JPH08237261A - Vp capacity controller and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To distribute equipment capacity corresponding to communication service demand and traffic quantity at that time to a network and to efficiently operate the communication network by dynamically changing the band of VP in response to the use situation of VP. CONSTITUTION: A VP use rate, an overflow rate and a cell loss rate are calculated by the traffic of VP(virtual path) stored in a traffic quality data storage part 54 or quality measurement data. Data in the traffic quality data storage part 54 is always collected and accumulated from VCH or the like through a signal transmission/reception part. When data exceeds an increased installation threshold which is stored in a VP capacity calculation part 53 and which is previously decided, the increased installation of VP is judged to be required and the decreased installation of VP is judged to be required when data is less than a decreased installation threshold. When quality deterioration is not settled in spite of the increased installation of VP capacity, increased installation quantity is judged to the too small. At the time of next increased installation, much more capacity is increasingly extended. Thus, increased/decreased installation quantity and necessity are learnt and next increased/decreased installation quantity is decided by using past increased/decreased installation history.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an asynchronous transfer mode (AT
M) Used for communication networks. The present invention relates to a virtual path (hereinafter referred to as VP) capacity control technique.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A communication network accommodating telephone terminals and others is provided by a synchronous transfer mode (hereinafter referred to as STM) communication network. In the STM communication network, the bandwidth is fixed to a predetermined value for each path that is a bundle of lines that can be set between two exchanges, and the exchange is used to selectively connect the telephone line and other lines. It is impossible to change the band of the path while the line is connected because the transmission device that recognizes the same value and recognizes the same value in the communication network. However, even if the communication network is operated by the above-mentioned path that can only have a fixed band, it is not possible to flexibly respond to fluctuations in demand for communication services and unpredictable fluctuations in traffic volume. There was a limit to the efficient use of resources.

On the other hand, recent telephone, data communication,
With the advent of ATM in broadband ISDN that comprehensively handles a plurality of communication services such as image communication, it becomes possible to realize a centralized exchange process that does not depend on the type of communication service by transferring a fixed-length cell, The concept of VP, which is a logical path that specifies a usable band between two exchanges instead of the path, has been proposed, and a virtual channel (hereinafter, VC) that is a logical line set in the VP.
It is possible to dynamically allocate a band to the VP while connecting the above), and various VP capacity control methods have been proposed.

Regarding the structure of the transmission line network using the VP,
For example, it is described in detail in "Construction Method of High-Speed Burst Multiplex Transmission System" by Sato, Kaneda, and Torizawa, Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, Information Network Research Society, IN87-84, 1987.

Regarding traffic control in the ATM network, for example, Saito, kawashima and Sato, "Traffic Contr
ol in ATM Networks, "IEICE Transactions, Vol.E74, No.
4, April, 1991.

In the ATM network, various information is transferred in the network in the form of cells. Two virtual channel handlers (V
Since a cell flow flowing between an exchange that exchanges C (hereinafter, referred to as VCH) is transferred by using the VP capacity, when the VP capacity is smaller than the inflowing cell amount, a cell loss or a new cell generation source is generated. The quality deterioration of the VC connection failure (call loss, overflow) occurs.

As an example of the VP capacity control algorithm, Ota and Sato, "Vapor capacity tunability in high-speed burst multiplex transmission system", IEICE,
Image Engineering Society, IE88-90, 1988, and Shioda, Uose, "Virtual Path Bandwidth Control Meth"
od for ATM Networks: Successive Modification Metho
d, "IEICE Transactions, Vol.E.74, No.12, December, 1991
It is described in.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an ATM communication network in which the conventional VP capacity control is implemented.
A VP handler (which is often called a cross-connect because it does not perform normal call setup and other processing in an exchange that exchanges VPs; hereinafter referred to as VPH) 11, 12 and transmission path 2
1 to 24, VP 31 to 33, VC 41 to 44, VP capacity control device 51, transmission system database device 52, and transmission devices 61 to 63.

The VP capacity control device 51 has all the VCHs (VPHs) 1 to 3 (11, 1) existing in the network shown in FIG.
2) and the transmission devices 61 to 63 are connected by a signal line, and the instruction for collecting and controlling the information required by the VP capacity control device 51 is executed through the signal line. The transmission system database device 52 is connected to the transmission devices 61 to 63 existing in the network shown in FIG. 14 by a signal line,
Data regarding the VP and its band managed by the transmission devices 61 to 63 is managed organically. In FIG. 14, the above signal lines are omitted to avoid complexity.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a table of data relating to the transmission paths 21 to 24 and VPs 31 to 33 managed by the transmission system database device 52. The transmission path table 101 shown in FIG. ~ 24
And any V in its bandwidth and transmission paths 21-24
A band of an unset portion that is not set in P31 to 33 is shown.

Reference numerals 201, 202, 203, and 204 are records showing the addresses of the transmission paths 21, 22, 23, and 24, respectively, and 221, 222, 223, and 224 are transmission paths 21, 22, 23, and 24, respectively. What V
This is a record showing the band of an unset part that is not set in P31 to 33.

The VPH table 102 shown in FIG. 15B.
Are the VPs 31 to 33 for the network, their bandwidths (capacities), and the transmission paths 21 to 2 to which the VPs 31 to 33 are set.
4 is a table showing the truth of 4 and 301, 302, 30
3 is a record showing the addresses of VPs 31, 32, and 33, and 311, 312, and 313 are VPs.
Records indicating the bandwidths (capacities) of 31, 32, and 33, and 321, 322, and 323 are VPs 31 and 3 respectively.
Reference numerals 2 and 33 are records indicating whether or not the transmission path 21 is set, and reference numerals 331, 332, and 333 indicate whether or not the VPs 31, 32, and 33 are set in the transmission path 22, respectively. The records shown are 341 and 34.
Reference numerals 2 and 343 are records indicating whether or not the VPs 31, 32, and 33 are set in the transmission path 23, and 351, 352, and 353 are VPs 31 and 3 respectively.
2 and 33 are records indicating whether or not the transmission path 24 is set.

[0013]

In the conventional technique described above, the amount of expansion or reduction of the VP capacity (hereinafter referred to as the amount of increase / decrease) is increased / decreased or is increased or decreased (hereinafter referred to as the amount of increase / decrease). ), It is premised that the value and judgment are appropriate.For example, when the traffic model of the capacity calculation method is not appropriate, the result can be used for the increase / decrease amount and the necessity judgment of the next time. I can't give feedback.

The present invention has been made against such a background, and by dynamically changing the band of the VP according to the use status of the VP, the amount of equipment to meet the communication service demand and the amount of traffic at that time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a VP capacity control device capable of distributing a network to a network and operating a communication network efficiently. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, V which works well even when the traffic characteristic is unknown or changes momentarily
It is an object of the present invention to provide a VP capacity control device capable of realizing a P capacity control method.

[0015]

The first aspect of the present invention is to:
A VP capacity control device provided in an ATM communication network and provided with means for measuring and managing the traffic state and transmission quality of a VP.

Here, a feature of the present invention is that the measurement management means compares the measurement data of traffic and transmission quality of the VP to be managed with a determination threshold value for requesting an increase / decrease of VP. It is in the process of determining the increase / decrease amount of VP. As a result, by dynamically changing the bandwidth of the VP according to the usage status of the VP, the amount of equipment corresponding to the communication service demand and the amount of traffic at that time is distributed to the network,
The communication network can be operated efficiently.

It is preferable that the means for measuring and managing determines the amount of VP to be increased / decreased by using the past increase / decrease history of the VP to be managed.

It is desirable that the means for managing measurement update the history each time the VP is increased or decreased.

The means for measuring and managing is such that the amount of increase or decrease immediately before the VP and the time elapsed after the increase or decrease of the VP
It is also possible to determine the increase / decrease amount of P.

It is also possible to determine the amount of increase / decrease of VP by the index of increase / decrease required calculated according to a function having the value of the number of increase / decrease of installation immediately before and the number of times of increase / decrease that was appropriate up to immediately before as a variable.

It is desirable that the judgment threshold value be changed according to the past history.

A second aspect of the present invention is a VP capacity control method for increasing / decreasing the VP by comparing the measurement data of the traffic and transmission quality of the VP to be managed with a judgment threshold value.

[0023]

According to the present invention, the VP capacity control device determines the next increase / decrease amount by learning the increase / decrease amount and the necessity from the history of increase / decrease amount and judgment. Specifically, if the quality deterioration of a certain VP is detected, and the quality deterioration does not subside even though the VP capacity is expanded, it is determined that the expansion amount is too small, and at the time of the next expansion, more Add capacity. As described above, the present invention realizes this by using the past increase / decrease history.

That is, by comparing the measured data of the traffic state and transmission quality of the VP with the determination threshold value for requesting the increase / decrease of VP, the increase / decrease amount of VP is determined,
By dynamically changing the band of the VP according to the usage status of the VP, it is possible to distribute the equipment amount corresponding to the communication service demand and the traffic amount at each time to the network, and operate the communication network efficiently.

It is advisable to determine the amount of VP to be increased / decreased by using the past increase / decrease history of the VP to be managed. In many cases, the increase / decrease of VP has periodicity or regularity, so it is useful to refer to the past increase / decrease history.

This past increase / decrease history may be updated each time the VP is increased / decreased. This update, for example,
The last increase / decrease history may be updated each time, or the increase / decrease history for a certain period may be left and the oldest increase / decrease history may be sequentially updated. Good.

The amount of increase / decrease may be determined in accordance with the amount of increase / decrease immediately before and after the increase / decrease. In this case, the increase / decrease amount may be determined using a function of the increase / decrease amount and the elapsed time.

Alternatively, the increase / decrease required index may be calculated according to a function of the value of the increase / decrease number immediately before and the proper number of times of increase / decrease until immediately before to determine the increase / decrease amount. The increase / decrease required index is an index that serves as a guideline for determining the increase / decrease amount, and the numerical value can be simplified as compared with the case of directly obtaining the increase / decrease amount, which is easy to handle.

By changing the judgment threshold value according to the past history, it is possible to distribute the equipment amount corresponding to the communication service demand and the traffic amount at that time to the network, and to operate the communication network efficiently.

[0030]

[Embodiment] As a management target, there is also a "VP group", which is a group of VPs having the same VCH at both ends, and a "starting / arriving ground", which is a continuation of VPs (or VP groups) connecting the same calling / receiving subscriber VCHs. Although considered, the VP is considered as a management target in the embodiment of the present invention. When a VP group or a departure / arrival destination is considered as a management target, the VP capacity is increased / decreased by the deterioration of the quality of the VP group or the departure / arrival destination, etc., but the analogy is easier than the embodiment of the present invention. 6 to 13 show various tables. 6, 9 and 11 are addition / reduction tables. FIG. 7 is an addition / removal candidate table. FIG. 8 is an increase / decrease threshold value table. FIG. 10 is a table relating to the function f (x, t). FIG.
Reference numeral 2 is an execution increasing / decreasing table. FIG. 13 is a VPH table including a removal flag. In FIG. 13, 361 and 3
62 and 363 are VPs 31 and 3 prepared for the present invention.
It is a record for setting the removal flag for Nos. 2 and 33. Although this record is added to the conventional database for use, a storage device having only this record may be used separately.

(First Embodiment) The configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention.

The present invention is provided in an ATM communication network and
VP capacity control device 5 provided with a VP capacity calculator 53 as means for measuring and managing the traffic state and transmission quality of the
It is 1.

Here, the feature of the present invention is that V
The P capacity calculation unit 53 compares the measurement data of the traffic and transmission quality of the VP to be managed with the determination threshold for requesting the increase / decrease of the VP, and determines the increase / decrease amount of the VP in the traffic quality data storage unit. 54 and signal transmitter / receiver 55
Is equipped with.

Based on this device configuration, the VP capacity calculation unit 5
The operation of No. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the operation of the VP capacity calculation unit 53.

The VP traffic rate, overflow rate, and cell loss rate are calculated from the VP traffic or quality measurement data stored in the traffic quality data storage unit 54 (S
1). The data in the traffic quality data storage unit 54 is always collected and accumulated from the VCH and others via the signal transmission / reception unit 55. When exceeding the predetermined additional threshold stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 determines that the required expansion of the VP (S1 _1). When it falls below a predetermined removal threshold stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53, it is determined that the removal of the same VP is necessary (S1 ₂ ). When an expansion request is made, the previous increase / decrease amount of the same VP is read from the increase / decrease table (FIG. 6) stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 (S2). A times the amount (a is a predetermined constant that depends on the previous expansion amount, for example) or an amount that is added to the previous expansion amount by a (a is a predetermined constant that depends on the previous expansion amount) Alternatively, the value of k columns ahead of the previous expansion amount in the increase / decrease installation amount candidate table (FIG. 7) stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 (k is a constant determined in advance depending on the previous expansion amount) is used this time. Request expansion as an expansion amount (S
2: _1).

If it is a negative value (reduction), for example, -b times the previous reduction amount (b is, for example, a predetermined constant depending on the previous reduction amount) or only b is added to the previous reduction amount. Amount (b is, for example, a predetermined constant depending on the reduction amount) or n columns of the previous reduction amount in the increase / decrease amount candidate table (FIG. 7) stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53. Value (n is a constant determined in advance depending on, for example, the amount of reduction) is requested as the additional amount this time (S
2 _2).

If it is "0" (no increase / decrease), the traffic volume to be added and the Erlang B formula are used, or the measured VP usage rate is set so that the VP usage rate becomes a predetermined reference value at the current cell flow rate. VP capacity is determined, or a predetermined unit amount is read from the storage unit in the VP capacity calculation unit 53, and set as the current expansion request amount (S2).
₃ ).

When a reduction request is issued, the increase / decrease amount of the same VP is read from the increase / decrease table (FIG. 6) stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 (S2 '), and if it is a positive value (extension), -A 'times the previous expansion amount (a' is a predetermined constant depending on the expansion amount, for example) or the amount reduced by a'from the previous expansion amount (a 'depends on the expansion amount, for example). The value (k ') before the previous expansion amount k'column in the increase / decrease setting amount candidate table (FIG. 7) stored in the storage unit depends on, for example, the previous expansion amount. reduction to set requests a predetermined constant) as the current decrease設量Te (S2 _'1).

If it is a negative value (reduction), for example, it is b'times the previous reduction amount (b 'is, for example, a predetermined constant depending on the previous reduction amount) or b to the previous reduction amount. The amount reduced by '(b' is a predetermined constant depending on the previous reduction amount, for example) or n'of the previous reduction amount in the increase / decrease amount candidate table (FIG. 7) stored in the storage unit. only previous value (n ', for example a predetermined constant depending on the previous decrease設量) requesting degrowth as this decrease設量(S2' column _2).

If "0" (no increase / decrease), the traffic volume to be added and the Erlang B formula are used, or the measured VP usage rate is set so that the VP usage rate becomes a predetermined reference value at the current cell flow rate. VP capacity is determined, or a predetermined unit amount is read from the storage unit in the VP capacity calculation unit 53, and is set as the current removal request amount (S).
2 _'3). The reduction is performed or the reduction target VP is set on the transmission system database device 52 as shown in FIG. 13 (S3).

The feasibility of the expansion request amount is accessed to the transmission system database device 52, all the unset bandwidths of the transmission path in which this VP is accommodated are read, and the smallest unestablished transmission path in which this VP is accommodated. Judge whether it is feasible by comparing the size of the bandwidth and the demand for expansion. V of the net in FIG.
In the case of P31 expansion, records 321 and 33 in FIG.
1, 341, and 351, the same VP 31 transmits the transmission path 21,
It is understood that the data is accommodated in No. 22, and the unset bandwidth of the same transmission path can be seen from the records 221 and 222. The smaller one of these is compared with the size of the expansion requirement (S
4).

If the expansion amount to be expanded is not feasible,
The VP with the deletion target flag included in the same transmission path as the expansion target VP is deleted, specifically, the record of the transmission system database device 52 is rewritten, and the V that terminates this VP is deleted.
Rewriting of records for this VP of CH, performs rewriting of records for this VP of VPH relaying the VP if necessary (S4 _1).

The minimum transmission path unset bandwidth (or a smaller value on the increase / decrease installation candidate table) among the transmission paths including this VP including the unset bandwidth of the transmission path newly generated by the reduction is executed. As a possible expansion amount, add only the expansion amount that can be executed. Specifically, the record of the transmission system database device 52 is rewritten, and the VC that terminates this VP.
The record of H relating to this VP is rewritten and, if necessary, the record of the VPH relaying this VP relating to this VP is rewritten (S5).

For the VPs that have been increased / decreased, the amount of increase / decrease of the VP on the increase / decrease table stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 is updated, and the VP capacity data and the transmission path unset band on the transmission system database device 52 are updated. Update the data. For a VP that has not been added or removed, the VP capacity calculation unit 53
The amount of increase / decrease in the increase / decrease table stored in is updated to "0" (S6).

As a more advanced method, there is also a method of changing the increase / decrease threshold in (S1) according to the past increase / decrease history. Specifically, the following procedure is added as (S7).

The VP increase / decrease value is read from the VP increase / decrease table (FIG. 6) (S7). If the value is a positive value (extension), the increase / decrease threshold is multiplied by c and c '(values c and c'are A predetermined constant) or a value obtained by adding d and d ′ to the previous increase / decrease threshold value (d and d ′ are predetermined constants) or an increase / decrease threshold table stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 (FIG. 8). current thresholds m for), m 'column only previous (or back) and later the threshold (S7 _1).

If the value is negative (reduction), the increase / decrease threshold is set to c ".
Doubled, c '"times (c", c'"are predetermined constants) or the value (d", d '"added to the previous increase / decrease threshold value is set in advance. constant) or current threshold of m of stored decrease設閾value table VP capacity calculation unit 53 (FIG. 8) ", m '" and the column by the threshold value before (or after) (S7 _2). "0"
If (increase or decrease without setting), and it (S7 _3).

In addition to the above, in the calculation of the evaluation scale in (S1), the method for changing the parameter for calculation according to the previous increase / decrease set value, (S2 ₁ ), (S2 ₂ ), (S
2 _'1), (S2' in determining the increased or reduced demand value at _2), a method of changing the parameters of the calculation method according to the previous decrease設値also conceivable.

Further, in (S2 ₁ ), the increase / decrease determination value calculated in (S1) is compared with the previous increase / decrease determination value, and if this time is worse (despite the previous expansion), It is also possible to increase the amount of expansion. In this case, the VP capacity calculation unit 53 needs a function of storing and updating the increase / decrease determination value for each time.

(Second Embodiment) The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention. The device configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment of the present invention. Traffic quality data storage unit 54
For example, the VP usage rate, the overflow rate, the cell loss rate, and the like are calculated from the VP traffic or quality measurement data stored in (1). The data in the traffic quality data storage unit 54 is always transmitted via the signal transmission / reception unit 55 to the VCH.
Collected and accumulated from others.

When the preset expansion threshold value stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 is exceeded, it is determined that the expansion of the VP is necessary (S1 ₁ ). When it falls below a predetermined removal threshold stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53, it is determined that the removal of the same VP is necessary (S1 ₂ ).

When an expansion request is issued, the previous increase / decrease amount and the increase / decrease date / time of the VP are read from the increase / decrease table (FIG. 9) stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 (S2).

A predetermined function f (x, t) is calculated from the previous increase / decrease amount x and the elapsed time t from the previous increase / decrease date and time.
Is calculated, or based on the table (FIG. 10) related to f (x, t) stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 with x and t as arguments, it is set as the current expansion request amount (S2 ₁ ).

When a reduction request is issued, the previous increase / decrease date and time of the same VP is read from the increase / decrease table (FIG. 9) stored in the VP capacity calculation section 53 (S2 ').

A predetermined function g (x, t) is calculated from the previous increase / decrease amount x and the elapsed time t from the previous increase / decrease date and time.
Or a table relating to g (x, t) stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 having x and t as arguments (similar to FIG. 10), the reduction request amount of this time is set (S2 ′).
₁ ). Remove or install transmission system database device 52
The removal target flag is set to the above removal target VP (S
3).

The feasibility of the expansion request amount is accessed to the transmission system database device 52, all the unset bandwidths of the transmission path accommodating this VP are read, and the smallest of the transmission paths accommodating this VP is determined. Judge whether it is feasible by comparing the set bandwidth and the required expansion amount. For example, VP
In the case of 31 expansions, the records 321 and 331 in FIG.
From 341 and 351, the same VP 31 transmits the transmission paths 21 and 22.
It can be seen from the records 221 and 222 that the unset bandwidth of the same transmission path is stored. Of these, the smaller one is compared with the required expansion amount (S4).

If the expansion amount to be expanded is not feasible,
The VP with the deletion target flag included in the same transmission path as the expansion target VP is deleted, specifically, the record of the transmission system database device 52 is rewritten, and the V that terminates this VP is deleted.
Rewriting of records for this VP of CH, performs rewriting of records for this VP of VPH relaying the VP if necessary (S4 _1).

Execute the smallest transmission path unset bandwidth (or a smaller value on the addition / removal candidate table) of the transmission paths including this VP among the newly set transmission path unset bandwidths. As a possible expansion amount, add only the expansion amount that can be executed. Specifically, the record of the transmission system database device 52 is rewritten, and the VC that terminates this VP.
The record of H relating to this VP is rewritten and, if necessary, the record of the VPH relaying this VP relating to this VP is rewritten (S5).

For the VPs that have been increased / decreased, the amount of increase / decrease of the VP on the increase / decrease table stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53, the update of the increase / decrease date and time, and the transmission system database device 52
The upper VP capacity data and the transmission path unset band data are updated (S6).

As a more advanced method, there is also a method of changing the increase / decrease threshold in (S1) according to the past increase / decrease history, as in the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically (S7)
Add the following procedure as.

The increase / decrease value of the VP and the previous increase / decrease time and date are read from the VP increase / decrease table (FIG. 9) stored in the VP capacity calculator 53 (S7). If the value is a positive value (extension), the increase / decrease threshold value is set. Is a value that is c times or c'times (c and c'are predetermined constants depending on the previous increase / decrease setting amount and the elapsed time from the previous increase / decrease setting date) or d
A value obtained by adding d '(d and d'are predetermined constants depending on the previous increase / decrease amount and the elapsed time from the previous increase / decrease date) or the increase / decrease threshold stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53. The current threshold values m, m '(m,
m 'is a threshold value of the previous decrease設量and constants predetermined in dependence on the elapsed time from the last decrease設日) column only previous (or after) (S7 _1).

If it is a negative value (reduction), the increase / decrease threshold is set to c ″.
Double, c ′ ″ times the value (c ″, c ′ ″ are constants determined in advance depending on the previous increase / decrease amount and the elapsed time from the previous increase / decrease date / time) or the previous increase / decrease threshold value d ″, d ′ ″
(D ″, d ′ ″ are constants determined in advance depending on the previous increase / decrease amount and the elapsed time from the previous increase / decrease date / time) or the increase / decrease threshold stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53. Current threshold values m ″ and m ′ ″ in the table (FIG. 8)
(M ", m '" is the last decrease設量and constants predetermined in dependence on the elapsed time from the last decrease設日) column only before a value threshold of (or behind) (S7 _2).
If it is “0” (no increase / decrease), leave it as it is (S
7 ₃ ).

(Third Embodiment) The operation of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention. The device configuration is similar to that of the first or second embodiment of the present invention. A VP traffic rate, an overflow rate, a cell loss rate, and the like are calculated from the traffic or quality measurement data of the VP stored in the traffic quality data storage unit 54 (S1). The data in the traffic quality data storage unit 54 is always transferred to the V
Collected and accumulated from CH and others.

When the preset expansion threshold stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 is exceeded, it is determined that the VP needs to be expanded, and the previous increase / decrease for this VP stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 is determined. The increase / decrease indicating the relationship between the increase / decrease required index and the increase / decrease setting amount stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 by the method described later from the value in the execution increase / decrease table (FIG. 12) indicating the necessary setting index Setting table (Fig. 1
The increase / decrease amount corresponding to the corresponding increase / decrease necessary index W of this VP in 1) is updated. For example, the previous index required for increase / decrease is -5
Set to 0. Since the increase / decrease installation amount at this time is -40 from FIG. 11, it is assumed that 40 has been installed. If there is an expansion request for the same VP this time, calculate using the method described later,
As an increase / decrease amount for the increase / decrease required index -50, for example,
Keep update to -30 (S1 _1).

When the predetermined reduction threshold stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 is exceeded, it is determined that the VP needs to be deleted, and the VP stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53 is executed. The VP capacity calculation unit 5 is calculated from the value in the increase / decrease table (FIG. 12) (index required for increase / decrease) by the method described later
This VP of the increase / decrease table (FIG. 11) stored in 3
The amount of increase / decrease corresponding to the relevant index W required for increase / decrease is updated (S1 ₂ ).

If none of the above is true, the VP capacity calculation section 53
"1" is added to the appropriate continuous number of times corresponding to the increase / decrease required index W of the execution increase / decrease table for this VP in the increase / decrease table (FIG. 11) stored therein (S1 ₃ ).

When an expansion request is made, the increase / decrease required index of the same VP is calculated (S2). For example, the required index for addition or reduction is V
The P usage rate, the amount of traffic to be added, the VP capacity obtained by the Erlang B equation, and others are defined in advance.

The increase / decrease required amount corresponding to the calculated increase / decrease required index is read from the increase / decrease table (FIG. 11) stored in the VP capacity calculating section 53 (S2 ₁ ).

When a reduction request is made, an increase / decrease required index is calculated (S2 '). The increase / decrease required index is, for example, the VP usage rate, the amount of added traffic, and the V obtained by the Erlang B formula.
P capacity and others are defined in advance.

The increase / decrease required amount corresponding to the calculated increase / decrease necessary index is read out from the increase / decrease table (FIG. 11) stored in the VP capacity calculating section 53 (S2 ' ₁ ).

The removal is performed or the removal target flag is set in the removal target VP on the transmission system database device 52 as shown in FIG. 13 (S3).

The feasibility of the expansion request amount is checked by accessing the transmission system database device 52, reading all the unset bandwidths of the transmission path in which this VP is accommodated, and the smallest of the transmission paths in which this VP is accommodated. Judge whether it is feasible by comparing the set bandwidth and the required expansion amount. For example, VP
In the case of adding 31, the records 321 and 33 in FIG.
1, 341, and 351, the same VP 31 transmits the transmission path 21,
It is understood that the data is accommodated in No. 22, and the unset bandwidth of the same transmission path can be seen from the records 221 and 222. The smaller one of these is compared with the size of the expansion requirement (S
4).

If the extension amount to be added is not feasible,
The VP with the deletion target flag included in the same transmission path as the expansion target VP is deleted, specifically, the record of the transmission system database device 52 is rewritten, and the VP of the VPH that relays the VP as necessary. rewriting of the record relating to (S4 _1).

Execute the smallest transmission path unset bandwidth (or a smaller value on the addition / removal candidate table) of the transmission paths including the VP including the newly set transmission path unset bandwidth. As a possible expansion amount, add only the expansion amount that can be executed. Specifically, the record of the transmission system database device 52 is rewritten, and the VCH that terminates this VP.
The record of this VP is rewritten, and the record of the VPH that relays this VP is rewritten as necessary (S5).

For the VP that has been increased / decreased according to the increase / decrease request, the increase / decrease necessary index corresponding to this VP is stored in the execution increase / decrease table of the VP capacity calculation unit 53. VPs that have been added or removed are VPs on the transmission system database device 52.
Update capacity data and bandwidth data for which transmission path is not set. For a VP that has been increased / decreased different from the increase / decrease request, "no data" is set in the executed increase / decrease table for the VP (S6). The update of the increase / decrease value on the increase / decrease table in (S1 ₁ ) and (S1 ₂ ) is performed by changing the increase / decrease value corresponding to the increase / decrease necessary index w of the execution increase / decrease table (FIG. 12) stored in the VP capacity calculation unit 53. Table (Fig. 11)
The element corresponding to the increase / decrease required index w in the increase / decrease table is updated by the function f (u, n) determined in advance from the above-mentioned increase / decrease setting value (before updating) u and the appropriate number of consecutive times n. For example, f (u, n) = u ^* (1 + 1 / (n + 1)) (when the expansion threshold is exceeded) f (u, n) = − u ^* (1 + 1 / (n + 1)) (when the deletion threshold is less) or With u and n as arguments in FIG. 10, f (u,
There is a method of storing a table having n) as a value. If “No data” in the execution increase / decrease table, the increase / decrease value of the increase / decrease table is not updated. In addition, the increase / decrease table (FIG. 11) is classified by VPI, but VP is not distinguished and
By using two tables, simplification can be achieved.

As a more advanced method, there is also a method of changing the increase / decrease threshold value in (S1) according to the past increase / decrease history as in the first or second embodiment of the present invention.

According to the present invention, for example, an AT having a traffic characteristic in which the capacity calculation method or its traffic model is not appropriate, or which has a traffic characteristic that fluctuates momentarily (or is unknown)
Good VP capacity control can be realized even for the M network. The first embodiment of the present invention has a simpler addition / reduction table than the second and third embodiments of the present invention, and is superior to the second and third embodiments of the present invention in terms of ease of implementation. On the other hand, the second and third embodiments of the present invention have more information for capacity determination than the first embodiment of the present invention and are superior in performance. In particular, the first and third embodiments of the present invention are suitable for synchronously controlling the VP capacity, and the second embodiment of the present invention is suitable for controlling the VP capacity each time an event occurs.

[0078]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By dynamically changing the band of the VP according to the usage status of the VP, it is possible to distribute the equipment amount corresponding to the communication service demand and the traffic amount at each time to the network, and operate the communication network efficiently. As a result, it is possible to realize a VP capacity control device and method that operate well even when the traffic characteristics are unknown or change momentarily.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of a VP capacity calculation unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a VP capacity calculation unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an add / drop table.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an addition / removal candidate table.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an increase / decrease threshold value table.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an addition / reduction table.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a table relating to a function f (x, t).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an add / drop table.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an execution increasing / decreasing table.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a VPH table including a removal flag.

FIG. 14 is a diagram in which a conventional VP capacity control is performed A
The figure explaining a TM communication network.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a table of data regarding transmission paths and VPs managed by a transmission system database device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 to 3 VCH 11, 12 VPH 21 to 24 transmission path 31 to 33 VP 41 to 44 VC 51 VP capacity control device 52 transmission system database device 53 VP capacity calculation unit 54 traffic quality data storage unit 55 signal transmission / reception unit 61 to 63 transmission apparatus

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A VP capacity control device provided in an ATM communication network, comprising means for measuring and managing the traffic state and transmission quality of a virtual path, wherein the means for measuring and managing the traffic and transmission of a virtual path to be managed. A VP capacity control device characterized by comparing quality measurement data with a judgment threshold value for requesting expansion or deletion of a virtual path to determine an expansion amount or a deletion amount of a virtual path. 2. The VP capacity according to claim 1, wherein the measurement management unit determines the amount of virtual paths to be added or deleted by using a history of past expansion or deletion of the virtual paths to be managed. Control device. 3. The VP capacity control device according to claim 2, wherein the measurement management unit updates the history each time a virtual path is added or removed. 4. The measurement management unit determines the extension amount or the reduction amount of the virtual path according to the extension amount or the reduction amount immediately before the virtual path and the elapsed time from the addition or the reduction. The described VP capacity control device. 5. A virtual path extension amount or a virtual path extension amount based on a value of the immediately preceding number of additions or reductions and an increase / decrease required index calculated according to a function whose variable is the proper number of times of extension and removal up to immediately before. Claim 2 which determines the amount of reduction
The described VP capacity control device. 6. The VP according to claim 2, wherein the determination threshold is changed according to a past history.
Capacity control device. 7. A VP capacity control method for increasing or decreasing a virtual path by comparing measured data of traffic and transmission quality of a virtual path to be managed with a determination threshold value.