JPH07288539A - Ring network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a ring network system in which reconfiguration of a ring is not caused even when a start state of computers connecting directly to the ring network is changed. CONSTITUTION:When supply of drive power is stopped from an external power supply 41 to a computer 11 due to any reason, the function of the computer 11 is stopped but since backup power is successively supplied from an internal backup power supply 61 to a medium access control section 21 of the computer 11, ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 is not caused.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ring network system, and more specifically, it includes a ring network in which a plurality of computers are directly connected, and data transmission between computers via the ring network. The present invention relates to a ring type network system for performing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A ring network is used for a network such as a LAN (local area network) which requires high speed and high bandwidth data communication. Recently, FDDI (Fiber D) of a ring type network having a band of 100 Mbps using an optical fiber as a medium is used.
isturbuted Data Interface
e) is becoming popular as an international standard. In addition, the ring network is used as a backbone network because it has high speed and high bandwidth characteristics, and a computer performs data communication through a branch network connected to the ring network by a packet relay device. However, in recent years
With the dramatic improvement in the performance of computers, data communication through low-speed branch line networks has become a limitation. Therefore, in recent years, in order to realize high-speed data communication, computers have been directly connected to the ring network, or part of the ring has been directly connected to the computer by a concentrator connected to the ring network. ing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a conventional ring network system. In FIG.
The computers 11, 12, and 13 perform packet transmission / reception using the media access control units 21, 22, and 23 that control packet transmission / reception on the network.
The external power sources 41, 42 and 43 are the computer 11,
Driving power is supplied to 12 and 13. The ring network 30 includes a main ring 301 and a sub ring 302, and is connected to the media access control units 21, 22, 23.

Here, it is assumed that the connection between the computer 11 and the external power supply 41 is disconnected for some reason (such as when a power switch (not shown) is turned off or a disconnection occurs). At this time, since the function of the computer 11 is stopped and the function of the media access control unit 21 is stopped at the same time, reconfiguration of the ring of the ring network 30 occurs. That is, the main ring 3 on the computer 12, 13 side
01 and the sub-ring 302 are connected in a folded state, and the ring network 30 has the ring shape shown in FIG. However, since packet transmission cannot be performed while the ring is being reconfigured, all media access control units connected to the ring network 30 cannot perform packet transmission / reception during that period.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a conventional ring type network system. In FIG. 12, computers 11, 12, and 13 respectively perform packet transmission / reception using media access control units 21, 22, and 23 that control packet transmission / reception on the network. The external power sources 41, 42 and 43 are respectively the computer 1
1, 12, 13 drive power is supplied. The ring network 30 includes a main ring 301 and a sub ring 302, and is connected to the media access control units 21, 22, 23. However, the media access control units 22 and 23
Are connected only to the main ring 301 via the concentrator 50. The concentrator 50 is connected to the computer 12,
The ring form of the ring network 30 is changed according to the activation state of 13.

Here, it is assumed that the connection between the computer 12 and the external power supply 42 is cut off for some reason (when a power switch (not shown) is turned off or a disconnection occurs). At this time, the function of the computer 12 is stopped and the function of the media access control unit 22 is stopped at the same time, so that the reconfiguration of the ring of the ring network 30 occurs. That is, the concentrator 50 connects the media access control units 21 and 23 with the main ring 301, and the ring network 30 has the ring configuration shown in FIG. However, since packet transmission cannot be performed while the ring is being reconfigured, all media access control units connected to the ring network 30 cannot perform packet transmission / reception during that period.

[0007]

With the development of computers in recent years, the networks connected to them are required to have high-speed and high-bandwidth properties, and the number of computers directly connected to a ring network as a backbone network is also increased. It tends to increase. Here, if the computer is a conventional network configuration in which it is connected to the branch network via a packet relay device, the change in the computer startup does not affect the ring network, which is the backbone network, but When directly connected to the type network, a computer start change causes a ring reconfiguration. In particular, as the number of computers connected to the ring network increases, the number of times of ring reconfiguration increases, which causes the ring network, which is a backbone network, to become unstable. For example, since the data flowing on the ring network when the ring reconfiguration occurs is discarded, the data is lost. In addition, since packet transmission cannot be performed during ring reconfiguration, the data transmission rate is reduced.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a ring type network system in which reconfiguration of the ring does not occur even if the activation state of a computer directly connected to the ring type network changes.

[0009]

The invention according to claim 1 is
A ring network system that includes a ring network in which multiple computers are directly connected and that transfers data between computers via the ring network. It is installed inside each computer and controls the transmission and reception of data. And a backup means for maintaining the power supply to the transmission control means provided therein even after the supply of the driving power to the computer is stopped.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the backup means includes an internal backup power supply provided inside the computer, and the internal backup power supply is provided to the transmission control means in the corresponding computer. It is characterized by supplying backup power only.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the backup means includes an internal backup power supply provided inside the computer, and the internal backup power supply is only the transmission control means in the corresponding computer. Instead, the backup power is supplied to the transmission control means in another computer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the backup means includes an external backup power source provided outside the computer, and the external backup power source is provided to the transmission control means in each computer. It is characterized by supplying backup power.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the backup means supplies the output of an external power source for supplying drive power to the computer to the transmission control means as backup power. And

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the backup means is not limited to the transmission control means in the corresponding computer for the output of each external power source individually provided for each computer. Instead, it is characterized in that it is also supplied as backup power to the transmission control means in another computer.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising a concentrator for changing the ring configuration of the ring network according to the start-up state of the computer, and the backup means is provided in the concentrator. It is characterized in that the backup power source supplies backup power only to the transmission control means in the computer connected to the concentrator.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising a concentrator that changes the ring configuration of the ring network according to the start-up state of the computer, and the backup means is provided in the concentrator. The backup power supply includes backup power for not only the transmission control means in the computer connected to the concentrator but also the transmission control means in other computers directly connected to the ring network. It is characterized by supplying.

[0017]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the power supply to the transmission control means provided inside the computer is maintained even after the supply of the drive power to the computer directly connected to the ring network is stopped. As a result, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network is prevented from occurring depending on the change in the startup state of the computer. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the factor that makes the ring network, which is the backbone network, unstable.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the internal backup power supply provided inside the computer supplies the backup power only to the corresponding transmission control means in the computer.

In the invention according to claim 3, the internal backup power supply provided inside the computer is for backup not only to the transmission control means in the corresponding computer but also to the transmission control means in other computers. Supply power.

In the invention according to claim 4, an external backup power supply provided outside the computer supplies backup power to the transmission control means in each computer.

In the invention according to claim 5, the output of the external power supply for supplying the driving power to the computer is supplied to the transmission control means as backup power. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly provide a backup power supply device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the output of each external power supply individually provided for each computer is not limited to the transmission control means in the corresponding computer but also the transmission control means in another computer. Is also supplied as backup power. Therefore, each transmission control means
Even if the corresponding external power source fails, backup power can be received from the external power source of another computer, improving reliability.

In the invention according to claim 7, the backup power supply provided in the concentrator supplies the backup power only to the transmission control means in the computer connected to the concentrator.

In the invention according to claim 8, the backup power supply provided in the concentrator is not only the transmission control means in the computer connected to the concentrator but also another directly connected to the ring network. The backup power is also supplied to the transmission control means in the computer.

[0025]

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ring network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, in a computer whose activation state is frequently changed, for example, in the computer 11, an internal backup power supply 61 for activating the media access control unit 21 when the power supply from the external power supply 41 to the computer 11 is stopped. Is provided. Other configurations are similar to those of the conventional ring-type network system shown in FIG. 10, and corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the media access control unit 21 which is an example of transmission control means. The other media access control units 22 and 2
It is pointed out in advance that 3 also has the same configuration as in FIG. In FIG. 2, the media access control unit 21
Ring state detection units 211 and 212 connected to the ring network 30 and a configuration switch control unit 213
A configuration switch unit 214 and a packet transmission / reception unit 215
And a ring controller 21 connected to the internal data bus DB.
6 and. Each ring state detection unit 211 and 212
Is the transmission line state of the ring network 30 (for example,
It detects whether or not a wire break has occurred) and notifies the configuration switch control unit 213. Configuration switch control unit 213
Depending on the transmission line state of the ring network 30,
The ring path in the configuration switch unit 214 is controlled.
The configuration switch unit 214 defines a ring path such as setting a return path. The packet transmission / reception unit 215 sends the data received from the internal data bus DB or the ring control unit 216 to the ring network 30 as a packet. Further, the packet received from the ring network 30 is passed as data to the internal data bus DB or the ring control unit 216. The ring control unit 216 cooperates with the ring control units of other nodes to perform processing such as token transmission / reception for maintaining the ring.

Here, in the ring type network system of FIG. 1, when the connection between the computer 11 and the external power supply 41 is disconnected for some reason (when a power switch (not shown) is turned off or a disconnection occurs. The case) is assumed. In this case, the electric power is not supplied from the external power supply 41, so that the function of the computer 11 is stopped. However, since the media access control unit 21 is continuously supplied with electric power from the internal backup power supply 61, its function does not stop. Therefore, even if the function of the computer 11 is stopped, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur.

By the way, in the first embodiment, since power is continuously supplied only to the media access control unit 21 of the computer 11, the reconfiguration of the ring occurs when the functions of the other computers 12 and 13 stop. Resulting in. Therefore,
Examples in which the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur even if the function of any computer in the system is stopped will be described below as second and third examples.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ring network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3
In, the internal backup power supply 61 provided in the computer 11 is the all media access control unit 2 in the system.
Backup power is supplied to 1, 22, and 23. The other structure is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

Here, in the ring network system of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the connection between the computer 12 and the external power supply 42 is cut off for some reason. In this case, since no power is supplied from the external power supply 42, the function of the computer 12 is stopped. However, the media access control unit 22 has an internal backup power source 6
Since the power is continuously supplied from 1, the function does not stop. Therefore, even if the function of the computer 12 is stopped,
Ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur. Similarly, when the connection between the other computer 11 (or 13) and the external power supply 41 (or 43) is disconnected,
Since power is continuously supplied from the internal backup power supply 61 to the media access control unit 21 (or 23) as it is, the function of the media access control unit 21 (or 23) does not stop. Therefore, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur even if the function of any computer in the system is stopped.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ring network system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4
In this embodiment, in place of the internal backup power supply 61 of FIG. 3, an external backup power supply 80 is provided outside the computer. This external backup power supply 80 is used for all media access control units 21, 22, 23 in the system.
Supply backup power to. The other structure is similar to that of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and the corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

Here, in the ring network system of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the connection between the computer 11 and the external power supply 41 is disconnected for some reason. In this case, the electric power is not supplied from the external power supply 41, so that the function of the computer 11 is stopped. However, since the media access control unit 21 is continuously supplied with power from the external backup power supply 80, its function does not stop. Therefore, even if the function of the computer 11 is stopped, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur. Similarly, when the connection between the other computer 12 (or 13) and the external power supply 42 (or 43) is disconnected, the power continues to be supplied from the external backup power supply 80 to the media access control unit 22 (or 23). To be supplied,
The function of the media access control unit 22 (or 23) does not stop. Therefore, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur even if the function of any computer in the system is stopped.

By the way, in the above first to third embodiments,
Although the backup power is supplied from the internal or external backup power supply 61 or 80 to the media access control unit, an alternative form in which backup power is supplied from the external power supply that drives the computer to the media access control unit is also considered. To be In such a form, since the external power supply for driving the computer is also used as the backup power supply for the media access control unit, it is not necessary to additionally provide a backup power supply device. Embodiments in this form will be described below as fourth and fifth embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ring network system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5
A power switch 71 is provided between the external power supply 41 and the computer 11. Further, drive power is directly supplied from the external power source 41 to the media control unit 21. Other configurations are similar to those of the conventional ring-type network system shown in FIG. 10, and corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

Here, in the ring network system of FIG. 5, when the power switch 71 is released, no power is supplied from the external power source 41, so that the function of the computer 11 is stopped. However, since the power is continuously supplied from the external power supply 41 to the media access control unit 21, its function does not stop. Therefore, the calculator 11
The ring reconfiguration of the ring-type network 30 does not occur even if the function of (1) stops.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ring network system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6
In, the external power supply 41 supplies drive power to the computer 11 and also supplies backup power to all the media access control units 21, 22, 23 in the system. Other configurations are similar to those of the conventional ring-type network system shown in FIG. 10, and corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

Here, in the ring type network system of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the connection between the computer 11 and the external power supply 41 is cut off for some reason. In this case, the electric power is not supplied from the external power supply 41, so that the function of the computer 11 is stopped. However, since the power is continuously supplied from the external power supply 41 to the media access control unit 21, its function does not stop. Therefore, even if the function of the computer 11 is stopped, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur. Similarly, when the connection between the other computer 12 (or 13) and the external power supply 42 (or 43) is disconnected, the external power supply 41 remains unchanged.
Since the power is continuously supplied from the device to the media access control unit 22 (or 23), the media access control unit 2
Function 2 (or 23) does not stop. Therefore, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur even if the function of any computer in the system is stopped.

In the fifth embodiment, when the external power supply 41 is stopped, backup power cannot be supplied to the media access control units 21-23 connected to the network. In order to avoid such a situation, it is possible to supply backup power to each media access control unit from a plurality of external power sources. An example in this form will be described below as a sixth example.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ring network system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7
In, the external power supply 41 supplies drive power to the computer 11 and also supplies backup power to all the media access control units 21, 22, 23 in the system. The external power supply 42 supplies driving power to the computer 12 and backup power to all media access control units 21, 22, 23 in the system. Further, the external power supply 43 supplies drive power to the computer 11 and also supplies backup power to all media access control units 21, 22, 23 in the system. The other structure is the same as that of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and the corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

Here, in the ring type network system of FIG. 7, it is assumed that the external power supply 41 is stopped for some reason. In this case, the electric power is not supplied from the external power supply 41, so that the function of the computer 11 is stopped.
However, since the power is continuously supplied to the media access control unit 21 from the other external power supply 42 or 43, its function does not stop. Therefore, the calculator 11
The ring reconfiguration of the ring-type network 30 does not occur even if the function of (1) stops. Similarly, even when the other external power supply 42 (or 43) is stopped, the media access control unit 2
2 (or 23) has external power sources 41, 43 (or 4)
Since the power is continuously supplied from (1, 42), the function of the media access control unit 22 (or 23) does not stop. Therefore, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur even when any external power source in the system is stopped, and the reliability is remarkably improved.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ring network according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, a backup power supply 90 is provided inside the concentrator 50. This backup power source 90 is used for the concentrator 5
The backup power is supplied to the media access control units 22 and 23 in the computers 12 and 13 connected to 0. Other configurations are similar to those of the conventional ring type network system shown in FIG. 12, corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Here, in the ring network system of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the connection between the computer 12 and the external power supply 42 is cut off for some reason. In this case, since no power is supplied from the external power supply 42, the function of the computer 12 is stopped. However, since the media access control unit 22 is continuously supplied with power from the backup power supply 90, its function does not stop. Therefore, even if the function of the computer 12 stops, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur. Similarly, even when the connection between the other computer 13 and the external power supply 43 is cut off, power is continuously supplied from the external power supply 41 to the media access control unit 23 as it is. Do not stop. Therefore, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur even if the function of any computer connected to the concentrator 50 is stopped.

By the way, in the seventh embodiment, the backup power supply 90 can supply the backup power only to the media access control unit of the computer connected to the concentrator 50. Therefore, backup power source 90
It is also possible to supply the backup power from the computer to the media access control unit in another computer connected to the network. An embodiment of this mode will be described below as an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ring network according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, a backup power supply 9 provided inside the concentrator 50
0 is the media access control unit 1 in all computers 11, 12, 13 connected to the ring network 30.
Backup power is supplied to 1, 22, and 23. The other structure is the same as that of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and the corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

Here, in the ring type network system of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the connection between the computer 11 and the external power supply 41 is disconnected for some reason. In this case, the electric power is not supplied from the external power supply 41, so that the function of the computer 11 is stopped. However, since the media access control unit 21 is continuously supplied with power from the backup power supply 90, its function does not stop. Therefore, even if the function of the computer 11 is stopped, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur. As described above, the ring reconfiguration of the ring network 30 does not occur even when the functions of the computers 12 and 13 connected to the concentrator 50 stop.

As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, in the ring network in which a plurality of computers are directly connected, when the function of the computer is stopped due to the stop of the power supply from the external power source, the inside of the computer is stopped. Since the backup power is supplied to the media access control unit provided in to prevent its function from being stopped, the ring of the ring network is prevented from being reconfigured even if the computer function is stopped. be able to.

[0047]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, even after the supply of the drive power to the computer directly connected to the ring network is stopped, the power supply to the transmission control means provided therein is maintained. Since this is done, it is possible to prevent the reconfiguration of the ring of the ring network even if the startup state of the computer changes. As a result, it is possible to remove the factor that makes the ring network, which is the backbone network, unstable.

According to the invention of claim 5, the output of the external power supply for supplying the drive power to the computer is supplied to the transmission control means as the backup power, so that the backup power supply device is newly added. There is no need to install it in the. As a result, the system configuration becomes simple and inexpensive.

According to the invention of claim 6, the output of each external power supply individually provided for each computer is not limited to the transmission control means in the corresponding computer but also the transmission control means in another computer. Even if the corresponding external power source fails, each transmission control means can receive the backup power from the external power source of another computer, and the reliability is high. improves.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ring network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a media access control unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ring network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ring network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ring network system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ring network system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ring network system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ring network system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ring network system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a conventional ring network system.

11 is a diagram showing a state where ring reconfiguration has occurred in the ring network system of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a conventional ring network system.

13 is a diagram showing a state where ring reconfiguration has occurred in the ring network system of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11-13 ... Computer, 21-23 ... Media access control unit 30 ... Ring network 301 ... Main ring 302 ... Secondary ring 41-43 ... External power supply 50 ... Concentrator 61 ... Internal backup power supply unit 71 ... Power switch 80 ... External Backup power supply 90 ... Backup power supply

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Doi 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Takashi Matsuda, 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A ring network system including a ring network in which a plurality of computers are directly connected, and performing data transmission between the computers via the ring network, the ring network system being provided inside each computer. A transmission control means for controlling transmission and reception of data, and a backup means for maintaining the power supply to the transmission control means provided therein even after the supply of drive power to the computer is stopped. Ring type network system. 2. The backup means includes an internal backup power supply provided inside the computer, and the internal backup power supply supplies backup power only to the transmission control means in the corresponding computer. The ring network system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The backup means includes an internal backup power supply provided inside the computer, and the internal backup power supply is not limited to the transmission control means in the corresponding computer, but also the transmission control in another computer. The ring network system according to claim 1, wherein backup power is also supplied to the means. 4. The backup means includes an external backup power supply provided outside the computer, and the external backup power supply supplies backup power to the transmission control means in each computer. The ring type network system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that. 5. The ring according to claim 1, wherein the backup means supplies an output of an external power supply for supplying drive power to the computer to the transmission control means as backup power. Type network system. 6. The backup means controls not only the transmission control means in the corresponding computer but also the transmission control means in another computer to output the output of each external power source individually provided for each computer. The ring network system according to claim 5, wherein the ring-type network system is also supplied as backup power. 7. The backup device further comprises a concentrator that changes a ring configuration of the ring network according to a start-up state of the computer, and the backup means includes a backup power supply provided in the concentrator. 2. The ring network system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply supplies backup power only to the transmission control means in the computer connected to the concentrator. 8. The backup device further comprises a concentrator that changes a ring configuration of the ring network according to a boot state of the computer, and the backup means includes a backup power source provided in the concentrator. The power supply supplies backup power not only to the transmission control means in the computer connected to the concentrator but also to the transmission control means in another computer directly connected to the ring network. The ring type network system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that.