WO2001008358A1

WO2001008358A1 - Network system

Info

Publication number: WO2001008358A1
Application number: PCT/JP1999/004002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gaku Todokoro
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 1999-07-26
Filing date: 1999-07-26
Publication date: 2001-02-01

Abstract

A network address is automatically given to a new network element connected with a network. When detection means (1c) detects a new connection to the network, routing information acquisition means (1b) acquires routing information, and network address generating means (1d) and attribute information generating means (1e) refer to this information to generate a network address and attribute information, respectively. To check that the newly provided network address and attribute information are unique, decision means (1g) refers to the routing table acquired through routing table acquisition means (1f) and attribute information acquired through attribute information acquisition means (1i). If they are unique, transmission means (1h) transmits the information to a monitor (4), registration means (4c) registers it in network information storage means (4d), and notification means (4e) notifies the manager.

Description

Description Network System Technical Field

The present invention relates to a network system, and more particularly, to a network system having a plurality of network elements and a monitoring device that monitors the network. Background art

When a new element is added to a network system configured by connecting a plurality of network elements (hereinafter referred to as “elements” as appropriate) and a monitoring device that monitors these elements, Conventionally, the following procedures had to be performed.

That is, first, a network address (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “address”) for specifying this element on the network and an ID that is attribute information for identifying each element are connected to this element. Input from the terminal device registered.

Next, the registered address and ID are notified to the administrator managing the monitoring device by telephone or the like. The administrator ends the registration by storing the notified address, ID, and monitoring device.

By the way, in such a method, in order to avoid duplication with already registered addresses and IDs, when connecting a new element, the administrator who manages this information in a centralized manner The problem is that the user must make inquiries in advance, which is complicated.

Also, if the element to be newly connected is in a remote location, In order to set addresses, IDs, etc., it was necessary to go to that location, and there was a problem that it took time to start up the network. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and a network capable of adding an element without going to a place where the element to be added is installed and without inquiring of an administrator. The purpose is to provide a working system.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a network system having a plurality of network elements 1 to 3 and a monitoring device 4 for monitoring a network, as shown in FIG. Detecting means 1 c for detecting that the self is newly connected to the network; and detecting that the self is newly connected to the network by the detecting means 1 c. Network address generating means 1d for generating the network address, and determining means 1g for determining whether or not the network address generated by the network address generating means 1d is duplicated on the network. Thus, a network system is provided.

Here, the detecting means l c detects that it is newly connected to the network. The network address generating means 1d generates its own network address when the detecting means 1c detects that it is newly connected to the network. The determining means Ig determines whether or not the network address generated by the network address generating means 1d is duplicated on the network.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. Will be. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a principle configuration diagram for explaining the operation principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the network system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the network element shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the HDD shown in FIG. 3 ₍ FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the monitoring device shown in FIG. 2).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of contents stored in the HDD shown in FIG. 5: FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the network element shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a network address and an ID assigned to each network element shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the monitoring device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a display example of a screen displayed on the display device of the monitoring device shown in FIG. 5 by the process shown in FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

FIG. 1 is a principle configuration diagram for explaining the operation principle of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the network system according to the present invention includes network elements 1 to 3 and a monitoring device 4. Since network elements 1 to 3 have the same configuration, Shows the internal configuration of the network element 1 only. The network element 1 includes an interface la, a routing information acquisition unit 1b, a detection unit 1c, a network address generation unit 1d, an attribute information generation unit le, a routing table acquisition unit 1f, a determination unit lg, and an attribute information acquisition unit. 1 i, which monitors and configures a network (not shown) (for example, a network composed of optical cables, etc.) and communicates with other network elements 2 and 3 and the monitoring device 4. .

Here, the interface 1 a converts the data representation format when exchanging data with another network element ゃ monitoring device 4.

The routing information obtaining means 1b obtains, from the network, routing information including information indicating a connection relation of the network elements, information indicating an information transmission path, and the like.

The detecting means 1C detects that it is newly connected to the network.

The network address generating means 1d generates its own network address when the detecting means 1c detects that it is newly connected to the network.

The attribute information generating means le generates its own attribute information when the detecting means 1c detects that it is newly connected to the network.

The routing table obtaining means 1f obtains a routing table of an adjacent network element.

The judging means lg refers to the routing table and refers to the routing table, and generates the network generated by the network address generating means 1 d and the attribute information generating means 1 e. It is determined whether the network address and the attribute information are duplicated. The transmitting unit 1h transmits the network address and the attribute information generated by the network address generating unit 1d and the attribute information generating unit 1e to the monitoring device 4 via the interface 1a.

When new attribute information is generated by the attribute information generating unit 1e, the attribute information obtaining unit 1i obtains attribute information of another network element and supplies it to the determining unit Ig.

The monitoring device 4 includes an interface 4a, a receiving unit 4b, a registering unit 4c, a network information storing unit 4d, and a notifying unit 4e, and manages network elements.

Here, the interface 4a converts the data representation format when exchanging data with the network elements 1 to 3.

The receiving unit 4b receives the new network address and attribute information transmitted from the network elements 1 to 3.

The registration unit 4c registers the network address and the attribute information received by the reception unit 4b in the network information storage unit 4d. The network information storage means 4d stores a network address, which is information about the network, and attribute information.

When a new network address and attribute information are registered in the network information storage means 4d, the notifying means 4e notifies the operator of the registration.

Next, the operation of the above principle configuration diagram will be described.

In the following, description will be made assuming that network element 1 shown in FIG. 1 is newly connected.

Now, assuming that the network element 1 is newly connected and activated, first, the detecting means 1c detects that the activation is the first time, and The work address generation means 1d and the attribute information generation means 1e are notified. The network address generating means 1d receiving the notification instructs the routing information obtaining means 1b to obtain the routing information. The routing information obtaining means 1b obtains routing information circulating on the network and supplies the obtained information to the network address generating means 1d and the attribute information generating means 1e.

The network address generating means 1 d having received the routing information extracts the network address of the adjacent network element from the routing information supplied from the routing information obtaining means 1 b and specifies the area to which the network element belongs. After that, a network address composed of a combination of a plurality of numbers is generated and supplied to the determining means 1 g.

The attribute information generating means le randomly generates an ID composed of, for example, a plurality of alphabets or a combination of numbers, and supplies the ID to the determining means 1g.

The determining means lg instructs the routing table obtaining means 1 f to obtain the routing table from the adjacent network element, and also instructs the attribute information obtaining means 1 i to obtain the attribute information of another network element. To get it.

The routing table acquisition unit 1f acquires a routing table stored in an adjacent network element (for example, the network element 2) and supplies the acquired routing table to the determination unit Ig. The routing table is information for determining the route of data to be transmitted, which is generated from the routing information by each network element, and includes a network address of each network element and a network address. It is composed of information indicating the connection relationship of the entire network.

The judgment means lg is supplied from the routing table acquisition means 1 f By referring to the routing table, if a duplicate network address already exists, the fact is notified to the network address generating means 1d.

As a result, the network address generating means 1 d generates the network address again, supplies the generated network address to the determining means 1 g, and checks whether there is any duplication. Such a process is repeated until a unique network address is generated.

On the other hand, for the attribute information supplied from the attribute information generating unit 1e, the determining unit lg compares the attribute information with the attribute information of the other network element acquired by the attribute information acquiring unit 1i and duplicates it. If so, the attribute information generating means 1e is notified of this fact and new attribute information is generated again. Then, the same processing is repeated until non-overlapping attribute information is obtained.

The network address and the attribute information generated in this way are stored as self-related information in a routing table of a storage device (not shown) of the network element 1 and transmitted by the transmitting means 1h. Sent to monitoring device 4.

The monitoring device 4 receives the information by the receiving means 4b and supplies it to the registration means 4c.

The registration means 4C is provided for the network information storage means 4d which stores the connection relations of the network elements constituting the network and the network address and attribute information of each network element. To register the network address and attribute information of the newly connected network element.

When the registration by the registering means 4c is completed, the notifying means 4e powers, for example, sounds a buzzer (not shown) and a new display device (not shown). Display a message indicating that the network element has been connected.

As described above, according to the network system of the present invention, when a network element is newly added, the network address and the attribute information are automatically generated, and the adjacent network is generated. Since the presence / absence of duplication is determined by referring to the routing table of the network element, it is possible to easily manage such information. In addition, the newly generated network address and attribute information are automatically registered in the monitoring device 4 and notified to the administrator. It will be possible to quickly know that it has been connected and started.

Next, a configuration example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the network system of the present invention. In this figure, network elements 10 to 15 monitor and set up a network (for example, a network configured by an optical cable or the like) (not shown), and communicate with other network elements and monitoring devices 20. Communicate between

The monitoring device 20 manages the network elements 10 to 15. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the network element 10 shown in FIG. Since the network elements 10 to 15 have the same configuration, a description will be given below using the network element 10 as an example. As shown in FIG. 3, the network element 10 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10c, and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). ) 10 d, GB (Graphics Board) 10 e, node 10 f, and interface 10 g, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor The display device 11 is connected.

Here, the CPU 10a performs various processes according to programs stored in the HDD 10d and the like, and controls each unit of the device.

The ROM 10b stores basic programs, data, and the like, and supplies these to the CPU 10a when the device is started up.

The RAM lOc temporarily stores programs, data, and the like to be executed by the CPU lOa.

The HDD lOd stores an application program 15a, a routing table 15b, an initial startup flag 15c, and other 15d as shown in FIG.

Here, the application programs 15 a are various programs executed in the network element 10.

The routing table 15b is a network address and attribute information of each network element constituting the network, and information indicating a connection relationship between the network elements.

The initial startup flag 15c is a flag that is set to "ON" when the device is started for the first time, and is then set to "OF F".

The other 15d is composed of, for example, information on device settings.

Returning to FIG. 3, GB 10 e performs drawing processing in accordance with the drawing command supplied from CPU 10 a, converts the obtained image into a video signal, supplies it to display device 11, and displays it. Let it. Instead of having GB10e, connect to an external personal computer via RS-232C port or the like, and output data via this port. Information may be displayed.

Bus 10f is CPU 10a, ROM 10b, RAM 10c, HDD 10 d, GB 10 e, and interface 10 g are connected to each other, and exchange of data is possible between them.

The interface 2 Og appropriately changes the data representation format when exchanging data with another network element or the monitoring device 20.

The display device 11 displays and outputs various information from the network element 10.

It should be noted that the HDD 10d and the GB 10e may be excluded, and a personal computer or the like may be externally connected to operate the personal computer as an interface.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the monitoring device 20.

The monitoring device 20 has basically the same configuration as the network element 10; CPU 20a, ROM 20b, RAM 20c, HDD 20d GB 20e, bus 20f , And 20 g of interface. A display device 21 and a speaker 22 are connected to the outside.

Here, the CPU 20a performs various processes according to programs stored in the HDD 20d and the like, and controls each unit of the device.

The ROM 20b stores basic programs, data, and the like, and supplies them to the CPU 20a when the device is started.

The RAM 20c temporarily stores programs, data, and the like to be executed by the CPU 20a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the HDD 20d stores an application program 25a, a management table 25b, and other 25c.

Here, the application programs 25 a are various programs executed in the monitoring device 20. The management table 25b includes the network address and attribute information of each network element constituting the network, information indicating the connection relationship between the network elements, and the like.

The other 25c is composed of, for example, information on device settings.

Returning to FIG. 5, the GB 20 e performs a drawing process in accordance with the drawing command supplied from the CPU 20 a, converts the obtained image into a video signal, and supplies the video signal to the display device 21 for display. Let it.

The bus 20f interconnects the CPU 20a, ROM 20b, RAM 20c, HDD 20d, GB 20e, and interface 20g, and connects Enable evening reception.

The interface 21g converts the data representation format as needed when exchanging data with network elements.

The display device 21 displays and outputs various information from the monitoring device 20.

The speaker 22 sounds a buzzer and notifies the administrator when a new network element is connected.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed in the network elements 10 to 15 illustrated in FIG. In the following, description will be made assuming that the network element 10 is newly connected.

Now, assuming that the network element 10 is newly connected and the device is started, the following processing is executed.

[S 1] CPU 10a obtains the initial startup flag 15c stored in HD 10d.

[S 2] CPU 10 a determines whether or not the initial startup flag 15 c obtained in step S 1 is in the “ON” state, and is in the “ON” state. In this case, the process proceeds to step S3, otherwise, the process ends. In the present example, since the network element 10 is activated for the first time, the initial startup flag 15c is "ON", and the process proceeds to step S3.

[S3] CPU10a changes the initial startup flag 15c to the state of "〇FF".

[S 4] CPU 10a obtains the routing information circulating on the network via the interface 10g.

[S5] The CPU 10a acquires the address information of the adjacent network element from the routing information, and generates its own network address with reference to the information.

For example, assuming that each network element shown in FIG. 2 has a network address and an ID as shown in FIG. 8, a newly connected network element 10 is connected to an adjacent network element 11 1, Refers to the network address of 1 2 to determine the area to which it belongs, and refers to the determined area to generate a temporary network address "164.15.0.1.2.2" I do.

[S6] The CPU 10a obtains a routing table from an adjacent network element.

For example, the CPU 10a obtains the routing table (see FIG. 4) stored in the HDD of the network element 11.

[S7] The CPU 10a refers to the routing table acquired in step S6 to determine whether or not the tentative network addresses are duplicated. If not, step S8 is performed. Otherwise, return to step S5 and repeat the same processing as described above.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, since the temporary address “164.15.5.12.2” does not match any of the network elements 11 to 15, You will proceed to Step S8.

[S8] The CPU 10a registers the newly generated network address in the routing table as its own network address. That is, the CPU 10a stores the newly generated network address “164.15.5.1.2.2” in the routing table 15b of the HDD lOd.

[S9] The CPU 101 obtains the ID of the adjacent network element from the routing information, and generates its own ID by referring to the information.

For example, when each network element shown in FIG. 2 has a network address and an ID as shown in FIG. 8, the newly connected network element 10 is connected to the adjacent network elements 11 1 and 1. With reference to the ID of 2, for example, "abcdefghi 0 2" is generated as a temporary ID.

If no ID is included in the routing information, the ID may be generated at random.

[S10] CPUlOa obtains the IDs of all other network elements from the network.

In other words, the CPU 10a transmits an ID read request to all network elements of the network via the interface 10g, and obtains the transmitted ID as a result. .

[S 1 1] CPU 10 a compares the ID obtained in step S 10 with the temporary ID generated in step S 9, and if not duplicated, proceeds to step S 12, Otherwise, the process returns to step S9 to repeat the same processing as in the case described above.

[S 1 2] CPU lO a uses the newly generated ID as its own ID. To register in the routing table.

In other words, the CPU 10a stores the newly generated ID "abdcdefgh02" in the routing table 15b of the HDD 10d.

[S13] The CPU 10a supplies the newly generated network address and ID to the monitoring device 20 via the interface 10g.

With the above processing, when a newly connected network element is started for the first time, a network address and ID are automatically generated and transmitted to the monitoring device 20.

When the network element is started up for the second time, the address and ID are not generated because the initial startup flag is in the "OF F" state.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an example of processing executed in the monitoring device 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. This flowchart is a process when a new network address and ID are transmitted from the network element. When this flowchart starts, the following processing is executed.

[S20] The CPU 20a receives a new address or the like (network address and ID) via the interface 20g.

[S2 1] The CPU 20a registers a new network address and ID in the management table of the HDD 20d (see FIG. 6).

[S22] CPU 20a causes display device 21 to display a message indicating that a new network element has been connected.

FIG. 10 shows a display example of a screen displayed on the display device 21 at this time. In this example, a window 40 titled “New Connection” is displayed, indicating that a new network element has been connected and its address. And the IDs are "164.15.5 0.1.2 2" and "abcdefghi 0 2", respectively.

[S 2 3] CPU 20 a supplies an audio signal to speaker 22 to sound a buzzer, and notifies the administrator that a new network element has been connected.

According to such processing, when a network element is newly connected and started, it is possible to receive and register the network address and ID, and to notify an administrator. Becomes

According to the above embodiment, when a new network element is connected to the network and started up, this network element automatically generates its own network address and ID and sends it to the monitoring device. Since notification is possible, the administrator does not need to go to a remote location to make settings. As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost for starting up the network and the time required for starting up.

In addition, since there is no need to centrally manage network addresses and IDs, it is possible to reduce the burden on the administrator.

Further, since the network address and ID are automatically notified to the monitoring device, it is possible to centrally manage the network from the start of the network element.

In the above embodiment, when a network element generates a network address, the network information refers to routing information circulating on the network. (4) All network elements may be directly inquired of the address.

Also, use regular character strings and numeric strings such as "XXXX01" and "XXXXXX2" as network addresses and IDs. However, for example, it may be generated completely randomly.

As described above, according to the present invention, in a network system having a plurality of network elements and a monitoring device that monitors a network, the network element includes a detecting unit that detects that the network element is newly connected to the network. And a network address generating means for generating its own network address when the detecting means detects that it is newly connected to the network, and a network address generated by the network address generating means. And a determination means for determining whether or not are duplicated on the network, so that a network address can be automatically assigned to a network element newly connected to the network. . The above merely illustrates the principles of the invention. In addition, many modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art, and the present invention is not limited to the exact configuration and applications shown and described above, but all corresponding variations and equivalents may be made. It is considered the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. In a network system having a plurality of network elements and a monitoring device for monitoring the network,

The network element is

Detecting means for detecting that the self is newly connected to the network;

When the detecting means detects that the self is newly connected to the network, a network address generating means for generating its own network address;

Determining means for determining whether the network address generated by the network address generating means is duplicated on a network;

A network system comprising:

2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the network address generation unit generates the network address again when the determination unit determines that the network address is duplicated.

3. It further comprises a routing information acquisition means for acquiring routing information from the network,

3. The network system according to claim 2, wherein said network address generation means generates a network address with reference to said routing information.

4. It further comprises a routing table acquisition means for acquiring a routing table of an adjacent network element,

The determination unit refers to the routing table, and determines the network 3. The network system according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not the network addresses generated by the network address generation means are duplicated.

5. The network according to claim 1, further comprising: attribute information generating means for generating attribute information about the self when the detecting means detects that the self is newly connected to the network. Network system.

6. Attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information from another network element,

When the attribute information generated by the attribute information generating unit overlaps with other attribute information obtained by the attribute information obtaining unit, the attribute information generating unit generates the attribute information again. 6. The network system according to claim 5, wherein:

7. The network element is

The monitoring apparatus further includes a transmission unit configured to transmit the network address generated by the network address generation unit to the monitoring device.

Network information storage means for storing information about the network;

Receiving means for receiving a new network address transmitted from the network element;

Registering means for registering the network address received by the receiving means in the network information storage means;

2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The monitoring device may further include, when a new network address is registered by the registration unit, a notification unit for notifying the registration. 8. The network system according to claim 7, wherein:

9. The network element further includes attribute information generating means for generating attribute information about the self when the detecting means detects that the self is newly connected to the network,

The transmitting means transmits the attribute information together with the network address to the monitoring device,

The registration unit registers the attribute information together with the network address in the storage unit.

9. The network system according to claim 7, wherein: