JP4717785B2 - Network management apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is used for a network having a layer structure and autonomously operating. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique for reserving and managing a transmission path in response to a request from a client device.

  In recent years, in a network, particularly a network having a layer structure, a request for reservation of a transmission path, reservation change, reservation cancellation, etc. to a client device connected to the network, particularly a network management device that manages the network from an installed application Research and development have been conducted on technologies for executing communication and for controlling communication devices in a network in response to requests.

  For example, Non-Patent Document 1 introduces the flow of transmission path reservation and the message format such as reservation in the above technical group.

  On the other hand, a technique in which a network manager operates a network management apparatus to control network devices to perform desired transmission path layout design and transmission path control has been researched and developed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 introduces a configuration of a network management apparatus operated by a network administrator and a means provided in a network having a layer structure. Patent Document 2 introduces a method for route calculation of a transmission path that can be reserved by a network management apparatus in a network having a layer structure.

  The basic configuration of the network management device so far is a configuration corresponding to a scheduling unit, a network control unit, and a network monitoring unit. Further, the network management apparatus includes a client communication unit or a human machine interface instead of the client communication unit according to the application.

Michiaki Hayashi et al., “G-lamda: Coordination of a Grid Scheduler and Lambda Path Service over GMPLS”, ECOC 2006, We 4.1.1, September 20, 2006 JP 2004-266443 A JP 2004-260231 A

  The first problem is that the network management device has a difference in reservation information exchanged with the client device for each use, and is created for each use, resulting in a high device cost. Furthermore, since there is a network management device for each application, network management cannot be performed centrally.

  The second problem occurs suddenly in the network because the network management device reserves the transmission line and the network equipment constituting the transmission line in advance based on reservation information exchanged with the client device. It is not possible to respond to an urgent transmission line reservation or reservation request.

  Conventionally, when a failure occurs in a certain network device, other related network devices operate autonomously to recover the failure. At this time, the network management apparatus receives only the subsequent notification that the failure has been recovered from the network device.

  A first object of the present invention is to provide a buffer function for interconnecting a basic part of a network management device such as a scheduling unit, a network monitoring unit, and a network control unit with a plurality of types of client communication units that exist for each application. And providing a format adaptation unit. The format adaptation unit converts the format into a unique format when data in a format different for each client communication unit is passed to the basic part of the network management device. Conversely, when data is passed from the basic part of the network management device to the client communication unit, the format is converted in accordance with the specifications of each client communication unit.

  The second object of the present invention is to allow a network device to autonomously add or delete a transmission line according to the traffic situation in the network, and to propagate the propagation delay of the transmission line according to a change in the packet delay time. In order to realize a function that autonomously adjusts the time and a function that autonomously secures or opens a backup transmission path according to a change in communication quality of packets flowing through the transmission path. An event control unit that receives a request for a network management device from a device and returns an appropriate response is provided. When the event control unit receives a request from the network device, the event control unit inquires of the scheduling unit whether network control is possible or not, and controls the network device according to the transmission path control procedure information generated by the scheduling unit. Further, not only the failure recovery, but also the operation of adjusting the propagation delay time of the transmission line when adding or deleting the transmission line.

  Here, the procedure information will be briefly described. The network management device stores a setting command format determined for each vendor or for each control content in a memory in the network management device. A script file that refers to the setting command format, edits the setting command format according to the situation, and describes the control procedure of the network management apparatus for each vendor or for each control content is referred to as procedure information.

  The present invention is a network management apparatus that is applied to a network having a layer structure and includes scheduling means for controlling a request of a client apparatus for use of a device or a transmission path constituting the network, and is a feature of the present invention. Means for collecting event information including a transmission path setting request, deletion request or change request generated by the network device, and setting, deletion searched by the scheduling means based on the collected event information, Alternatively, there is provided an event control means including means for controlling the network device according to a predetermined procedure in order to control the transmission path to be changed.

  Furthermore, when the format of the information to be transmitted / received between the client device and the scheduling unit does not match, a format adapting unit that adapts the format can be provided.

  As a result, it is possible to realize a network management apparatus that can centrally manage requests from various client apparatuses. Further, the network device settings can be changed in response to an immediate request such as a change in the network configuration generated by the network device. In other words, the network management device of the present invention can immediately use the transmission path by collecting event information in advance and searching for the transmission path as well as the conventional reservation system processing that is required to use the transmission path in the future. The required immediate processing can also be executed.

  The scheduling means includes means for searching for a transmission path in response to a request for use of the transmission path of the layer “X” from the client device, and the searching means includes a layer “X” adapted to the request. If a transmission path that matches the request is searched for by the layer downward search means, the layer downward search means that sequentially lowers the layer one by one and searches for the transmission path is searched. Assuming that the transmission path is an existing transmission path, one layer is moved up and the transmission path is searched under the assumed condition. When a transmission path is searched by this, the transmission path is assumed to be an existing transmission path. Then, a layer advance search means for repeatedly executing one layer and searching for a transmission line under the assumed condition until the initial layer “X” is reached; It can comprise means to stop the search if the transmission path conforming to the request by lowering search means search not even in the lowest layer.

  Thereby, it is possible to search for a transmission path by using the information of the multi-layer network resource. Further, since the transmission path search is executed in accordance with the policy of preferentially using the network resources of the logical layer such as layer 2 or layer 3, the network resources of the physical layer such as layer 1 are not excessively used. In particular, it is possible to reduce the number of physical layer network resources that require equipment costs.

  Further, the scheduling means manages a plurality of IP address pairs in the same subnet in advance for each subnet, and selects one of the preset IP address pairs in the control of the transmission path via the subnet. Means can be provided for assigning a subnet including the IP address pair to the interface, which is used as an interface between nodes connected by a transmission path.

  As a result, a layer 3 connection can be established in the case where the layer 1 connection between layer 3 device groups such as routers is flexibly changed. The IP address of the interface group connecting the routers needs to be the same subnet. Usually, the IP address of the interface group between the routers of the connection relation newly established by changing the connection between the routers is in a different subnet. Conventionally, when such a connection relationship between routers is changed, packet communication is stopped. However, in the present invention, an IP address of an interface group between routers is logically assigned to one of a pair of IP addresses previously managed. The packet communication between the interfaces can be established without interruption, so that the suspension of the packet communication can be avoided.

  The scheduling means manages a plurality of VLAN tag IDs in advance, and selects one of the preset VLAN tag IDs for transmission path control and assigns it to an interface of a node connected by the transmission path. Can be provided.

  As a result, it is possible to clearly separate a packet group of a plurality of small-capacity transmission paths reserved or secured in a large-capacity transmission path and guarantee the bandwidth.

  Further, the scheduling means can comprise means for re-searching the transmission path so that the network resource amount is less than the threshold when the reserved network resource amount is equal to or greater than the threshold.

  As a result, a reroute search for the reserved transmission path can be performed to obtain an optimal path, and resources of unreserved network devices can be secured.

  Further, the scheduling means includes: whether or not transmission path bandwidth adjustment is supported; transmission path delay time adjustment support; transmission path redundancy level adjustment support; determination information for the adjustment; transmission path Means for controlling the request on the basis of network management information including one or more of priority, SLA (Service Level Agreement) level, transmission path layer, and other related reservation identification information.

  Conventionally, transmission line start point, transmission line end point, transmission line identification number, transmission line use start time, transmission line use end time, transmission line holding time, transmission line band, transmission line delay Time, availability, redundancy level, communication charge, reservation identification information, reservation status, reservation processing status, reserved transmission path status, network management information message type, capture information, message sender identification information, message reception The identification information of the person was defined.

  First, the client device can specify a transmission path layer, thereby providing a service desired by the client device. For example, when the client device side desires layer 2 or layer 3 communication, the communication cost should be low. However, when the network management device side arbitrarily provides layer 1 communication to the client device, the communication cost of the client device increases.

  According to the present invention, an appropriate layer can be designated between the client device and the network management device.

  Furthermore, whether or not transmission path bandwidth adjustment is supported, transmission path delay time adjustment support or not, transmission path redundancy level adjustment support or not, judgment information for the adjustment, transmission path priority, SLA The level can be specified.

  When it is not possible to specify whether or not to support bandwidth adjustment of the transmission path, and when the number of transmission paths between network devices or the bandwidth within the transmission path is automatically expanded regardless of the client device's request An unexpected communication cost is generated on the client device side.

  According to the present invention, the network management device can provide a function of performing bandwidth adjustment in accordance with a request on the client device side. Similarly, a function for automatically adjusting the delay time of the transmission path can be provided. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a redundancy level adjustment function such as securing a spare transmission line in the transmission line according to the communication quality of the signal flowing on the transmission line.

  In addition, when network management information related to multiple transmission path usage requests competes for the use of network equipment required for the transmission path, appropriate network management is performed based on the priority of the transmission path in the network management information. It is possible to authorize the use of network equipment with priority given to information.

  In addition, according to the SLA level, the amount of network equipment used by the client device and the amount of network equipment that may be used can be estimated and secured in advance.

  In addition, by using the priority of the transmission path, it is possible to preferentially control the network device facilities to be competed among a plurality of network management information without securing the network device facilities that may be used. it can. However, priority control cannot be used when most of the network management information has the same priority. In such a case, by specifying the SLA level, it is possible to secure a large amount of network equipment in advance.

  Conventionally, reservation identification information exists, and this reservation identification information is reservation information based on a transmission path use request and is uniquely set. If there are usage requests for a plurality of transmission lines and they are strongly related to each other, all the usage requests need to be reservable. Assuming such a case, the network management device needs to grasp the relevance of all usage requests.

  Therefore, in the present invention, by specifying other related reservation identification information for confirming the relevance of the reservation identification information, when one of a plurality of related use requests cannot be reserved, other use request information The reservation status can be canceled.

  The present invention can also be viewed from the viewpoint of a network management method. That is, the present invention is a network management method that is applied to a network having a layer structure, and that is executed by a network management apparatus that controls a request of a client apparatus for use of a device or a transmission path constituting the network. The network management apparatus is searched based on the collected event information, the step of collecting event information including a setting request, a deletion request, or a change request for a transmission path generated by the network device. And a step of controlling the network device according to a predetermined procedure to control a transmission path to be set, deleted, or changed.

  Further, when the format of information to be transmitted / received between the client device and its own device does not match, the network management device can execute a format adapting step for adapting the format.

    The present invention can also be viewed from the viewpoint of a program. That is, the present invention is a program that, when installed in a general-purpose information processing apparatus, causes the general-purpose information processing apparatus to realize a function corresponding to the network management apparatus of the present invention.

  By recording the program of the present invention on a recording medium, the general-purpose information processing apparatus can install the program of the present invention using this recording medium. Alternatively, the program of the present invention can be directly installed on the general-purpose information processing apparatus via a network from a server that holds the program of the present invention.

  Thereby, the network management apparatus of this invention is realizable using a general purpose information processing apparatus.

  The program of the present invention includes not only a program that can be directly executed by a general-purpose information processing apparatus but also a program that can be executed by installing it on a hard disk or the like. Also included are those that are compressed or encrypted.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to centrally manage requests from a wide variety of client devices, and further, it is possible to unify reservation processing that is required to use a transmission path in the future and immediate processing that is required to use the transmission path immediately. Can be executed automatically.

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

(First Example)
The configuration of the network management apparatus of the first embodiment is shown in FIG. In the storage device 30, a system management information storage unit 17, a network management information storage unit 18, a procedure information storage unit 19, a network device setting information storage unit 20, a guard time storage unit 21, and a reservation information storage unit 22 are provided. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the client communication unit 11 receives network management information transmitted from the client device, and returns network management information for response. As shown in FIG. 2, when there are a wide variety of client devices, client communication units 11-1 to 11-n may be provided for each client device.

The format adaptation unit 12 converts the format of the network management information received from the client communication unit 11 and transmits it to the scheduling unit 13, and converts the format of the network management information received from the scheduling unit 13 and transmits it to the client communication unit 11. To do. An example of variables that can be transmitted and received in the network management information is shown below.
1. 1. Start point of transmission path 2. End point of transmission path 3. Start time of transmission line usage 4. End time of transmission line usage 5. Transmission line hold time 6. Bandwidth of transmission line 7. Support for bandwidth adjustment 8. Delay time of transmission line 9. Support for delay adjustment 10. Occupancy rate Redundancy level 12. 12. Support for redundancy level adjustment Communication fee14. Reservation identification information15. Other related reservation identification information 16. 18. Transmission path priority SLA level 18. Transmission path layer 19. Reservation status20. Status of reservation processing 21. State of reserved transmission line 22. Message type of network management information 23. Capture information 24. Message sender identification information 25. Message recipient identification information The starting and ending points of the transmission path are essential information. The remaining parameters are optional information. Further, when the reservation identification information is used, it is easy to search for network management information in the system management information on the system management information storage unit 17.

In the following, examples of variables in the network management information transmitted and received by the client apparatus # 1 of FIG.
1. 1. Start point of transmission path 2. End point of transmission path 3. Start time of transmission line usage 4. End time of transmission line usage 5. Bandwidth of transmission line 6. Transmission path delay time Occupancy rate8. Redundancy level 9. Reservation identification information10. Other related reservation identification information11. 11. Transmission path priority Layer 13 of transmission path Reservation status 14. State of reserved transmission line 15. 15. Message type of network management information Capture information 17. Message sender identification information18. Message recipient identification information

In the following, examples of variables in the network management information transmitted and received by the client apparatus # 2 of FIG.
1. 1. Start point of transmission path 2. End point of transmission path 3. Start time of transmission line usage 4. Transmission line hold time 5. Bandwidth of transmission line 6. Whether bandwidth adjustment is supported 7. Transmission line delay time 8. Support for delay adjustment Redundancy level 10. 10. Support for redundancy level adjustment Communication charge12. 13. Transmission path priority SLA level14. Layer 15 of transmission line Reservation status16. 18. Status of reservation processing State of reserved transmission line 18. 19. Network management information message type Capture information 20. Message sender identification information 21. Identification information of message recipient For example, client device # 1 designates the use time of the transmission line by the start time and end time, while client device # 2 designates the use time of the transmission line by the disclosure time and the hold time. . Client device # 1 specifies a communication fee, but client device # 2 does not specify a communication fee. That is, the client device changes the variable handled for each application, and the variable transmitted to the client communication unit 11 is also different. In addition, the same variable may have different meanings.

  The format adaptation unit 12 determines the correspondence relationship between various types of network management information and the variables as shown in FIG. 3 and performs mapping between the variables, thereby unifying the format of the network management information. In FIG. 3, variable values are copied between variables having the same name. If the variable is defined by the format adaptation unit 12 and the client device is an undefined variable, an invalid designation such as “NULL” in the program language is input to the variable.

  The format adaptation unit 12 arranges the variables in this way and passes the network management information to the scheduling unit 13. Conversely, the network management information received from the scheduling unit 13 is converted into a dedicated variable for each client device and passed to the client communication unit 11.

  The scheduling unit 13 looks at the contents of the network management information and returns a response according to the contents to the format adaptation unit 12. As types of network management information transmitted from the client device, there are a transmission channel reservation request, a reservation change of a reserved transmission channel, a reservation cancellation, a reservation status inquiry, a network free resource inquiry, and the like.

  On the other hand, as the type of network management information transmitted from the scheduling unit 13 to the client device, the response to the network management information of the client device, the reservation discard notification due to a failure of the network device, the reservation change notification, the communication quality in conflict with the SLA, etc. There is a deterioration notice.

  Further, the scheduling unit 13 manages system management information such as a transmission path reservation request, a connection status between network devices, an empty network device, and an alarm generated in the network on the system management information storage unit 17, and the network and Update any changes to the reservation. Furthermore, the scheduling unit 13 searches for a transmission path by calculating a transmission path in response to a transmission path reservation request, reservation reservation change of a reserved transmission path, and the like. The Dijkstra method is used as a route calculation method. However, a route calculation method other than the Dijkstra method may be used.

  The flow of route calculation by the scheduling unit 13 is shown in FIG. The network management information is referred to (S1), the system management information is searched based on the network management information (S2), and the route is calculated based on the searched system management information (S3).

  The system on the system management information storage unit 17 based on the transmission path start time, end time, bandwidth, delay time, etc. in the network management information stored on the network management information storage unit 18 during the route calculation. The management information is retrieved to collect the information, and a connection matrix necessary for route calculation is generated and stored in the system management information storage unit 17.

  Further, it is calculated whether the transmission path can be reserved based on the stored connection matrix. As a result of the calculation, if reservation or reservation is possible, the scheduling unit 13 notifies the client device which reservation is possible or reservation change is possible. The scheduling unit 13 generates network management information for response, and notifies the client device of the generated network management information.

  Thereafter, when the scheduling unit 13 receives a notification such as a reservation completion from the client device, the scheduling unit 13 updates the system management information on the system management information storage unit 17 as the reservation is completed. Further, procedure information for setting the reserved transmission path is generated, and procedure information for deleting is also generated and stored in the procedure information storage unit 19.

  If reservation is not possible as a result of the route calculation, a response is given to the client device that reservation is not possible. When the reservation is impossible, the network management information stored in the network management information storage unit 18 is discarded in a timely manner.

  As described above, it is easy to use the Dijkstra method as a route calculation method. However, it is also possible to use the Dijkstra method considering the multi-layer.

As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission line has a layer structure, and the TDM (Time
(Division Multiplexing) unit transmission path can be set, and further, a packet unit transmission path can be set in the TDM unit transmission path. Conversely, it is also possible to set one packet unit transmission path on a plurality of TDM unit transmission paths. Similarly, it is also possible to set one packet unit transmission path on a plurality of wavelength unit transmission paths.

  6 and 7 show the Dijkstra method in consideration of the multilayer. FIG. 8 shows a network model. In this embodiment, the layer 3 device is an IP router, the layer 1 device is a wavelength switch, and the nodes are connected by wavelength links. In FIG. 8, a layer 1 1 Gbps transmission path and a layer 3 0.6 Gbps transmission path that pass through layer 3 equipment # 1 -layer 1 equipment # 1 -layer 1 equipment # 2 -layer 3 equipment # 3. Is set.

  Similarly, a layer 1 1 Gbps transmission path and a layer 3 0.5 Gbps transmission path via layer 3 equipment # 2 -layer 1 equipment # 4 -layer 1 equipment # 5 -layer 3 equipment # 4 are set. Has been. An example of the connection matrix managed by the network management apparatus in this case is shown in FIG. The bandwidth of the reservable transmission path is entered in the column where the vertical item and the horizontal item intersect.

  In FIG. 8, a case will be described in which a layer 3 0.8 Gbps transmission path is searched and set between layer 3 device # 1 and layer 3 device # 3. Route calculation is performed in layer 3 according to FIG. That is, information such as a connection matrix and network resource amount in layer X is prepared (S10), and a route calculation in layer X is performed (S11). As a result, if the reservation is impossible (S12), the route calculation is repeatedly performed to the lowest layer until the layer is lowered and the reservation is possible (S15) (S13). If the reservation is still impossible (S14), the transmission path search is stopped.

  As described above, when the 0.8 Gbps transmission path cannot be searched and set only by the existing layer 3 network, the path is calculated in layer 1 with the layer lowered. In this embodiment, the connection matrix between layer 2 and layer 3 is the same, and is omitted.

  An example of a layer 1 connection row is shown in FIG. The number of wavelength links that can be reserved is entered in the column where the vertical item and the horizontal item intersect. When the route calculation of layer 1 is performed according to FIG. 6, it can be understood that the route of layer 3 device # 1-layer 1 device # 3-layer 3 device # 3 can be reserved. Therefore, it is assumed that the layer 1 transmission path of layer 3 device # 1-layer 1 device # 3-layer 3 device # 3 is set as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows the layer 3 connection matrix at that time. The band that can be reserved between the layer 3 device # 1 and the layer 3 device # 3 is 1.4 Gbps.

  Next, according to FIG. 7, the layers are moved up from layer 1 to layer 3, and the route calculation is performed using the connection matrix shown in FIG. That is, information such as a connection matrix and a network resource amount in layer i (i ≦ X) is prepared (S20), and a route calculation in layer i is performed (S21). As a result, if reservation is possible (S22), the route calculation is repeated up to the layer X by moving up the layer (S23). In this way, the layer 3 0.8 Gbps transmission path can be reserved via the layer 3 device # 1 -layer 1 device # 3 -layer 3 device # 3.

  As described above, the multi-layer Dijkstra method is used. However, the present invention may not be used. If not used, the number of transmission lines that can be reserved decreases.

  The network control unit 14 refers to the transmission path control procedure information generated by the scheduling unit 13, controls the network device according to the contents of the procedure information, and sets, deletes, or changes the setting of the transmission path. . The network control unit 14 can be realized by using Telnet client software or SSH (Secure Shell) client software. First, the scheduling unit 13 writes procedure information listing setting commands for controlling network devices to a script file.

  Next, the contents of the script file written by the Telnet client software as the network control unit 14 are written, and a setting command is transmitted to the network device via Telnet according to the contents of the script file. However, other methods may be used. The network controllers 14-1 to 14-n may be generated for each reservation request as shown in FIG. When it is generated for each reservation request, the network control unit 14-h (h is any one of 1 to n) is connected to another network control unit 14-j (j is any one of 1 to n and i ≠ j). It operates in a separate process, and the other network controllers 14-1 to 14-n are not affected by the processing status. However, a network control unit 14 may be provided for each network management apparatus 10 as shown in FIG.

The network monitoring unit 15 is SNMP (Simple Network Management).
Protocol), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and other communication protocols are supported. As a specific example, the network monitoring unit 15 has the functions of SNMP Manager and OSPF. In addition to receiving information from network devices, it periodically queries network device information. The communication result is stored in the network device setting information storage unit 20. The scheduling unit 13 refers to the stored information and uses it for route calculation in the scheduling unit 13.

  The event control unit 16 can be realized by Telnet client software or a combination of SSH client software and SNMP Manager. Similar to the network control unit 14, the event control unit 16 controls network devices and the like by transmitting and receiving setting commands.

  Here, the difference between the event control unit 16 and the network control unit 14 will be briefly described. The event control unit 16 receives a notification such as an insufficient optical path bandwidth from a network device through a protocol such as SNMP Trap, and the scheduling unit. 13 determines the setting change of the router for controlling the additional optical path, and controls the router to set the additional optical path. Thus, the network device is set based on the status of the network device. In contrast, the network control unit 14 simply controls the network device based on the control content determined by the scheduling unit 13.

  A method of using the event control unit 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 13, the network device monitors the inflow / outflow traffic amount of the transmission line # 1, and notifies the event control unit 16 of the inflow / outflow traffic amount data or the data processed according to the judgment result of the network device. For example, the event control unit 16 determines that the bandwidth of the transmission path # 1 is insufficient according to the received content, and adds network management information for adding the same transmission path of the start node and the end node of the transmission path Is generated and notified to the scheduling unit 13.

  The scheduling unit 13 refers to the network management information, determines that it is necessary to immediately secure a transmission line parallel to the transmission line # 1, and determines whether the transmission line can be immediately secured based on the determination result. Calculate based on the calculation method. When determining that the bandwidth can be increased, the scheduling unit 13 generates, for example, procedure information for setting the transmission path # 2 shown in FIG. 13 and stores it in the procedure information storage unit 19, and the event control unit 16 Command to execute the generated procedure information. The event control unit 16 refers to the procedure information on the procedure information storage unit 19 and controls the network device.

  According to the present invention, a new transmission line can be immediately added when the bandwidth of a transmission line in a certain section is insufficient. On the contrary, when the bandwidth of the transmission path is excessive, it is possible to delete the excess transmission path.

  In FIG. 14, the network equipment measures the propagation delay times of the packets on the transmission path # 1 and the transmission path # 2, and in order to make the propagation delay times of the transmission path # 1 and the transmission path # 2 coincide, Is notified to the event control unit 16. When the event control unit 16 confirms the difference in delay time and determines that the delay time needs to be adjusted, the event control unit 16 generates network management information for requesting the adjustment of the delay time and notifies the scheduling unit 13 of the network management information.

  The scheduling unit 13 refers to the network management information, confirms the difference in delay time, and determines whether or not the delay time can be adjusted. If the scheduling unit 13 determines that the delay can be adjusted, the scheduling unit 13 generates procedure information for adjusting the delay, stores the procedure information in the procedure information storage unit 19, and instructs the event control unit 16 to control the network device. The event control unit 16 controls the network device according to the procedure on the procedure information storage unit 19 based on the command.

  In FIG. 15, the network device monitors the communication quality of the inflow / outflow traffic on the working transmission line, and notifies the event control unit 16 of the quality information data or the data processed according to the judgment result of the network device. For example, the network device sets a new transmission path to the event control unit 16 and notifies that the new transmission path is a transmission path with a high priority.

  The event control unit 16 stores the received content in the network management information storage unit 17 and compares the received content with a judgment algorithm set inside. For example, the event control unit 16 determines that it is necessary to set a backup transmission path for a new transmission path, creates network management information for setting the backup transmission path, and notifies the scheduling unit 13 of the network management information.

  The scheduling unit 13 refers to the network management information and calculates whether or not an immediate reserve transmission path can be secured based on the path calculation method. When the scheduling unit 13 determines that the backup transmission path can be set, for example, the scheduling unit 13 generates the procedure information for setting the backup transmission path illustrated in FIG. 15 and stores the procedure information in the procedure information storage unit 19. The event control unit 16 is instructed. The event control unit 16 refers to the procedure information on the procedure information storage unit 19 and controls the network device based on the reference content.

  According to the present invention, a standby transmission line can be dynamically added to a transmission line having only an active system. Furthermore, the network device monitors the priority of the inflow / outflow signal on the transmission path, the traffic amount, and the like, and notifies the event control unit 16 of the monitoring information or the monitoring information processed according to the determination result of the network device. For example, the event control unit 16 stores the received content in the network management information storage unit 18 and compares the received content with a determination algorithm set inside.

  The event control unit 16 determines that it is necessary to separately divide the high priority signal and the low priority transmission line into different transmission lines, and transmit the signal for high priority or low priority. Network management information for immediately securing a route is generated and notified to the scheduling unit 13. The scheduling unit 13 calculates, based on the received network management information, whether or not the transmission path can be immediately secured based on the path calculation method.

  When the scheduling unit 13 determines that a transmission path for high priority or low priority can be secured, the scheduling unit 13 generates procedure information for setting the secured transmission path, and stores it in the procedure information storage unit 19. Store and notify the event control unit 16. The event control unit 16 refers to the procedure information on the procedure information storage unit 19 and controls the network device based on the procedure information.

  In the above, the event control unit 16 directly notifies the scheduling unit 13 of the generated network management information. However, the event control unit 16 may notify the scheduling unit 13 via the format adaptation unit 12 or the client communication unit 11 and the format adaptation unit 12.

  In the above case, depending on the priority given to each reservation and request for immediate reservation, the reservation of the competing transmission line and the like may be discarded, and the request with high priority may be given priority. When there is a request to add a transmission line immediately, and when it cannot be added in conflict with another transmission line that has already been reserved, the priority of the transmission line to be added and the transmission line that has already been reserved It is possible to perform a process of setting a transmission line with a higher priority by comparing with the priority and canceling the reservation of the already reserved transmission line as necessary.

  As shown above, when a transmission path is added, deleted, or changed, changes occur in the equipment and the amount of equipment that can be reserved and are managed on the system management information storage unit 17. System management information that needs to be updated.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize the network management apparatus 10 that can centrally manage requests from various client apparatuses. Further, the network device settings can be changed in response to an immediate request such as a change in the network configuration generated by the network device. That is, the network management apparatus 10 according to the present invention can centrally execute a reservation system process that is required to use a transmission path in the future and an immediate system process that is required to use the transmission path immediately.

(Second embodiment)
The second embodiment is the network management apparatus 10 and the network management method of the first embodiment, and shows an example in which the operation method is expanded.

  A guard time for a reservation or the like will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 shows a transmission channel reservation request and shows the start time and end time. If the client device requests reservation, reservation change, etc. from the network management device 10 at a time closer to the start time than point A in the drawing, reservation is not possible or reservation change is not possible. The time from the point A to the start time is set as the guard time 1 and set in the network management device 10.

  Further, the network management apparatus 10 considers the control time of the network device, and disables the network resources used for the reserved transmission path from the reservation end time of the drawing to the point B. The network management apparatus 10 responds to the reservation request that needs to use this network resource from the end time of the reservation of the drawing to the point B, and makes a reservation impossible response. The guard time 2 is from the reservation end time to the point B in the drawing.

  The guard time is stored in the guard time storage unit 21 inside the network management device 10. In the transmission path reservation, the time obtained by subtracting the guard time 1 from the start time and the time obtained by adding the guard time 2 from the end time are used as the real reservation time of the transmission path, and are used for route calculation for determining whether or not reservation is possible. Use.

  The guard time 1 and the guard time 2 are set in consideration of the time until the network management device 10 completes the control of the network device. However, it can be diverted for other reasons.

  The network management apparatus 10 and the network management method of the present invention respond with a reservation impossible response to a reservation request for a very long period, for example, several years ahead. The time used as the determination criterion is stored in the guard time storage unit 21 inside the network management apparatus 10. However, the timing can be changed by changing the setting.

  The scheduling unit 13 confirms the setting on the guard time storage unit 21 according to a reservation request from the client device, and determines whether it is in conflict with a time when reservation is not possible. The network management apparatus 10 and the network management method of the present invention can have the guard time setting function as described above.

  The network management apparatus 10 and the network management method of the present invention have a contention control function in the scheduling unit 13 or the format adaptation unit 12 when a plurality of reservation requests require the use of equipment of the same network device. May be. In this embodiment, reservation requests are processed on a first-come-first-served basis.

  For example, a plurality of network management information received by the scheduling unit 13 is stored in the network management information storage unit 18 in the network management device 10. When storing, a young number is assigned in the order of arrival.

  Next, the scheduling unit 13 refers to the stored network management information numbers, reads them from the network management information storage unit 18 in ascending order, and performs route calculation for determining whether reservation is possible. The type adaptation unit 12 having contention control arranges reservation requests generated almost simultaneously in order based on a slight time difference, and processes the reservation requests according to the order.

  In the network management device 10 and the network management method of the present invention, the network device setting information storage unit 20 in the network management device 10 stores the settings of the network device before the control in preparation for failure of the network device control in the network control unit 14. And a rollback function for returning the setting stored when the control fails to the network device.

  The network management apparatus 10 may fail to control the network device in the process of transmitting a plurality of settings to the network device and receiving the response. The rollback function makes it possible to restore the settings of network devices that have failed to be controlled.

The network management apparatus 10 and the network management method of the present invention are NTP (Network
A network time synchronization function represented by Time Protocol) can be provided. The scheduling unit 13 refers to time information inside the network management device 10 when storing the reservation information of the transmission path in the reservation information storage unit 22 or setting the reserved transmission path. Time information can be accurately maintained via NTP. By ensuring synchronization with the client device and the network device, the service can be provided at an accurate time.

  The network management device 10 and the network management method of the present invention may have a system redundancy function. FIG. 17 shows an example of system redundancy. In the plurality of network management devices 10-1 to 10-M, the event control unit 16 or the network monitoring unit 15 is stored in the system management information storage unit 17 in each network management device 10-1 to 10-M. The system management information is read and exchanged with other network management apparatuses 10-1 to 10-M.

  As described above, synchronization of the system management information is ensured among the plurality of network management apparatuses 10-1 to 10-M. The proxy devices 20-1 to 20-N transfer network management information from the client device to the network management devices 10-1 to 10-M to an appropriate network management device 10-I (I is any one of 1 to M). To do.

  The network management device 10 and the network management method of the present invention may include a load distribution function for each domain of network management by a plurality of network management devices 10-1 to 10-L. FIG. 18 shows an example of load distribution for network management. The network monitoring unit 15 or the event control unit 16 transfers the system management information on the system management information storage unit 17 in the network management devices 10-1 to 10-L to other network management devices 10-1 to 10-L. The exchanged system management information is stored in the system management information storage unit 17. As described above, the system management information of other domains is shared.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the network management apparatus 10 and the network management method of the first embodiment are further expanded.

  With reference to FIG. 19, the IP address and subnet allocation of the third embodiment will be described. Transmission path # 1 is set, and layer 3 equipment # 1 and layer 3 equipment # 4 are in layer 3 communication. At this time, the network management apparatus 10 assigns the managed IP address and subnet to the layer 3 function # 1 and the layer 3 device # 4. The network management device manages the assigned IP address and subnet as unassignable to other transmission paths.

  Next, transmission path # 1 is deleted. At this time, the network management apparatus 10 removes the IP address and subnet assigned to the layer 3 device # 1 and the layer 3 device # 4, and updates the management so that it can be assigned to another transmission path.

  Next, transmission path # 2 is set. The network management device 10 selects an assignable one of the managed IP address and subnet, and assigns it to the layer 3 device # 1 and the layer 3 device # 2 at the end of the set transmission path # 2. Further, the management is updated so that the assigned IP address and subnet cannot be assigned.

  Conventionally, when the network addresses of the interface IP addresses of the layer 3 device # 2 and the layer 3 device # 4 are different, and the network addresses of the IP addresses of the interfaces of the layer 3 device # 1 and the layer 3 function # 4 match. When layer 3 device # 1 switches from transmission line # 1 to transmission line # 2, layer 3 device # 1 cannot establish layer 3 communication with layer 3 device # 2.

  According to the present invention, the transmission path can be flexibly switched, and establishment of layer 3 communication can be ensured even after switching.

  When assigning an IP address and subnet as described above, the network management device 10 and the network management method have a function of starting the ARP protocol between the layer 3 functions to which the IP address and subnet are assigned. May be. The time required for establishing the layer 3 communication after setting the transmission path is shortened.

  The VLAN tag ID assignment will be described with reference to FIG. Transmission line # 1, transmission line # 2, and transmission line # 3 are set. At this time, the network management apparatus 10 assigns one of the managed VLAN tag IDs to the device # 1, the device # 4, the layer 3 device # 1, and the layer 3 device # 2. Similarly, another VLAN tag ID is assigned to device # 2, device # 5, layer 3 device # 1, and layer 3 device # 2.

  The transmission line # 2 and the transmission line # 3 are managed by different VLAN tag IDs, and are transmission lines in which the packets are not mixed. The network management device 10 manages the VLAN tag ID assigned to the transmission line # 2 and the transmission line # 3 as being unassignable. Next, transmission path # 2 is deleted.

  At this time, the network management apparatus 10 removes the VLAN tag ID assigned to the device # 1, the device # 4, the layer 3 device # 1, and the layer 3 device # 2, and performs management so that the removed VLAN tag ID can be assigned. Update. Further, transmission line # 4 is set.

  At this time, the network management apparatus 10 selects one of the managed VLAN tag IDs and assigns it to the device # 3, the device # 6, the layer 3 device # 1, and the layer 3 device # 2. . The network management device 10 updates the management so that the VLAN tag ID assigned for the transmission line # 4 cannot be assigned. At this time, the transmission path # 3 and the transmission path # 4 are managed by different VLAN tag IDs, and are transmission paths in which mutual packets are not mixed.

  When the VLAN tag ID is not assigned to the transmission line # 2, the transmission line # 3, and the transmission line # 4, packets are mixed between the transmission lines, and an accurate bandwidth cannot be guaranteed. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a packet from being mixed between transmission lines and to guarantee bandwidth.

  Further, by assigning a VLAN tag ID, a VLAN tunnel (logical communication path) can be set between devices to which the VLAN tag ID is assigned. In the example of FIG. 20, for example, by assigning a VLAN tag ID between the layer 3 device # 1 and the layer 3 device # 2, the VLAN is set in the transmission path between the layer 3 device # 1 and the layer 3 device # 2. You can set up a tunnel.

  Further, when it is desired to set a VLAN tunnel on the transmission path # 4 between the device # 3 and the device # 6, the same VLAN is set for the device # 3, the layer 3 device # 1, the layer 3 device # 2, and the device # 6. A tag ID may be assigned.

  Alternatively, by assigning the same VLAN tag ID to the interfaces of transmission line # 3 and transmission line # 4 in layer 3 equipment # 1 and layer 3 equipment # 2, transmission line # 3 and transmission line # 4 share the same VLAN tunnel. can do.

  Furthermore, the same VLAN tag ID as that of layer 3 device # 1 and layer 3 device # 2 is assigned to the interface of device # 3 and device # 6 in layer 3 device # 1 and layer 3 device # 2, and layer 3 device # 1 and When different VLAN tag IDs are assigned to the interfaces of the device # 2 and the device # 5 in the layer 3 device # 2, a VLAN tunnel is set between the device # 3 and the device # 6. It is also possible to partially use or share the VLAN tunnel such that no VLAN tunnel is set between the device 2 and the device # 5 and the device # 3 and the device # 6.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the network management apparatus 10 and the network management method of the first embodiment are further expanded.

  With reference to FIG. 21, the re-search of the transmission path of the scheduling unit 13 will be described. In FIG. 21, the network management apparatus 10 is not shown, but the network management apparatus 10 and the devices in the figure are connected. When the network management apparatus 10 receives reservations for a large number of transmission paths, the network management apparatus 10 may reserve a transmission path that is far from the shortest path, such as the transmission path # 1, based on the facilities of the network equipment that can be reserved. However, when other reservations are canceled later and the number of network equipment that can be reserved increases, it becomes possible to reserve the shortest path or a transmission path close to the shortest path.

  In the above case, the network management apparatus 10 performs a search again for the transmission path, and re-reserves a path such as the transmission path # 2.

  An example of conditions for the network management apparatus 10 to start a re-search will be described. The first example is a case where the amount of network equipment that can be reserved is large and exceeds the set threshold. The second example is a case where the amount of network equipment that can be reserved is small and falls below a set threshold.

  According to the present invention, the route of the reserved transmission path is brought close to the shortest route, and services can be provided for many reservations.

(Fifth embodiment)
The fifth embodiment is based on the network management device 10 and the network management method of the first embodiment.

  The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 22, the network management apparatus 10 is not shown, but the network management apparatus 10 and the devices in the figure are connected. In the network management apparatus 10 that manages the network of FIG. 22, it is assumed that there is a reservation for use of the transmission line # 1, and the priority is low based on the priority information in the network management information at this time. Next, a use reservation for the transmission path # 2 arrives at the network management apparatus 10. When the transmission line # 1 and the transmission line # 2 are in a competitive relationship, and each use reservation requires use of the transmission line in the same time zone, contention control and priority control are performed between the two use reservations. There is a need to do. At this time, if the priority information of the use reservation of the transmission line # 2 has high priority, the use reservation of the transmission line # 1 is discarded.

  Such contention control and priority control can be performed.

(Sixth embodiment)
The sixth embodiment is based on the network management apparatus 10 and the network management method of the first embodiment.

  The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 23, the network management apparatus 10 is not shown, but the network management apparatus 10 and the devices in the figure are connected. Assume that transmission line # 1 and transmission line # 3 are set. When the amount of traffic flowing through the transmission path # 1 increases, an extension request arrives at the event control unit 16 of the network management apparatus 10 that manages the network of FIG. Although the network management apparatus 10 tries to determine whether or not the transmission line # 2 is added, the transmission line # 2 cannot be set because the transmission line # 3 exists. At this time, the network management apparatus 10 compares and evaluates the priority given to the transmission line # 1 and the priority given to the transmission line # 3. For example, when the priority of the transmission line # 1 is high, the network management apparatus 10 sets the transmission line # 2.

(Seventh embodiment)
Also, in this embodiment, by installing in a general-purpose information processing apparatus, functions corresponding to the functions of the network management apparatuses 10, 10-1 to 10-M of the present embodiment are realized in the general-purpose information processing apparatus. It can be implemented as a program. This program is recorded on a recording medium and installed in a general-purpose information processing apparatus, or installed in a general-purpose information processing apparatus via a communication line, so that the network management apparatus 10, 10 is installed in the general-purpose information processing apparatus. -1 to 10-M, client communication units 11, 11-1 to 11-n, format adaptation unit 12, scheduling unit 13, network control units 14, 14-1 to 14-n, network monitoring unit 15, event control unit 16. Functions corresponding to the functions of the storage device 30 can be realized.

  Thereby, the network management apparatus 10, 10-1 to 10-M of the present embodiment can be realized using a general-purpose information processing apparatus.

  The program of this embodiment includes not only a program that can be directly executed by a general-purpose information processing apparatus but also a program that can be executed by installing it on a hard disk or the like. Also included are those that are compressed or encrypted.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to centrally manage requests from a wide variety of client devices, and further, it is possible to unify reservation processing that is required to use a transmission path in the future and immediate processing that is required to use the transmission path immediately. Therefore, even if the client device or the service specification is changed, it can be handled only by changing the client communication means, and the cost can be reduced. Further, network control corresponding to various requests from network devices can be performed.

The figure which shows the principle structural example of the network management apparatus of this invention. The figure which shows the principle structural example of the network management apparatus of this invention in case a some client apparatus and network apparatus exist. The figure which shows the example of a variable mapping in a format adaptation part. The flowchart which shows the flow of the route calculation in a scheduling part. The figure which shows the layer structure of a transmission line. The flowchart which shows the flow of the route search method (the 1) in a scheduling part. The flowchart which shows the flow of the route search method (the 2) in a scheduling part. The figure which shows the network structure of a 1st Example. The figure which shows the connection matrix of the layer 3 in the network structure of FIG. The figure which shows the connection matrix of the layer 1 in the network structure of FIG. The figure which shows the network structure at the time of adding the transmission line of a 1st Example. The figure which shows the connection matrix of the layer 1 in the network structure of FIG. The figure for demonstrating the zone | band adjustment function by cooperation with a network management apparatus and a network apparatus. The figure for demonstrating the delay adjustment function of the transmission line by cooperation with a network management apparatus and a network apparatus. The figure for demonstrating the redundancy level adjustment function of the transmission line by cooperation with a network management apparatus and network equipment. The figure for demonstrating the guard time of 2nd Example. The figure for demonstrating system redundancy of the network management apparatus of a 2nd Example. The figure which shows the example of load distribution of the network management apparatus of 2nd Example. The figure for demonstrating the automatic allocation of the IP address of a 3rd Example. The figure for demonstrating automatic allocation of VLAN tag ID of a 3rd Example. The figure for demonstrating rescheduling of 4th Example. The figure for demonstrating the competition control between the use reservations of 5th Example. The figure for demonstrating the competition control in connection with the event control of 6th Example.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10-1 to 10-M Network management device 11, 11-1 to 11-n Client communication unit 12 Format adaptation unit 13 Scheduling unit 14, 14-1 to 14-n Network control unit 15 Network monitoring unit 16 Event control Unit 17 System management information storage unit 18 Network management information storage unit 19 Procedure information storage unit 20 Network device setting information storage unit 21 Guard time storage unit 22 Reservation information storage unit 30 Storage device

Claims (9)

Is applied to the network layer structure, in Rene Ttowaku management device to control the requests of the client device for use in a network device or transmission path constituting the network,
Event information collection means for collecting event information including a transmission path setting request, a deletion request, or a change request generated by the network device;
Scheduling means for searching for a transmission path based on the event information collected by the event information collecting means ;
Network equipment control means for controlling the network equipment in accordance with a predetermined procedure in order to control a transmission path searched for by the scheduling means to be set, deleted, or changed ;
Equipped with a,
The scheduling means comprises means for searching for a transmission path in response to a request for use of the transmission path of the layer “X” from the client device,
This means of searching is
When the transmission path of the layer “X” conforming to the request is not searchable, layer downward search means for searching the transmission path by sequentially lowering the layers one by one;
When a transmission path suitable for the request is searched by this layer lowering search means, the transmission path is assumed to be an existing transmission path and the transmission path is searched under the assumption condition by raising one layer. As a result, when a transmission path is searched, the procedure for searching for a transmission path under the assumption is further changed to the initial layer “X” by assuming that the transmission path is an existing transmission path and further raising the layer by one. A layer advance search means that repeatedly executes until it reaches,
Means for canceling the search when the transmission path adapted to the request cannot be searched even in the lowest layer by the layer carry-down search means;
Network management apparatus characterized by comprising a.   2. The network management device according to claim 1, further comprising a format adapting unit adapted to adapt the format of information to be transmitted and received between the client device and the scheduling unit when the format does not match. The scheduling means manages a plurality of IP address pairs in the same subnet in advance for each subnet, and selects one of the preset IP address pairs in the control of the transmission path via the subnet. 3. The network management device according to claim 1, further comprising means for assigning a subnet including the IP address pair to the interface, which is used as an interface between nodes connected by the network. The scheduling means includes means for managing a plurality of VLAN tag IDs in advance, and selecting one of the preset VLAN tag IDs for transmission path control and assigning it to an interface of a node connected by the transmission path. The network management device according to claim 1 or 2 .   3. The network management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scheduling means includes means for re-searching a transmission path so that the network resource amount is less than the threshold when the reserved network resource amount is equal to or greater than the threshold. .   The scheduling means includes: whether or not transmission path bandwidth adjustment is supported; transmission path delay time adjustment support; transmission path redundancy level adjustment support; determination information for the adjustment; transmission path priority 2. Network management according to claim 1, further comprising means for controlling said request based on network management information including one or more of a service level agreement (SLA) level, a transmission line layer, and other related reservation identification information. apparatus. In a network management method that is applied to a network having a layer structure and executed by a network management device that controls a request of a client device for use of a network device or a transmission path constituting the network ,
An event information collecting means for collecting event information including a transmission path setting request, a deletion request, or a change request generated by the network device;
A scheduling unit searching for a transmission path based on the event information collected by the event information collecting unit ;
A network device control means for controlling the network device according to a predetermined procedure for controlling a transmission path to be set, deleted or changed searched by the scheduling means ;
The scheduling means executes a step of searching for a transmission path in response to a request for use of the transmission path of the layer “X” from the client device,
This exploring step is
If the transmission path of the layer “X” conforming to the request cannot be searched, a layer down search step for searching the transmission path by sequentially lowering the layers one by one;
When a transmission path that matches the request is found by this layer deferral search step, the transmission path is assumed to be an existing transmission path, and the transmission path is searched under the assumption condition by raising one layer. As a result, when a transmission path is searched, the procedure for searching for a transmission path under the assumption is further changed to the initial layer “X” by assuming that the transmission path is an existing transmission path and further raising the layer by one. A layer advance search step that repeats until it reaches,
A step of stopping the search when the transmission path adapted to the request cannot be searched even in the lowest layer by the layer lowering search step;
Network management method characterized in that it comprises a. 8. The network management according to claim 7 , wherein the format adaptation means of the network management device executes a format adaptation step of adapting the format of information to be transmitted / received between the client device and the own device if the format is not compatible. Method. A program that, when installed in a general-purpose information processing apparatus, causes the general-purpose information processing apparatus to realize a function corresponding to the network management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

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