maintenance operation support apparatus according to the present invention is as follows.
In the storage means 21, 21A, links belonging to the set are registered in advance for each set that matches the network configuration. The man-machine interface means 22 identifies all links registered in the storage means 24 corresponding to a set designated from the outside as links to be released.

In such a maintenance operation support apparatus, a combination of links and transmission sections to be released is designated as a single set from the outside as long as it is previously defined as a known set.
Therefore, the operation related to the designation of the link and the transmission section described above is simplified, and the efficiency of work related to maintenance and operation is achieved.
The principle of the fifth maintenance operation support apparatus according to the present invention is as follows.

A set is a combination of both or one of transmission sections and links that are targets of work related to network maintenance or operation.
In such a maintenance operation support apparatus, as long as the transmission sections and link combinations that are the targets of the above-described work are defined in advance as a known set, the work related to maintenance and operation is not complicated to the related nodes. It is notified with high accuracy.

Therefore, in addition to flexible adaptation to various work forms related to maintenance and operation, the efficiency of these work can be improved.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
3a and 3b are diagrams for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the first embodiment of the present invention.
The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3a, 3b, 4 and 9.
The feature of this embodiment is the following processing procedure performed by the monitoring control device 51 shown in FIG. 9 and the monitoring control unit 48-C provided in the node device 42-C.

In the course of maintenance and operation, for example, when the transmission section ab should be released as a node addition or test target, the monitoring control device 51 performs the following processing.
When the transmission section ab is designated as the “transmission section to be released” by the operator, all “specific paths” formed through the transmission section ab are specified (FIG. 4 (1)).
A spare path that can individually replace the specific path described above is specified (FIG. 4 (2)), and the system configuration information related to these specific paths is updated (FIG. 4 (3)).
A pair of identifiers of these specific paths and backup paths is collected for each node device arranged at either end of the corresponding specific (backup) path (FIG. 4 (4)).
A “batch switching command” including these identifier strings is sequentially sent to the corresponding node device via the LAN 52 (FIG. 4 (5)).

On the other hand, in the node device 42-C that has received such a “batch switching command”, the monitoring control unit 48-C causes the specific path indicated by the pair of individual identifiers included in the “batch switching command”. Is replaced with a corresponding spare path to the path switch unit 45-C.
That is, identifier pairs of all specific paths formed in parallel with the transmission section ab and alternative paths that can substitute for these specific paths are the ends of each specific path (alternate path). And each node device is individually notified to the corresponding node device as the above-described “batch switching command”, and each node device includes the individual “batch switching command”. Processing for substituting a specific path indicated by the pair of identifiers with a spare path is performed collectively.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the hardware configuration of all the specific paths (FIGS. 3A (1) and (2)) formed in parallel with the transmission section ab is basically changed. Without any complicated manual work, and is automatically replaced with an appropriate alternative path (FIGS. 3b (1) and (2)).
Therefore, regardless of the next group as a unit in which a path is to be formed and the number of specific paths to be replaced with alternative paths, it is desired to be significantly more efficient and more accurate than the conventional example. The transmission section is released.
[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the second embodiment of the present invention.
The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3a, 3b, 5, 6, and 9.
As shown in FIG. 7, the monitoring control device 51 has the following fields on the first and second surfaces individually corresponding to the clockwise link and the counterclockwise link of the duplex network 41. A row of records configured as a set has a path management table 51t stored in advance.
・ “Path identifier” field that stores unique path identifiers that are individually assigned to all paths that are formed in parallel with the corresponding link ・ The start and end points of the path indicated by each path identifier Node identifiers indicating the node devices respectively corresponding to (here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that they are represented as any one of the subscripts “a” to “d” added to the above-described code “42”). Are respectively arranged at the left end and the right end, and a “path identifier” field in which a path identifier is stored in which node identifiers indicating individual node devices interposed between the node identifiers in the order of the path of this path are stored. As shown in FIG. 8, the monitoring control unit 48-C provided in the node device 42-C has a surface corresponding to each of the clockwise link and the counterclockwise link of the duplexed network 41. , A band management table 48t-C in which a sequence of records configured as a set of the following fields is stored in advance.
-Of the above-mentioned clockwise and counterclockwise links, a transmission section identifier assigned to the nearest transmission section of the corresponding link and unique (here, for simplicity, at both ends of the corresponding transmission section) It is assumed that the identifiers of the two arranged node equipments are expressed by being arranged in the order of the transmission direction of this link.) “Transmission section identifier” field storing node device 42-C is a start point and an end point , “Path identifier” field in which a unique path identifier is stored for each path corresponding to one of the relay points. ・ For the corresponding path among the above-mentioned start point, end point, and relay point In the “path type identifier” field in which the path type indicating the mode (either “relay” or “termination”) in which the node device 42-C described above intervenes is stored By the way, in the course of maintenance and operation, for example, when the transmission section ab should be released as a node addition or test target, the monitoring control device 51 Process.
When the transmission section ab is designated as a “transmission section to be released” by the operator, the character string “ab” is added to the value of the “path identifier” field (node identifier string) in the plane of the path management table 51t. Whether or not there is a record of the first surface that includes the character string “ba” in the value of the “route identifier” field is determined (FIG. 6A).
When it is determined that the above record exists on the first surface in this way, the character string “ab” described above is included in the “path identifier” field of all the records on the first surface. For each node device individually corresponding to a character (any one of “a” to “d”) arranged at either the beginning or the end of the value of all the “route identifier” fields included, this first A unique link identifier indicating a link corresponding to the face (here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that it is expressed as the letter “W” meaning the “clockwise link” described above) (FIG. 6). (2)).
Similarly, if it is determined that the above-mentioned record exists on the second surface, the above-mentioned character string “ba” is included in the “route identifier” field of all the records on the second surface. For each node device individually corresponding to a character (any one of “a” to “d”) arranged at either the beginning or the end of the value of all “route identifier” fields, A unique link identifier indicating the corresponding link (here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that it is represented as the letter “E” meaning the above-mentioned “counterclockwise link”) (FIG. 6 (3 )).
-The link identifiers collected in this way are merged for each node device (FIG. 6 (4)), and an "individual switching command" including the link identifier (sequence) obtained as a result is sent to the corresponding node device. It is sent out (FIG. 6 (5)).

On the other hand, in the node device 42-a (42-b), when the monitoring control unit 48-a (48-b) receives the above-mentioned “individual switching command”, the bandwidth management table 48t-a (48t-b) The following processing is performed by referring to each surface corresponding to the link identifier included in the “individual switching command”.
Of the records included in the corresponding surface of the bandwidth management table 48t-a (48t-b), the value of the “path type” field means “end” (the above-mentioned “start point” or “end point”), In addition, as a column of values of the “path identifier” field of all the records for which no alternative restriction (for example, “lockout attribute”) described later is defined as the value of the “attribute” field, Get the path.
All of these specific paths are sequentially commanded to the path switch unit 45-a (45-b) to be replaced with the corresponding spare paths.
A specific path that has been replaced by such a spare path corresponds to the bandwidth management table 48t-a (48t-b), as shown in FIG. 5 by arrows consistent with FIGS. 3a and 3b. New attributes (for example, the above-mentioned “for example” described above) in the corresponding “attribute” field on the basis of predetermined control information added to a predetermined algorithm or the above-mentioned “individual switching command”. Set the lockout attribute ") or update the attribute that was previously set in the" attribute "field.
Generate information that is consistent with the result of the above-described series of processing and necessary for updating the system configuration information described above, and sends the information to the monitoring control device 51 via the LAN 52.

That is, the above-mentioned “individual switching command” includes, without duplication, link identifiers of only links in which some specific path to be replaced with a spare path is formed. The distribution is made only to the node devices arranged at both ends of the individual paths formed through the transmission section ab to be released.
Further, the node device that has received such an “individual switching command” refers to the bandwidth management table 48t-C that is individually provided, so that only the path corresponding to the start point or the end point of the own station is autonomously used as a spare path. Replace with

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if a plurality of (or a large number of) paths can be formed in parallel on any link, release of a desired transmission section is achieved efficiently and with high accuracy. The
In each of the above-described embodiments, the network 41 is formed in a ring shape as a UPSR compliant with the new synchronous interface method (SDH) or SONET (Synchronous Optical Network), and has two transmission paths whose transmission directions are opposite to each other. It is configured as a duplex link.

However, the present invention is not limited to such a network 41 as long as alternative paths and links are appropriately formed based on the system configuration and a synchronous transfer mode (STM) is applied. The same applies to networks formed under digital hierarchies, topologies and redundant configurations.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the working path formed through any of the transmission sections to be released is a spare path by the path switch 45-C that operates under the supervision of the monitoring controller 48-C. It has been replaced.

  However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, three or more physical links (transmission paths) may be provided in all or part of the transmission section formed between the node devices 42-a to 42-d. ) Is laid, the cross-connect unit 44-C operating under the control of the supervisory control unit 48-C, or the cross-connect unit 44-C and the path linked under the supervision of the supervisory control unit 48-C. Similarly, the working path may be replaced with a backup path by the switch 45-C.

  When the network 41 is configured redundantly based on such three or more physical links, for example, processing related to the system configuration of the network 41 is led by the monitoring control device 51. As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 7, an alternative link identifier indicating an alternative link selected under this system configuration is appropriately stored in the path management table 51t. Is added to the command and delivered to each node device, as described above, the cross-connect unit 44-C operating under the supervision of the supervisory control unit 48-C or the lead of the supervisory control unit 48-C The individual working paths may be replaced with spare paths by the cross-connect unit 44-C and the path switch 45-C linked together below.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the network 41 is formed as the above-described UPSR and is configured to be redundant based on the common redundancy system.
However, all or some of the links constituting such a network 41 may be configured as BLSR (Bidirectional Line Switched Ring).
In each of the above-described embodiments, the aforementioned “batch switching command”, “individual switching command”, and other control information between the node devices 42-a to 42-d and the monitoring control device 51 are transmitted via the LAN 52. Are handed over to each other directly.

  However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, only one of the node devices 42-a to 42-d (hereinafter referred to as “specific node device”). When connected to the LAN 52, the transfer of the control information described above between the node device other than the specific node device and the monitoring control device 51 is formed between the node devices 42-a to 42-d. A surplus transmission band in a transmission section (a predetermined field of overhead adapted to a predetermined frame configuration, an empty time slot not allocated to any traffic, a tributary unit, or the like). It may be achieved under relay processing performed by these node devices 42-a to 42-d.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the process of substituting all the working paths formed through the transmission section with a spare path for the purpose of fully releasing the desired transmission section is performed efficiently and with accuracy. In order to achieve high, the present invention has been applied.
However, the present invention is not limited to such a full release of transmission sections. For example, in the process of maintenance and operation, a desired transmission section (even a single transmission section may be a plurality of transmission sections). The same applies to a case where a specific link (which may be a single link or a plurality of links) laid in the network is to be released.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the monitoring control device 51 is configured as a separate device connected to the node devices 42-a to 42-d via the LAN 52.
However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the monitoring control device 51 is integrated with any one of these node devices 42-a to 42-d, or these are adapted to maintenance and operation work. The node devices 42-a to 42-d may be configured by load distribution and function distribution.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various embodiments can be made within the scope of the present invention, and any improvement is applied to some or all of the constituent devices. Also good.
Hereinafter, the inventions described in the above-described embodiments are arranged hierarchically and multifacetedly and listed as additional items.
(Supplementary Note 1) These paths are formed for all links that can be used for forming individual paths between a communication apparatus that is duplicated and accommodated in the local station and a communication apparatus accommodated in another station. Control means for individually selecting the link to be
Cross-connect means for forming a path between the communication device and the communication device accommodated in the other station via the link selected by the control means among all the links;
The control means includes
When a command including identifiers of all the paths for which alternative paths are to be formed is given from the outside, a spare configuration in which these paths are to be individually formed based on a system configuration adapted to the duplexing scheme. Select a link
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary Note 2) Of all the links that can be used for forming individual paths between the communication device accommodated in the local station and the communication device accommodated in the other station, the link on which these paths should be formed Control means to select individually;
Cross-connect means for forming a path between the communication device and the communication device accommodated in the other station via the link selected by the control means among all the links;
The control means includes
When an instruction is given externally that includes identifiers for all paths for which alternative paths are to be formed and alternative links for which these alternative paths are to be formed, these alternative links are given priority select
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary Note 3) In the node device according to Supplementary Note 1,
The path indicated by the identifier included in the directive and to be formed in the alternative link is:
All paths formed in a specific transmission section
A node device characterized by that.
(Appendix 4) In the node device described in Appendix 2,
The path indicated by the identifier included in the directive and to be formed in the alternative link is:
All paths formed in a specific transmission section
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary Note 5) These paths are formed for all links that can be used for forming individual paths between a communication device that is duplicated and accommodated in its own station and a communication device accommodated in another station. Control means for individually selecting the link to be
Cross-connect means for forming a path between the communication apparatus and the communication apparatus accommodated in the other station via the link selected by the control means among all the links;
For each set of links that can be released in parallel, storage means in which identifiers of all paths formed in the links belonging to the set are registered,
The control means includes
When a command indicating a set of identifiers of links to be released is given from the outside, an identifier registered in the storage means is associated with the set based on a system configuration adapted to the duplexing method. Select spare links where all the paths shown should be formed individually
A node device characterized by that.
(Appendix 6) Of all the links that can be used to form individual paths between a communication device accommodated in the local station and a communication device accommodated in another station, the link on which these paths should be formed Control means to select individually;
Cross-connect means for forming a path between the communication device and the communication device accommodated in the other station via the link selected by the control means among all the links;
For each set of links that can be released in parallel, for every path formed in the links that belong to that set, the alternatives that do not belong to this set and that individual alternative paths instead of these paths should be formed Storage means in which identifiers of links are registered,
The control means includes
When a command indicating a set of identifiers of links to be released is given from outside, all paths and all links indicated by identifiers associated with the set and registered in the storage means are specified. , Preferentially select alternative links for all these paths
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 7) In the node device according to supplementary note 5,
The link indicated by the identifier contained in the directive and to be released is
All links formed in a specific transmission section
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 8) In the node device according to supplementary note 6,
The link indicated by the identifier contained in the directive and to be released is
All links formed in a specific transmission section
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 9) In the node device according to supplementary note 1,
The cross-connect means is
Suspends updating of the path formed in the link selected by the control means
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 10) In the node device according to supplementary note 2,
The cross-connect means is
Suspends updating of the path formed in the link selected by the control means
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 11) In the node device according to supplementary note 5,
The cross-connect means is
Suspends updating of the path formed in the link selected by the control means
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 12) In the node device according to supplementary note 6,
The cross-connect means is
Suspends updating of the path formed in the link selected by the control means
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 13) In the node device according to supplementary note 1,
The directive is
It is information delivered via the excess transmission band of the link formed in the preceding transmission section
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 14) In the node device according to supplementary note 2,
The directive is
It is information delivered via the excess transmission band of the link formed in the preceding transmission section
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary Note 15) In the node device according to Supplementary Note 5,
The directive is
It is information delivered via the excess transmission band of the link formed in the preceding transmission section
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 16) In the node device according to supplementary note 6,
The directive is
It is information delivered via the excess transmission band of the link formed in the preceding transmission section
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 17) In the node device according to supplementary note 1,
The directive is
Information delivered via a specific communication link different from any preceding transmission section of the link connected to the cross-connect means
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 18) In the node device according to supplementary note 2,
The directive is
Information delivered via a specific communication link different from any preceding transmission section of the link connected to the cross-connect means
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 19) In the node device according to supplementary note 5,
The directive is
Information delivered via a specific communication link different from any preceding transmission section of the link connected to the cross-connect means
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 20) In the node device according to supplementary note 6,
The directive is
Information delivered via a specific communication link different from any preceding transmission section of the link connected to the cross-connect means
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 21) In the node device according to supplementary note 1,
The command includes
The identifier of the node device corresponding to the destination of the command is included,
The control means includes
A command whose destination does not correspond to its own station is relayed through an excess transmission band in a subsequent transmission section via the cross-connect means.
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 22) In the node device according to supplementary note 2,
The command includes
The identifier of the node device corresponding to the destination of the command is included,
The control means includes
A command whose destination does not correspond to its own station is relayed through an excess transmission band in a subsequent transmission section via the cross-connect means.
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 23) In the node device according to supplementary note 5,
The command includes
The identifier of the node device corresponding to the destination of the command is included,
The control means includes
A command whose destination does not correspond to its own station is relayed through an excess transmission band in a subsequent transmission section via the cross-connect means.
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary Note 24) In the node device according to Supplementary Note 6,
The command includes
The identifier of the node device corresponding to the destination of the command is included,
The control means includes
A command whose destination does not correspond to its own station is relayed through an excess transmission band in a subsequent transmission section via the cross-connect means.
A node device characterized by that.
(Supplementary Note 25) Storage means in which all paths formed for each link and nodes placed on both ends of these paths among nodes placed on the network are registered in advance,
A man-machine interface means for taking a man-machine interface related to the designation of the link to be released;
A command including a path registered in the storage unit is delivered together with the node to each node registered in the storage unit 21 corresponding to the link designated via the man-machine interface unit. Command distribution means 23 and
A maintenance operation support device characterized by comprising:
(Supplementary note 26) All paths formed for each link, an alternative link on which an alternative path to these paths should be formed, and nodes on the network at both ends of these alternative paths Storage means in which the arranged nodes are registered in advance;
A man-machine interface means for taking a man-machine interface related to the designation of the link to be released;
To each node registered in the storage unit corresponding to the link specified via the man-machine interface unit, a command including a path registered in the storage unit and an alternative link together with the node is batched. Command distribution means to distribute
A maintenance operation support device characterized by comprising:
(Supplementary note 27) In the maintenance operation support apparatus according to supplementary note 26,
All of the links are duplicated links
A maintenance operation support device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 28) In the maintenance operation support apparatus according to supplementary note 25,
In the storage means,
For each set that matches the network configuration, links belonging to the set are registered in advance,
Man-machine interface means
Identify all links registered in the storage means corresponding to a set designated from outside as the links to be released
A maintenance operation support device characterized by that.
(Supplementary note 29) In the maintenance operation support apparatus according to supplementary note 26,
In the storage means,
For each set that matches the network configuration, links belonging to the set are registered in advance,
Man-machine interface means
Identify all links registered in the storage means corresponding to a set designated from outside as the links to be released
A maintenance operation support device characterized by that.
(Supplementary Note 30) In the maintenance operation support apparatus according to Supplementary Note 28,
The set is
It is a combination of both or one of the transmission section and the link that are the targets of the maintenance or operation of the network.
A maintenance operation support device characterized by that.
(Supplementary Note 31) In the maintenance operation support apparatus according to Supplementary Note 29,
The set is
It is a combination of both or one of the transmission section and the link that are the targets of the maintenance or operation of the network.
A maintenance operation support device characterized by that.

It is a principle block diagram of the node apparatus concerning this invention. 1 is a maintenance operation support apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of a path | pass management table. It is a figure which shows the structure of a bandwidth management table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the network to which the new synchronous interface was applied.

Claims (3)

  Control means for individually selecting paths so that a working path or a backup path is formed in a transmission section between a communication apparatus accommodated in the local station and a communication apparatus accommodated in another station;
  Cross-connect means for forming a path between the communication device accommodated in the local station and the communication device accommodated in the other station based on the path selected by the control means;
  A storage unit in which all paths related to the identifier of the link and an alternative path corresponding to the path are registered;
  The control means includes
  When a command indicating the identifier of the link to be released is given from the outside, all the paths corresponding to the identifier of the link are specified from the registered information of the storage means, and the alternative path of the specified path Select
  A node device characterized by that.   Control means for individually selecting the working path or the backup path so that the working path or the protection path is formed in the transmission section between the communication device accommodated in the local station and the communication apparatus accommodated in the other station;
  Cross-connect means for forming a path between the communication device accommodated in the local station and the communication device accommodated in the other station based on the path selected by the control means;
  A storage unit in which all paths related to the identifier of the link and an alternative path corresponding to the path are registered;
  The control means includes
  When a command indicating the identifier of the link to be released is given from the outside, all the paths corresponding to the identifier of the link are specified from the registered information of the storage means, and the alternative path of the specified path Select with priority
  A node device characterized by that.   The command includes an identifier of a node device corresponding to the destination of the command, and the control means outputs a command including an identifier of the node device that does not correspond to the own station among the received commands. Relay to subsequent transmission section via
  The node device according to claim 1.

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