JPH11205316A - Exchange system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the work of a maintenance personnel in the case of adapting a new device (new package) and to decrease the time required for adapting the new device. SOLUTION: A system control kit 21 is provided, which stores a hardware program to control a hardware section, a software program for a processor and management data including procedure data or the like required for executing a variety of processing by the software program. The removable kit 21 is mounted on a package, whose function is newly revised, or a new package 11. The hardware control section of the package 11, on which the kit 21 is mounted, detecting the mount of the kit, the management data are received from a storage section of the kit 21 and the management data required by the processor 14a except the hardware program are up-loaded to the processor 14a, and the processor 14a conducts control, based on the management data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a switching system, and more particularly to a processor for controlling the entire system.
A plurality of packages each including a hardware unit that executes a predetermined function and a hardware control unit that controls the hardware unit based on an instruction from the processor;
The present invention relates to an exchange system having:

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a next-generation switching system, ATM (Asynchronous) is used.
ous Transfer Mode) technology has been agreed upon by the ITU-T, and various organizations are actively studying it as a technology for realizing a wideband integrated service digital network (ISDN). The ATM exchange (1) manages the interface with the line and, as appropriate, UPC control / charging control / NDC (Net
work data collection) A line interface unit that executes control / OAM control, etc., (2) a switch (ATM switch) that switches cell routes, and (3) a line multiplexing of cells arriving from a plurality of lines to a switch. It includes a concentrator / separator for inputting and separating multiplexed cells arriving from the switch to output to a predetermined line interface unit, and (4) a processor (central control unit) for controlling the entire switch.

[0003] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a speech path of the ATM switching _{system, 11 11 ~11 1n, 11 2} 1 ~11 2n, 11 31
Reference _numerals 11 _3n and 11 _{41 to} 11 _4n denote line interface units (line IF units) connected to corresponding lines (transmission lines), and convert frames of a predetermined format, for example, DS1 frames or SONET frames into ATM cell formats. It has the function of sending it to the switch side, converting the ATM cell format into a DS1 frame or SONET frame, and sending it out to the line. With the 12 ₁ to 12 ₄ multiplexes the connected cell is the line interface a line deconcentrator, and sends to separate the multi-cell from the switch side to a predetermined line interface. Reference numeral 13 denotes a cell switch for switching the input multiplex cell to a predetermined route.
Are the subscriber IF units 11 _{11 to} 11 _4n , and the line concentrators 12 ₁ to ₁ 1
2 ₄ , a system control unit (CC) that controls the cell switch unit 13, and a processor (central control unit CPU) 14 a
And a main storage device (MM) 14b. Reference numeral 15 denotes a maintenance terminal, and 16 denotes a bus.

The cell switch section 13 is connected to a plurality of line concentrators 12 _{1 to} 12 _4, and routing information (tag information) in which an input cell from a line concentrator is added to the cell.
, And outputs to a predetermined line concentrator. Each of the line concentrators 12 _{1 to} 12 ₄ has a plurality of line IFs.
Parts 11 _{11 to} 11 _1n , 11 _{21 to} 11 _2n , 11 _{31 to} 11 _3n , 1
Is connected to the 1 ₄₁ to 11 _4n, and outputs the upstream cell from a plurality of network IF unit concentrator, the cell switch unit 13 multiplexes.
Furthermore, the line concentrators 12 _{1 to} 12 ₄ include a cell switch 13.
Is output to the corresponding subscriber IF unit. The processor (CPU) 14a of the system control unit 14 sends each of the line IF units 11 _{11 to} 11 _1n , 11 _{21 to} 11 _2n , 11 ₃₁ to 11 via a PAC (Processor Access Controller) described later.
_3n, 11 _{41 ~11 4n,} are enabled data transmission and reception with each line deconcentrator 12 ₁ to 12 ₄ and the cell switch unit 13.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a communication path between processors in an ATM switching system. In the figure, 11 _{11 to} 11 _1n ,
.. 11 _{N1 to} 11 _Nn are line IF units (individual units), 12 ₁ to
12 _N is a line separation unit (common unit MIFCOM: Middle Interface Co
mmon), duplicated, 0 system, 1 system device 12 ₁₀ , 1
It has 2 _{11 to} 12 _N0 and 12 _N1 . Reference numeral 13 denotes a cell switch unit (TCSW: Terminal Connection Switch), which is duplicated and has 0-system and 1-system devices 13 ₀ and 13 ₁ . 1
4 is a system control unit, duplexed and 0-system, and a 1-system device 14 _0, 14 _1. 0 system, 1 system the system control unit 14 _0, 14 ₁ has a same structure. 1
4a is a processor (CPU), 14b is a main storage device (M
M) and 14c are bus interface units (BXC) for communicating between the 0-system / 1-system processors, 14d and 14e.
Is a PAC device (Processor Access) that controls communication between the active channel (ACT) / standby channel (SBY) channel processor and the processor.
Controllers and 14f are selectors (SEL) for selectively taking in signals from the working communication path devices and transmitting signals to both the working / standby communication path devices.
14g is equipped with a SCSI interface and controls a squirrel controller (SC) for controlling an optical disk drive (not shown).
C) and 14h are Ethernet controllers (ETC) that interface with the maintenance terminal 15 (FIG. 9).

The cell switch sections 13 ₀ , 13 _{1 of the} 0-system and the 1-system
Have the same configuration. 13a is a switch unit, 13
b is a PAC-SP (PAC-S) that performs path connection control between PACs.
peech Path) and 13c are selectors. 0 system, the common portion 12 ₁₀ of the system 1, 12 ₁₁ to 12 _{N 0,} 12 _N1 is the same structure, 12a is PAC device, 12b are D between the individual unit
A DMA control unit (DMAC) that performs MA communication. Cell switch 13 _0, 13 ₁ to MAX64 single common unit 12 ₁ to 12 _N
Can be connected, and MAX 16 individual units can be connected to each common unit. Therefore, in the maximum configuration of the switching system, the number of common units is 64 and the number of individual units is 1024 (= 64 × 1).
6).

FIG. 11 is a simplified representation of the configuration of FIG. 10, and the same parts as those of FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals. still,
15 is a maintenance terminal, 17 is a magneto-optical disk drive (MO
U). FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the device configuration of the exchange system. The switchboard includes a plurality of frames as physical devices, each frame including a plurality of shelves, each shelf including a plurality of units, and each unit including a plurality of packages. The package includes a hardware unit having a line interface function, a cell line separation function, or a cell switch function, and a hardware control unit that controls the hardware unit based on an instruction from a processor.

In an exchange system, an individual unit, MI
In order to upgrade functions such as F and TCSW, or to add new functions, a package may be added or an old package may be replaced with a new package. In such a case, it is necessary to transfer the software program for the processor, the hardware program for controlling the hardware part of the new package, the station data, etc. to an appropriate location, and perform the operation after initial setting, test / diagnosis, and the like. For example, when adding a CRS (Cell Relay Srvice) function to the DS1 individual unit, the maintenance person installs a new DS1 package (new device) in the exchange. The DS1 individual unit interfaces a subscriber circuit having a line speed of 1.544 Mbps.

Next, the maintenance person mounts the magneto-optical disk MO on which the software program for controlling the new device is recorded in the magneto-optical disk drive 17, and stores the software program in the main storage device via the scergy control device 14g from the drive. 14b. Thereafter, the maintenance person transfers the station data from the maintenance terminal 15 to the main storage device 14b via the Ethernet controller 14h. The station data means that the new device (DS1 package) of interest is accommodated in which MIF and at which position (where in the frame / shelf / unit)
This is data indicating whether or not it has been inserted into Then, downloaded from the maintenance person a magneto-optical disk drive 17 to the hard program for the new device controller, the new device (DS1 package) through a Small Computer Systems Interface controller 14 g → PAC device 14e → TCSW13 ₀ → MIF12 ₁₀ 11 to a hard memory device I do. After the download, the maintenance person inputs a built-in command from the maintenance terminal 15, edits the built-in command by the processor 14a, and creates a new device (DS1 package).
Transfer to As described above, the individual unit for DS1 having the CRS function becomes operable. Thereafter, the maintenance person performs a test and diagnosis, and if there is no abnormality, the operation of the individual unit for DS1 is started.

[0010]

According to the conventional method, when a package is added / changed, (1) every time a package is added / changed, there is a software change (= file update) mediated by a maintenance person. (3) When a package is added, maintenance-managed station data input (= addition) is required. (4) ) When a package is added, maintenance-related diagnosis and testing are required. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes a long time to add a new device (new package), moreover, there is a lot of maintenance work and a heavy burden on the maintenance person. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce the work of a maintenance person when adding a new device, and to shorten the time for adding a new device.

[0011]

A processor for controlling the entire system, a plurality of packages each including a hardware unit and a control unit for controlling the hardware unit based on an instruction from the processor are provided. In the switching system, (1) management data including a hardware program for controlling a hardware unit, a software program for a processor, and procedural data necessary for executing various processes by the software program are stored, and A device control kit that can be attached and detached between them is provided. (2) The kit is mounted on a package or a new package whose function is changed. (3) The hardware control unit of the package in which the kit is mounted detects the kit mounting and The management data is fetched from the storage unit of the kit, and after that, a processor is required except for the hardware program. The management data is uploaded to the processor that, (4) the processor performs control based on the management data.

Specifically, the mounting monitoring device monitors whether or not the kit is mounted on the package and the management data has been loaded into the memory of the package. Notify the processor of the data for identification, the processor instructs the package notified by the on-board monitoring device to upload,
The hardware control unit of the package uploads the management data, and the processor performs initial setting for operation, test / diagnosis / embedded control based on the management data. in this case,
When the management data is fetched into the memory, the hardware control unit of the package notifies the mounting monitoring device of the fact, and the mounting monitoring device detects the fetching of the management data by the package based on the notification. Further, the processor performs the minimum initialization required for uploading the package notified from the on-board monitoring device, and the hardware control unit of the package uploads necessary management data to the processor.
In this way, the software program, hardware program, procedural data, etc. are automatically converted to a processor and a new device (new package) simply by installing the device control kit.
Therefore, the work of a maintenance person when adding a new device can be greatly reduced, and the time for adding a new device can be greatly reduced.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (a) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an exchange system according to the present invention.
The same parts as those of the conventional switching system of FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, 21, 22 _{0 to} 22 ₁ and 23 ₀ to 2
3 ₁ is a device for controlling a kit, respectively, provided with a kit storage device is detachably configured on the package. The kit storage device includes a communication path device (DS1, M
A hardware program for controlling a hardware unit of the IF, the TCSW), a software program for a processor, and management data including procedural data necessary for executing various processes by the software program are stored. 31 is a mounting monitoring device, and 32 is a PAC device. The mounting monitoring device 31
Device control kits 21 and 22 ₀ to 2 in a predetermined package
It is monitored whether or not the management data is taken in the memory of the package by mounting the 2 ₁ , 23 ₀ to 23 _{1. When} the management data is taken in the memory of the package, the management data is sent to the processor 14 a via the PAC device 32. An interrupt is issued and the identification data of the package is notified in response to an inquiry from the processor.

(B) Device configuration of the exchange FIG. 2 is a device configuration diagram of the exchange, where FR is a frame, S
HF1 to SHF3 are shelves, PWCB (Package Wiri
ng Circuit Board) is a package, and includes a DS1 package, a MIF package, a TCSW package, and the like. Each package includes a hardware unit having a line interface function, a cell line separation function, or a cell switch function, and a hardware control unit that controls the hardware unit and other hardware units based on instructions from a processor. I have. 21 is a device control kit, 31 is a mounting monitoring device, and 33 is a frame control device.

Each package PWCB and mounting monitoring device 31
Are connected via the frame control device 33, and when the hardware control unit of each package PWCB takes in the management data from the device control kit, it notifies the mounting monitoring device 31 of that fact. Each package PWCB and mounting monitoring device 3
The units 1 are connected to each other by, for example, a 1: 1 conductor, and the hardware control unit of the package PWCB outputs a high-level ("1") ON signal to the conductor when the management data is fetched from the device control kit.

(C) Package FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the package PWCB, which is an example of an individual unit package. However, the hardware unit (DS1 line interface function unit) is omitted. Reference numeral 11 denotes an individual part package PWCB, reference numeral 21 denotes a device control kit, and reference numeral 21a denotes a kit storage device for storing management data. The connector part of the device control kit 21 has 3 pins,
Of these, two pins (p ₁ , p ₂ ) are used to determine whether or not the package is mounted, and one pin (p ₃ ) is used to transfer management data from the in-kit storage device 21 a to the hard storage device in the package 11. Used for

In the individual part package 11, 11a
Is a monitoring control unit that monitors whether the kit is mounted,
11b is a hardware storage device that fetches and stores management data from the kit storage device 21a, 11c is a hard memory control unit, and 11d is a hardware (not shown) based on a hardware program. Hardware CPU for controlling the hardware unit (DS1 line interface function unit), 11
e, a notification control unit that notifies the on-board monitoring device of the completion of management data capture, and 11f, a DM between the MIF package and the notification control unit.
A DMA control unit that performs A communication. When detecting that the device control kit 21 is attached, the individual unit package 11 reads the management data from the kit storage device 21a and stores it in the hard storage device 11b.
Sends a high level ON signal to 1g,
1 is notified that management data has been taken in. When the minimum initial data necessary for uploading via the MIF package is set by the processor, the management data (excluding the hardware program) stored in the hard storage device 11b is uploaded to the processor.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the MIF package 12, omitting a hardware unit (a line separation function unit). 12 is a MIF package, 22 is a device control kit, and 22a is a kit storage device for storing management data. In the MIF package 12, 12
a is a monitoring controller for monitoring whether or not the kit is mounted;
b is a hardware storage device that fetches and stores management data from the kit storage device 22a, 12c is a hard memory control unit, and 12d is a hard CPU that controls a hardware unit (line separation function unit) (not shown) based on a hardware program. , 12e a notification control unit for notifying the on-board monitoring device of the completion of management data capture, 12f a DMA control unit for performing DMA communication with the individual package,
A PAC device 12g communicates with the TCSW package. The MIF package 12 is a device control kit 2
2 is detected, the kit storage device 22 is detected.
The management data is read from a and stored in the hard storage device 12b. Thereafter, a high-level ON signal is transmitted to the lead wire 12h to notify the on-board management device 31 of the completion of the import of the management data. When the minimum initial data necessary for uploading via the TCSW package is set by the processor, the management data (excluding the hardware program) stored in the hard storage device 12b is uploaded to the processor.

(D) Management Data FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the management data. Reference numeral 50 denotes a logical value indicating a device mounted according to the type of the mounted device, reference numeral 51 denotes a hard storage device version number, a version number of a hard program, Levels and patch levels are indicated. Reference numeral 52 denotes a logical value which is an identifier necessary for controlling the management data by the control type. Reference numerals 53 to 57 denote various procedure data, which are a predetermined type of list. One type can define one processing group in one hard order or software, and a plurality of these types can define a sequence or a processing flow. 53 is initial setting procedure data indicating a procedure for performing initialization, 54 is built-in procedure data, 55 is separation procedure data indicating a procedure for disconnecting the faulty device, 56
Reference numeral 57 denotes switching procedure data indicating a switching procedure for switching ACT / SBY of the duplex device, and reference numeral 57 denotes maintenance operation procedure data indicating a procedure such as a test and a diagnosis. 58 is a hardware program or patch that receives a hardware order from the processor and actually controls the hardware unit (individual unit, MIF, TCSW, other hardware parts), 59 is a software program or patch for the processor, Various controls such as creating a hard order and determining a sequence of the hard order are performed. A necessary one of the management data is appropriately stored in the kit storage device of the device control kit. For example, when the kit is mounted on the DS1 individual unit, various procedure data, hardware programs, and software programs unique to the DS1 individual unit are stored.

(E) On-board monitoring apparatus FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the on-board monitoring apparatus. Reference numeral 31a denotes a monitoring control unit which is connected to each package by a conductor, and when a high-level ON signal is input from a predetermined conductor, determines that management data is taken into a package connected to the conductor, and determines a position of the package. (Indicating where the package is located in which frame, which shelf, which unit number, and where) and outputs it. 31b
Denotes a CPU, 31c denotes a storage device for storing the position of the package and the like, and 31d denotes an input / output control unit for inputting / outputting data to / from a processor via the PAC device 32 (FIG. 1). The input / output control unit 31d notifies the processor that the kit has been inserted and the management data has been fetched by an interrupt via the PAC device, and notifies the position of the package by an inquiry from the processor.

(F) Control Flow FIGS. 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams showing the flow of processing until a new package (new device) can be used when the new device is used. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6 to 8. The maintenance person needs a new device (for example, DS1 package 1).
1) is mounted at a predetermined location on the shelf of the exchange. Next, the maintenance person mounts the device control kit 21 having the storage device 21a storing the management data on the package 11 (see FIG. 3). When the device control kit 21 is mounted on the DS1 package 11, the monitoring control unit 1 of the package 11
1a detects the mounting of the kit by hardware. The hardware CPU 11d controls the hard memory control 11c by inserting the kit, reads the management data stored in the kit storage device 21a, and stores the management data in the hard storage device 11b. As a result, the hardware-related data and the hardware program are updated, and new hardware can be controlled. When the import of management data from the kit is completed,
The PU 11d controls the notification control unit 11e to send a high-level ON signal to the conductor 11g.

The monitoring control unit 31a of the mounting monitoring device 31 (see FIG. 6) detects the ON signal of the conductor 11g, and based on a correspondence table (not shown) between the conductor and the package, the position data of the package in which the kit is inserted is stored. (Frame number / shelf number / unit number / position in unit) is output. The CPU 31b stores the position data in the storage device 31c and controls the input / output control unit 31d to interrupt the CPU 14a via the PAC device 32. With the above control, the CPU 14a is interrupted by the mounting of the DS1 package 11 and the mounting of the device control kit 21 to the package as shown by the hatched portion in FIG. 7A. By such an interrupt, the processor 14a inquires the mounting monitoring device 31 about the position data of the package in which the kit is mounted, and obtains the data.

Thereafter, the processor 14a returns to the state shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the position data of the package 11 (frame number / shelf number / unit number / position in unit)
PAC device 14e → TCSW13
₀ → MIF12 ₁₀ through the initializing send minimum initial setting data for uploading to the package DS1 11 having the device number. As a result, the hard CPU 11d (FIG. 3) of the DS1 package 11 controls the hard memory control 11c, reads management data (excluding the hardware program) from the hard storage device 11b,
MIF 12 ₁₀ → TCSW 13 ₀ → Upload to the processor 14a via the PAC device 14e, and the processor stores it in the main storage device 14b (FIG. 7 (c)).

Next, the processor 14a adds station data based on the management data uploaded and stored in the main storage device 14b, and based on the management data, related data (initial setting procedure data / installation procedure data). Data (procedure data, etc.) and develop software programs (Fig. 8
(A)). In this state, the processor 14a uses the soft program and the initialization procedure data to execute the DS1 operation.
Initializing the individual unit package 11 and performing a diagnosis / test using the maintenance operation procedure data, and if there is no abnormality, the service using the package 11 is started (FIG. 8B).

As described above, (1) device control using uploaded management data allows a new device program to be added without file update by maintenance personnel. (2) Further, the station data can be added without the need for the maintenance person to add the station data upon the upload from the device control kit 21. (3) Also, by expanding the management data in the device control kit, the station data can be reduced without the need for maintenance personnel. (4) In addition, the hardware program stored in the hard storage device can be updated without the intervention of a maintenance person upon the upload from the device control kit. (5) Further, the initial setting and the diagnosis / test can be performed without the intervention of a maintenance person upon the upload from the device control kit. (6) By expanding the management data, patches for programs in the hard storage device and the main storage device of the CPU can also be input without inputting a maintenance command. (7) The function of the application can be added by extending the management data. As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention can be variously modified in accordance with the gist of the present invention described in the claims, and the present invention does not exclude these.

[0026]

According to the present invention, a software program, a hardware program, and other data can be automatically transferred (uploaded) to a processor and a storage unit of a new device (new package) simply by installing the device control kit. Therefore, when a new device is added, the work of a maintenance person can be significantly reduced, and the time for adding the new device can be significantly reduced.
Further, according to the present invention, a mounting monitoring device is provided, and the mounting monitoring device monitors whether a kit is mounted on a package and management data is loaded into a memory of the package. Since the data is notified to the processor in order to specify the package, the processor instructs the package notified from the on-board monitoring device to upload, and the package can upload the management data based on the instruction, The processor can perform an initial setting process, a test / diagnosis process, and the like based on the uploaded management data without the intervention of a maintenance person.

Further, according to the present invention, since the position of the package on which the mounting monitoring device is mounted can be recognized, station data can be automatically generated. Further, according to the present invention, when the hardware control unit of the package fetches the management data into the memory, it notifies the mounting monitoring device of the fact, so that the mounting monitoring device can reliably detect the completion of the fetching of the management data by the package. . Further, according to the present invention, the processor performs the minimum initialization required for uploading the package notified from the on-board monitoring device, and thereafter,
The hardware control unit of the package uploads necessary management data to the processor, so that upload control can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an exchange system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an exchange of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of a DS1 individual unit package;

FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of an MIF package.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of management data.

FIG. 6 is a circuit configuration diagram of the mounting monitoring apparatus.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating a control flow of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating a control flow according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an ATM switching system.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a communication path between devices of the ATM switching system.

FIG. 11 is a simplified representation of a switching system.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a conventional device of an exchange.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... package DS1 individual unit 12 _10, 12 ₁₁ ... MIF packages 13 _0, 13 ₁ ·· TCSW package 14a ... processor (CPU) 14b ... main memory (MM) 14d, 14e ·· PAC device 14g ..Scage control device (SCC) 14h..Ethernet controller (ETC) 15..Maintenance terminal 17..Magneto-optical disk drive (MOU)

Claims (4)

[Claims] A processor for controlling the entire system;
In an exchange system including a plurality of packages each including a hardware unit and a hardware control unit that controls the hardware unit based on an instruction from the processor, a hardware program for controlling the hardware unit, A software program for a processor, management data including procedural data necessary for execution of processing by the software program are stored, a device control kit which is detachable from a package is provided, and a package or a new package for changing the function of the kit is provided. The hardware control unit of the package in which the kit is mounted detects the mounting of the kit and fetches the management data from the storage unit of the kit. Thereafter, the management data required by the processor except for the hardware program is transmitted to the processor. The processor uploads based on the management data. A switching system characterized by performing control. 2. A mounting monitoring device is provided, the mounting monitoring device monitors whether a kit is mounted on a package and management data is loaded into a memory of the package, and when detecting the loading of the management data, The processor notifies the processor of data to identify the package, the processor instructs the package notified by the on-board monitoring device to upload, the hardware control unit of the package uploads management data, and the processor performs control based on the management data. 2. The switching system according to claim 1, wherein 3. The switching system according to claim 2, wherein the hardware control unit of the package notifies the mounting monitoring device when the management data is fetched into the memory. 4. The processor performs a minimum initial setting required for uploading the package notified from the on-board monitoring device, and thereafter, the hardware control unit of the package uploads necessary management data to the processor. 3. The switching system according to claim 2, wherein: