JPH11289333A - Connection management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To minimize the scales of a storage area and a processing area which constitute a management device by performing connection management in a device or a system, based on a connection number proper to the self-device or the system which is defined in accordance with a connection number that can be handled. SOLUTION: The parts of a VPI and a VCI which specify connection to which an ATM cell belongs are separated by a header separating part 1a of a converting part and are given to a conversion table 1b that, stores an identification number proper to a device and an attribute information which are used in the device in exchange for the VPI and VCI. In such a case, when a connection number that can be handled in the device is 4096, the identification number that is given by full 28-bits on a network are converted into a 12-bit identification number proper to the device. After that, the ATM cell is managed with the identification number proper to the device, is converted into the original identification number in the network again after undergoing various processing based on each identification number and is outputted from an output side.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connection management device, for example, an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer).
Mode) ATMs such as exchanges and ATM cross-connect devices
It can be used in technology-based communication devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art ATM communication is a communication method for transmitting and receiving packets of a fixed length (53 bytes) called ATM cells via a network. An ATM cell has a 5-byte area called a cell header. In this area, attribute information and a virtual path identifier (Virtual Path Identifier:
VPI), Virtual Channel Iden
tifier: VCI). The VPI and VCI are connection identifiers.

Accordingly, various devices located on the network execute various processing operations in accordance with the recognition results of these identifiers, and perform replacement of the identifiers according to the passing links.

The connection to be identified includes a VPI
And a virtual channel identified by VCI
Channel: VC) and a virtual path (Virtual Path: VP) identified only by the VPI. Here, the virtual paths have a relationship in which virtual channels are bundled.

At present, it is specified that 12 bits are allocated to VPI and 16 bits are allocated to VCI in ATM. Therefore, the maximum number of identifiable connections is 4,096 (= 2 ＝ 12) for the virtual path and 268,435,456 (2 ＾ 28) for the virtual channel.

However, usually, the number of connections handled by the ATM communication apparatus is smaller than this, and if all of them can be identified, a very large memory area (setting table and work area for processing) is required for each type of processing. Required, making implementation of the device difficult.

Therefore, usually, by an appropriate agreement,
Generally, the number of effective bits of the VPI and VCI is limited, and in the apparatus, the connection is identified using the VPI or VCI having the limited number of bits.

[0008]

However, such a method has the following problems.

(A) Since the number of effective bits of the VPI and VCI is limited, it is necessary to determine the number of available bits in advance.

(B) It is difficult to mix and process virtual path and virtual channel connections.

(1) Since the number of effective bits of the VPI and VCI is limited, the number of available VP connections among the connections that can be processed is limited. For example, if the number of connections that can be processed is 4,096 (= 2 ＾ 12), and the number of effective bits of the VPI and VCI is set to 6 bits each, then 6 VP connections can be handled.
Up to 4 connections.

In this case, a VC connection cannot be handled (that is, a 1VP connection is equivalent to handling a 64VC connection).

(2) In the VP connection processing and the VC connection processing, it is necessary to switch the reference range of the VPI and the VCI.

[0014]

(A) In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the first invention, a connection identifier used on a network and the number of connections that can be handled independently of the connection identifier are determined. A conversion unit that converts a connection number unique to the own device or a system including the own device, and manages each connection in the device according to a connection number unique to the own device or a system including the own device. To do so.

As described above, in the connection management apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the management of the connection in the apparatus or the system is unique to the own apparatus or a system including the own apparatus, which is determined according to the number of connections that can be handled. Therefore, the scale required for the storage area and the processing area constituting the management device can be set to the minimum necessary scale determined according to the number of connections that can be handled.

(B) In the second invention, independently of the connection identifier used on the network,
A connection number unique to the own device or the system including the own device, which is determined according to the number of connections that can be handled, and a system commonly used by the own device and one or more other devices, or a system including the own device. And a conversion unit for converting between a connection number of another system and a connection number commonly used by one or a plurality of other systems.

As described above, in the connection management device according to the second invention, the connection number unique to the own device or the system including the own device, which is determined according to the number of connections that can be handled, and the own device or the own device are stored. Since the connection system and the connection number of another system commonly used by one or a plurality of other devices can be mutually converted, the entire system including the own device can be constructed on a minimum necessary scale.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (A) First Embodiment A case will be described below in which a connection management device according to the present invention is applied to an ATM communication device and used for ATM connection management.

(A-1) Overall Configuration of Apparatus FIG. 1 shows a functional block configuration of an ATM communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that the configuration of the ATM communication device is a block diagram of the contents of various processing functions executed by software or hardware.

The feature of this ATM communication device is that the connection in the device is managed using a unique identification number (connection number) determined according to the processing capacity of each device (determined independently of a prior agreement). Is to do.

That is, instead of managing by limiting the number of effective bits of the connection identifier (VPI / VCI) used on the network, a unique identification number (connection number) within the device determined from the number of connections that can be processed by the own device is used. Number).

The configuration for this is a converter 1 provided on the input side of the ATM communication device and a converter 2 provided on the output side.

Here, the conversion unit 1 is a means for executing a function of converting a connection identifier (VPI / VCI) used on the network into a connection number unique to the device.

The conversion unit 2 is a means for executing a function of reversely converting a connection number unique to the device into a connection identifier (VPI / VCI) used on the network.

The N processing units 3 shown in FIG.
Is means for performing a predetermined process (for example, shaping process) on a connection managed based on a connection number unique to the device.

(A-2) Detailed Configuration of Each Unit (a) Configuration of Converter 1 First, FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the converter 1.

The conversion unit 1 includes a header separation unit 1a and a VP
I, VCI → connection number conversion table (hereinafter referred to as “conversion table”) 1b, delay section 1c, and header insertion section 1d.

The header separating unit 1a uses the cell header to identify VPI and VC as identification information of each connection.
This is a means for separating and outputting the information part of I and other information parts. Here, among the separated information, VPI
And the information part of the VCI are provided to the conversion table 1b, and the remaining information part is provided to the delay unit 1c.

The conversion table 1b is a means for storing and holding an identification number (connection number) and attribute information unique to the device used in the device instead of the connection identifier (VPI / VCI) used on the network.

For this reason, the input addresses of this conversion table 1b are all 2 addresses assigned to VPI and VCI.
An address identifiable by 8 bits, that is, address 0
And addresses 2 to 28.

When each of these input addresses is given an identification number unique to the apparatus (the number of connections that can be processed in the apparatus is 2 ＾ n (for example, n = 12), n bits (for example, 12 Bit) is stored in association with each other.

The conversion table 1b handles each of the VP connection and the VC connection as one connection, and uniquely assigns a unique identification number (connection number) in the apparatus to each of them.

The presence of this conversion table 1b allows the connection identifier (VPI /
The VCI is converted into an identification number (connection number) and attribute information unique to the corresponding device.

The in-device identification number (connection number) and attribute information are read from the conversion table 1b and then provided to the header insertion unit 1d.

The delay section 1c is means for delaying the transfer of the ATM cell during the time required for the operation of converting the identification number in the conversion table 1b.

The header insertion section 1d inserts, as a header, an identification number (connection number) unique to the apparatus provided as an output of the above-mentioned conversion table 1b into an information field section (48 bytes) provided from the delay section 1c. It is a means to do.

(B) Configuration of the Processing Unit 3 FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the processing unit 3.

The processing unit 3 is provided with a header separating unit 3a,
Processing temporary memory 3b, processing parameter table 3c, operation / various processing unit 3d, cell processing unit 3e
Consists of

The header separating section 3a is means for separating an identification number (connection number) unique to the apparatus from the cell header. An identification number (connection number) unique to the device separated in the header separating unit 3a is given to each of the temporary memory 3b and the parameter table 3c, and the remaining information part is given to the arithmetic / various processing unit 3d.

The temporary memory 3b and the parameter table 3c are storage means for using an identification number (connection number) unique to the apparatus as an input address.

Here, since the parameter table 3c stores parameters corresponding to each connection, the parameter corresponding to the input address is read out and given to the arithmetic / various processing unit 3d.

On the other hand, the temporary memory 3b is used to temporarily store the processing result executed by the arithmetic / various processing unit 3d for each connection specified by a unique identification number (connection number) in the apparatus. Used.

The temporary memory 3b and the parameter table 3c only need to have an address corresponding to a unique identification number (connection number) in the apparatus, that is, an address corresponding to the number of connections that can be handled.

Therefore, the scale required for these storage means is very small as compared with the scale required for managing all connections (2 ＾ 28), and all these areas are used without waste. Therefore, the size is necessary and sufficient (since it is determined according to the number n of connections that can be handled).

The cell processing unit 3c is a processing unit for reflecting the processing result of the arithmetic / various processing unit 3d on the corresponding ATM cell.

(C) Configuration of the Conversion Unit 2 FIG. 4 shows the internal configuration of the conversion unit 2.

The basic configuration of the converter 2 is the same as the configuration of the converter 1 described with reference to FIG. In other words, the conversion unit 2 connects the header separation unit 2a with the connection number → VPI, VCI
Conversion table (hereinafter referred to as “reverse conversion table”) 2b
, A delay unit 2c, and a header insertion unit 2d.

The difference from the conversion unit 1 is that the conversion table 1b is replaced by an inverse conversion table 2b.

That is, the inverse conversion table 2b includes:
A connection identifier (V) used on a network corresponding to an identification number (connection number) unique to the device.
PI / VCI) is held, and the corresponding VPI and VCI are output using the unique identification number (connection number) in the device as an input address.

Here, VPI and VCI are both new values corresponding to the network link on the output side, and are different from those on the input side.

(A-3) Operation of the First Embodiment Accordingly, the communication operation in the ATM communication apparatus having the above-described configuration is arranged as follows, focusing on the header portion.

The VPI and VCI parts for specifying the connection to which the ATM cell belongs are separated by the header separation unit 1a of the conversion unit 1 and given to the conversion table 1b to be converted into an identification number unique to the device. .

At this time, assuming that the number of connections that can be handled in the device is 4096 (= 2 ＾ 12), the identification number on the network given by all 28 bits is a 12-bit identification number unique to the device. Is converted.

Thereafter, the ATM cell is managed with an identification number unique to the device, undergoes various processes based on each identification number, and is again converted into an identification number on the original network.
Output from the output side.

(A-4) Effects of the First Embodiment As described above, in the case of the ATM communication apparatus according to the first embodiment, the various processing units 3 provided in the apparatus reduce the number of connections that can be handled. It is only necessary to provide a memory and a table of a corresponding scale, and a configuration can be achieved without waste in the system.

That is, while the hardware configuration of the processing unit 3 is a relatively small configuration, the configuration can be used without waste to the limit of the number of connections.

According to the first embodiment, the VP
Since a unique identification number is assigned to each of the connection and the VC connection and managed, various processes can be executed without being aware of the distinction between these connections, and the number of connections of each of the VP connection and the VC connection is adjusted. Processing can be performed up to a predetermined number of connections.

Thus, the VP like the conventional system can be used.
The limitation on the number of processes unique to the connection and the VC connection can be eliminated.

(B) Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The ATM communication device according to this embodiment is a modification of the ATM communication device according to the first embodiment, and the only difference is the configuration of the conversion unit provided on the input side.

Accordingly, the functional block configuration of the ATM communication apparatus according to the present embodiment is as shown in FIG. 5 in which the same corresponding parts in FIG.

Here, the configuration of the conversion unit 11 which is a configuration unique to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
, The same corresponding parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same corresponding reference numerals.

As can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 6 and FIG. 2, the basic configuration of the conversion unit 11 is the same as that of the conversion unit 1 according to the first embodiment.

The difference is that, in the second embodiment, the conversion table 11b stores a content search type memory (CAM: Contents A).
ddressing Memory). That is, the conversion table 11b is configured by a combination of the registration search memory 11b1 and the table memory 11b2.

The registration search memory 11b1 is a memory for searching for and outputting an address at which the content matching the input data is stored. The address of the information (0 ≦ k ≦ 2 ＾
n) can be output as a search result.

For example, as shown in FIG.
When data corresponding to the set I (a, b) is stored at the address k, the address k is output as a search result for the input address (a, b).

On the other hand, the table memory 11b2 is storage means for holding an identification number (connection number) unique to the apparatus corresponding to the address of the registration search memory 11b1 together with its attribute information, and corresponding to the search result. The identification number (connection number) unique to the apparatus is output to the header insertion unit 1d.

For example, in the case of FIG.
b2 outputs a unique identification number (connection number) in the device stored in association with the address k and attribute information thereof.

For this reason, the conversion table 11b stores the VPI
When the VPI and VCI are input from the header separation unit 1a, the values of the VPI and VCI given by the 28 bits are converted into addresses 2 # n in a range that can be handled by the device, and then the addresses within the device corresponding to the address A two-stage operation configuration for converting into a unique identification number (connection number) is adopted. The difference from the first embodiment is that the conversion operation has two stages as described above.

However, in the case of this embodiment, the memory size required for the conversion table 11b may be a much smaller value than in the case of the first embodiment. That is, in the case of the conversion table 11b, since it can be configured by using two memories of n (<28) bits, the configuration can be significantly reduced as compared with the case of using one memory of 28 bits.

Therefore, the ATM according to the second embodiment
According to the communication device, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and further, the hardware configuration can be further reduced in size.

(C) Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. The ATM communication device according to this embodiment does not relate to a device functioning as a network-to-network relay device as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, but functions as an interface (termination device), and The present invention relates to a device suitable for use in configuring a simple system.

(C-1) Overall Configuration of System FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a communication system to which the ATM communication device according to the present embodiment is applied.

In the figure, a link termination unit (interface unit)
22 and 23 are device portions corresponding to the ATM communication device according to the present embodiment, and the common unit 21 is a device portion corresponding to a cell switch and other processing devices.

Here, the common unit 21 is a device that processes all connections terminated by a plurality of link terminating units (interface units) 22 and 23. Therefore, a unique connection number is used in the common unit. Take the configuration.

There are several methods for assigning a unique connection number in the common unit. Here, a unique connection number is assigned to each link termination unit.
A unique number is given by using a number necessary for identifying the link terminal.

(C-2) Configuration of Termination Unit (a) Configuration of Link Termination Unit 22 First, the configuration of the link termination unit 22 arranged on the input side will be described.

As described above, the link termination unit 22 is a device corresponding to the ATM communication device according to the present embodiment (that is, a device corresponding to the first and second embodiments).

Therefore, the basic configuration is the same as in the first and second embodiments described above. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, it is composed of two conversion units 31 and 33 and a processing unit 35.

The difference is that the conversion unit 33 provided on the output side of the cell (that is, the conversion unit provided on the common unit 21 side) has a unique identification number (connection number) in the device.
Is not converted back to the identifiers VPI and VCI on the network, but is converted back to a unique identification number (connection number) used by the common unit 21 provided at the subsequent stage.

This function is realized by the conversion unit 33 provided on the common unit side.
It is possible by changing the configuration.

That is, the configuration of the conversion unit 31 provided on the network side and the configuration of the processing unit 35 that processes the ATM cell whose identifier has been rewritten by the conversion unit 31 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The configuration may be the same as the configuration of the unit 1 (FIG. 2) and the processing unit 3 (FIG. 3).

Accordingly, in the following description, only the configuration of the conversion unit 33 which is a configuration unique to the present embodiment will be described, and the description of the other components (31, 35) will be omitted.

FIG. 8 shows the internal configuration of the conversion unit 33. In FIG. 8, the same corresponding parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same corresponding reference numerals.

The difference between the conversion unit 33 according to the description and the conversion unit 2 according to the first embodiment is that the inverse conversion table 2
b is replaced by the reconversion table 33b. That is, the conversion unit 33 is provided with a table for converting an identification number (connection number) unique to the device into a number (connection number) unique to the common unit.

Due to the existence of the reconversion table 33b,
The identifier of the ATM cell is changed from a unique number (connection number) in the device to an identification number (connection number) unique to the common part that can be handled by the common part 21 provided at the subsequent stage.
Is converted to

Note that there are several methods for giving an identification number unique to the common part. In this embodiment, the identification number (b bits (however, b is a value satisfying N = 2Ｎb.)) and an identification number (n bits) unique to the device (that is, n + b bits). Define.

(B) Configuration of the Link Termination Unit 23 Next, the configuration of the link termination unit 23 arranged on the output side will be described.

The basic configuration of the link termination section 23 is the same as that of the above-described first and second embodiments. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, it is composed of two conversion units 32 and 34 and a processing unit 35.

The difference is that the conversion unit 34 provided on the input side of the cell (that is, the conversion unit provided on the common unit 21 side) converts the identifiers VPI and VCI on the network into unique identification numbers ( The point is that an identification number (connection number) unique to the common unit 21 is converted to an identification number (connection number) unique to the device, instead of converting the connection number into a connection number.

This function is provided by the conversion unit 34 provided on the common unit side.
It is possible by changing the configuration.

That is, the configuration of the processing unit 35 that processes the ATM cell whose identifier has been rewritten by the conversion unit 34 and the configuration of the conversion unit 32 provided on the network side are the same as those described in the first embodiment. 2 (Fig. 4)
And the configuration of the processing unit 3 (FIG. 3).

Therefore, in the following description, only the configuration of the conversion unit 34, which is a configuration unique to this embodiment, will be described, and description of the other components (32, 35) will be omitted.

FIG. 9 shows the internal configuration of the conversion unit 34. In FIG. 9, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are indicated by the same reference numerals.

The difference between the conversion unit 34 according to the description and the conversion unit 1 according to the first embodiment is that the conversion table 1b of the conversion unit 1
Is replaced with the re-conversion table 34b.
That is, the conversion unit 34 differs only in that a table for converting a number unique to the common unit (connection number) into a unique identification number (connection number) is further provided in the apparatus.

Due to the existence of the reconversion table 34b,
The identifier of the ATM cell is converted from a unique number (connection number) that can be handled by the common unit 21 to a unique number (connection number) in the device.

The reconversion table 34b has a number (connection number) unique to the common part to be processed by each link termination unit 23.

(C-3) Configuration of Common Unit 21 Finally, the configuration of the common unit 21 located at the center of the system will be described.

[0098] This common part 21 is based on the unique common part number (connection number) given after the termination, and is used for ATM.
It comprises one or a plurality of processing units for processing cells.

The internal configuration of the common unit 21 is basically the same as the configuration of the processing unit 3 provided in the link terminating units 22 and 23, although the processing performed by each unit is different.

The difference is that the number of connections handled is the set number of the number of connections handled by each link termination unit.

That is, the number of connections handled is equal to the number of connections 2 ＾ n that can be handled by each link termination unit 22.
Is multiplied by the number N (= 2 ＾ b) of the link termination units 22 (N × 2 × n).

FIG. 10 shows the internal configuration of the common unit 21.
In FIG. 10, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are indicated by the same reference numerals.

The basic configuration of the common unit 21 is the same as that of the processing unit 3 in the first embodiment.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the header separating section 3a, the temporary memory for operation / processing 21b,
It has a processing parameter table 21c, an arithmetic / various processing unit 3d, and a cell processing unit 3e.

The difference is that the temporary memory for calculation / processing 2
1b and the number of connections handled by the processing parameter table 21c is N times (the number of connected link terminating units 22) of the first embodiment.

That is, each of these inputs a unique identification number (connection number) as an input address in the common part, and is used for reading out parameters necessary for processing of the corresponding connection and for temporarily storing information.

(C-3) Operation of the Third Embodiment The communication operation in the ATM communication device having the above-described configuration will be described as follows, focusing on the header portion.

First, in a certain link terminating unit 22, the VPI and VCI portions of the cell header attached to the ATM cell input from the network are separated by the header separating unit 1a of the converting unit 1 and given to the conversion table 1b. Can be

As a result, the link number is converted into an identification number unique to the link terminating unit 22. At this time, assuming that the number of connections that can be handled in the device is 4096 (= 2 ＾ 12), the identification number on the network given by all 28 bits is converted into a 12-bit identification number unique to the device. .

Thereafter, the ATM whose identification number has been changed is
The cells are managed by unique identification numbers in the apparatus, and after undergoing various processes based on the identification numbers, are input to the header separation unit 2a of the conversion unit 3.

The unique identification number separated by the header separation unit 2a is then given to the conversion table 33b, converted into an identification number unique to the common unit, and then converted to the link termination unit 22a.
Is output to the common unit 21 as the output of However, an identification number unique to the common unit 21 is embedded in the cell header.

Upon input of the ATM cell with the new identification number, the common unit 21 performs a predetermined process based on the identification number, and then performs a specific link terminating unit 23 specified by the identification number. Output to

Thereafter, the link terminating unit 23 converts the currently assigned identification number into an identification number unique to its own device, performs a predetermined process, and then identifies the identification number on the network connected to the subsequent stage. The address of the cell header is converted and output.

As a result, the exchange of ATM cells between networks terminated by the link terminating units 22 and 23 sandwiching the common unit 21 is realized.

(C-4) Effects of the Third Embodiment As described above, also in the case of the ATM communication device according to the third embodiment, the memories and tables that need to be provided in the device are the first and the first. As in the second embodiment, the configuration may be of a scale corresponding to the number of connections that can be handled, and a configuration that is not wasteful on the system can be achieved.

That is, while the hardware configuration of the processing unit 3 is relatively small, the configuration can be used without waste to the limit of the number of connections.

According to the first embodiment, the VP
Since a unique identification number is assigned to each of the connection and the VC connection and managed, various processes can be executed without being aware of the distinction between these connections, and the number of connections of each of the VP connection and the VC connection is adjusted. Processing can be performed up to a predetermined number of connections.

Thus, the VP like the conventional system can be used.
The limitation on the number of processes unique to the connection and the VC connection can be eliminated.

(D) Other Embodiments In the third embodiment described above, the case where the conversion unit 34 provided on the input side of the link termination unit 23 has the configuration shown in FIG. However, as in the second embodiment, the constituent part of the conversion table 34b may be replaced with a content search type memory.

That is, the conversion unit 3 having the configuration shown in FIG.
4 'may be used. By using the content search type memory as described above, the system configuration of each link termination unit 23 can be reduced in size, and the size of the entire system can be further reduced.

In each of the above embodiments, the AT
Although the case where the present invention is applied to a communication device based on the M technology has been described, the present invention relates to a case where each packet (arbitrary length data) is determined based on header information which is identification information of a path (path) or a channel (line). ) Can also be applied to a communication device that processes). Also in this case, the size of the device that manages each connection can be reduced compared to the number of connections that can be handled by the header information.

[0122]

As described above, according to the connection management apparatus of the first invention, the management of the connection in the apparatus or the system is determined by the own apparatus or the own apparatus in accordance with the number of connections that can be handled. In order to perform based on the connection number unique to the system including the
The required minimum size can be determined according to the number of connections that can be handled.

Further, as described above, according to the connection management apparatus of the second invention, the connection number unique to the own apparatus or the system including the own apparatus, which is determined according to the number of connections that can be handled, Or, since the system including the own device can be mutually converted into a connection number of a different system commonly used by one or more other devices, the entire system including the own device is constructed on a minimum necessary scale. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an ATM communication device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conversion unit 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a processing unit 3.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conversion unit 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an ATM communication device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conversion unit 11;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system using an ATM communication device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conversion unit 33.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conversion unit.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a common unit 21.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conversion unit ′.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 11, 31 to 34, 34 '... Conversion units, 1a, 2a,
3a: header separation section, 1b, 2b, 11b, 33b, 3
4b, 34b '... conversion table, 1c, 2c ... delay unit,
1d, 2d: header insertion unit, 2: conversion unit, 3, 35 processing unit, 3b, 21b temporary memory, 3c, 21c
... Parameter memory, 3d ... Calculation / various processing units, 3e ...
Cell processing unit, 11b1, 34b1... Registration search memory, 1
1b2, 34b2 table memory, 21 common part, 2
2, 23 ... link end part.

Claims (4)

[Claims] The present invention converts a connection identifier used on a network and a connection number unique to the own device or a system including the own device, which is determined according to the number of connections that can be handled independently of the connection identifier. A connection management apparatus comprising a conversion unit, wherein each connection in the apparatus is managed based on a connection number unique to the own apparatus or a system including the own apparatus. 2. The connection management device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit determines a correspondence relationship between all connection identifiers used on the network and a connection number unique to the own device or a system including the own device. A connection management device comprising a recorded conversion table. 3. The connection management device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit uses a content search type memory, and stores a connection identifier used on the network and a unique identifier of the own device or a system including the own device. A connection management device for performing conversion with a connection number. 4. A connection number unique to the own device or a system including the own device, which is determined according to the number of connections that can be handled, independently of the connection identifier used on the network, It is characterized by comprising a conversion unit for converting a connection number of another system, which is used in common by a plurality of devices, or used in common by a system including the own device and one or more other systems. Connection management device.