WO2003103220A1

WO2003103220A1 - Monitoring system of monitoring network

Info

Publication number: WO2003103220A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/005361
Authority: WO
Inventors: 英一髙田; 昭治土屋; 吉田　光伸; 健一桑子
Original assignee: 富士通株式会社
Priority date: 2002-05-31
Filing date: 2002-05-31
Publication date: 2003-12-11

Abstract

A system for monitoring a monitoring network for transmitting/receiving a frame between a plurality of communication apparatuses and a monitoring/controlling apparatus for monitoring/controlling the communication apparatuses. A frame destined to the monitoring/controlling apparatus transmitted from one of the communication apparatuses and received by the monitoring/controlling apparatus via at least one of the communication apparatuses includes an addition block for adding identification information of all the communication apparatuses relaying this frame and a management block for managing route information indicating a transfer route of a frame specified by using identification information of at least one of the communication apparatuses added to the frame received by the monitoring/controlling apparatus.

Description

Description Monitoring network monitoring system Technical field

The present invention relates to a technology for monitoring a network connecting a monitoring control device such as an operation system (OPS) that monitors and controls a plurality of communication devices such as a network element (NE). Background art

There is a system in which a plurality of communication devices (for example, NE) that perform relay processing of user data and the like are controlled by these monitoring Z control devices (for example, 〇 p S). 〇 p S and each NE are connected via a network for monitoring and Z control, and Op S uses a variety of frames to control each NE and connects the network between Op S and each NE. _c Thus to send and receive over the control of each NE by O p S is because it is implemented through a frame exchange between the 〇_P S and each NE, Op S is between 0 p S itself and each NE Monitor the communication status (network status).

The purpose of 〇 p S to monitor the network (communication state) between 〇 p S and NE is to prevent communication failure between 通信 p S and NE due to secondary failures, etc. Method is adopted.

(Conventional example 1)

This method sends and receives test frames at regular intervals or at a request between devices constituting the network. If test frames cannot be transmitted and received normally, it is determined that some kind of failure has occurred in the network (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 9-163572). No. 8-8909).

(Conventional example 2)

The node that has received the specific communication data sets the additional node number and transmits it to the original receiving node, and returns the specific communication data to the transmitting node. As a result, the data communication route is determined in real time. In addition, a node that does not return the specific communication data is specified as a location where a failure has occurred (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. No. 6196).

(Conventional example 3)

Ding? 1? ゃ〇5 1 Regularly collect and compare routing information by using trace commands provided by the protocol, etc., and if a mismatch is detected in the routing information, some sort of failure has occurred in the network. Judge.

By the way, the topology of the network connecting 〇 p S and NE is configured to suppress an increase in the communication load between NE and Op S. This is because alarms and other frames detected by the NE must reach 〇PS as soon as possible. When the NE transmits the frame to 〇 p S, the NE starts timing with a frame arrival confirmation timer that measures the time to receive a confirmation message that the frame has reached 〇 p S. 〇pS, upon receiving the frame from the NE, sends a confirmation message to the NE. However, if the communication load between NE and 〇 p S becomes large, the confirmation message from Op S may not reach NE before the frame arrival confirmation timer times out due to congestion. In this case, the NE retransmits the frame to Op S. This retransmission may lead to a further increase in the communication load.

Here, the prior arts 1 and 2 monitor the network by transmitting a special frame (monitoring frame) for the purpose of monitoring the network. Therefore, traffic for sending and receiving monitoring frames is required. Therefore, the communication load between NE_〇p S increased, and the communication (network) between NE and Op S became congested, and accurate monitoring could not be performed. This possibility increases as the number of NEs increases. On the other hand, Conventional Technique 3 has the same problem as Conventional Technique 1 because it uses a command to periodically collect routing information.

In addition, there are the following problems. In FIG. 20 (A), Δp S periodically sends a monitoring frame to the NE to monitor the transfer route between the Op S and the NE. At this time, the supervisory frame arrives at the NE through the normally used transfer route (normal route). After that, Op S recognizes that the transfer route (normal route) is normal by receiving the response frame of the monitoring frame from the NE.

On the other hand, the NE transmits a monitoring control frame to the OPS for the Op S to monitor and control the NE. At this time, if the normal route is normal, the monitoring control frame The team arrives at Op S via a normal route.

Here, it is assumed that a failure has occurred in the normal route between NE and OpS. In this case, the response frame of the supervisory frame from 〇 p S does not arrive at 〇 p S within the time that O p S allows the response frame to arrive for the following reason. When a failure of the normal route occurs, the monitoring frame and the response frame are transmitted and received through the alternative route. Generally, since the normal route is the shortest route, the transmission / reception time of the frame by the alternative route is longer than the transmission / reception time by the normal route. Therefore, the allowable time for the arrival of the response frame is exceeded.

If the response frame does not arrive within the allowable time, the Op S recognizes that a failure has occurred in the normal route. Thereafter, 〇p S recognizes that the supervisory Z control frame received from the NE has been forwarded through the alternative route.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20 (B), when a monitoring control frame is transmitted from the NE after the failure of the normal route, the monitoring / control frame is transmitted through the alternative route by 〇 p S To arrive. At this time, Op S does not recognize that the arriving supervisory control frame has arrived through the alternate route due to the route change. ^ Op S transmits periodic supervisory frames after the arrival of the supervisory control frame. Thus, the failure of the normal route is recognized.

As described above, in the method in which the normal route is monitored by the periodic transmission of the monitoring frame by the Op S, the timing at which the Op S recognizes the failure of the normal route depends on the transmission timing of the monitoring frame. Therefore, when the Op S recognizes the failure of the normal route, it cannot determine from which monitor control frame the previously arrived monitor Z control frame was transferred by the alternative route.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system capable of monitoring a monitoring network without increasing a load on the monitoring network. It is a second object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system capable of detecting an abnormality in a monitoring network at an earlier stage than before.

Further, a third object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system capable of grasping a load state of a monitoring network. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention employs the following configuration to achieve the first object. That is, the present invention is a system for monitoring a monitoring network for transmitting and receiving frames between a plurality of communication devices and a monitoring / control device for monitoring / controlling the devices,

Adds the identification information of all communication devices that relay this frame to a frame addressed to the monitoring and control device transmitted from any communication device and received by the monitoring / control device via at least one communication device. Means,

Management means for managing route information indicating a transfer route of a frame specified by using the identification information of the at least one communication device added to the frame received by the monitoring Z control device.

According to the present invention, a frame to which identification information of all communication devices relaying the frame is added is received by the monitoring / control device, and route information indicating a transfer route of the frame specified by using the added identification information Is managed. By managing this route information, it is possible to know through which transfer route the frame arriving from the monitoring / control device has arrived. That is, the monitoring network can be monitored. The identification information is added to the frame addressed to the monitoring Z control device and arrives at the monitoring / control device, so no traffic is required to transfer the identification information. Therefore, the monitoring network can be monitored without increasing the load on the monitoring network.

In the present invention, the management means manages route information for each communication device and for each transfer route, and manages the number of times the transfer route is used for each transfer route,

The communication device further includes a determination unit that determines a normal route as a transfer route that is preferentially used when the communication device transfers a frame to a supervisory control device based on the number of times of use of the transfer route managed by the management unit. It is preferable to configure as follows. In this way, the monitoring control device side can grasp the normal route between a certain communication device and the monitoring control device.

Further, the present invention provides the management unit, wherein each time a frame is received by the monitoring / control device, the management unit determines the number of times of use of the transfer route specified by using the identification information of the communication device added to the received frame. Updated, Each time the number of times of use of the transfer route is updated, the determination unit determines whether or not other route information corresponding to the communication device that is the transmission source of the updated transfer route is managed by the management unit. If the other route information is managed by the management means, a difference between the updated number of times of use of the transfer route and the number of times of use of the other transfer route is obtained, and the obtained difference is usually When the threshold value for determining the route is exceeded, it is preferable that the transfer route having the updated number of times of use be determined as the normal route.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the management means, each time a frame is received by the monitoring control device, determines the number of times of use of the transfer route specified using the identification information of the communication device added to the received frame. Updated,

Each time the number of times of use of the transfer route is updated, the determination unit determines whether or not a plurality of pieces of route information corresponding to the communication device that is the transmission source of the updated transfer route is managed by the management unit. If a plurality of pieces of route information are managed by the management means, the difference between the largest number of times of use of the plurality of transfer routes and the next largest number of times of use is determined. When the difference exceeds a threshold for determination for determining the normal route, it is preferable that the transfer route with the largest number of uses be determined as the normal route.

Further, the present invention provides a detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the normal route when the monitor Z control device receives a frame from a communication device for which the normal route has been determined by the determining means via a transfer route different from the normal route. It is preferable to configure it to include further.

In this way, the transfer route of the frame is specified when the frame is received, and the failure of the normal route can be detected because the specified transfer route is different from the normal route. Therefore, if a frame is received by the monitoring Z controller via a transfer route different from the normal route, a fault in the normal route will be detected. This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in the monitoring network earlier than before.

Further, the present invention provides a method wherein the difference obtained by the determination means does not exceed the determination determination threshold, and the other transfer route has already been determined as a normal route. It is preferable to further include a detection unit for detecting the abnormality of the other communication route.

With this configuration, the above-described determination is performed when a frame is received by the monitoring control device, and a failure in the normal route can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the monitoring network at an earlier stage than before.

Further, the present invention provides that, when the difference obtained by the determination means does not exceed the threshold for determination determination and the other transfer route is not determined as a normal route, the normal route is indeterminate. Setting means for setting an indeterminate state to the transfer route whose use count has been updated when the use count of the transfer route whose use count has been updated exceeds an indeterminate threshold value for setting the undefined state shown in the transfer route;

When the determination means determines the transfer route with the updated number of times of use as a normal route, if the transfer route or the other transfer route is in an undefined state, the other transfer route is determined. It is preferable to further include a detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the bird.

With this configuration, the above-described determination is performed when a frame is received by the monitoring control device, and a failure in the normal route is detected. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the monitoring network earlier than before. ^Three

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the setting means detects the abnormality based on the fact that the difference determined by the determining means does not exceed the determination threshold and the other transfer route is determined as a normal route. If the number of times the other transfer route is used exceeds the indefinite threshold value when is detected, the determination of the normal route for the other transfer route is canceled and an undefined state is set,

When the determination means determines the transfer route with the updated number of times of use as a normal route, if the determination unit determines that the other transfer route is in an undefined state, the other transfer route It is preferable to configure so as to detect the abnormality of. With this configuration, the above-described determination is performed when a frame is received by the monitoring control device, and a failure of the normal route is detected. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the monitoring network earlier than before.

Further, in the present invention, the communication device may be configured such that the adding unit relays the frame. In the above, further adding a transfer time of the frame to the frame,

The monitoring Z control device further includes a determination unit configured to determine a transfer time of the frame based on a transfer time of the frame added to the frame received by the monitoring Z control device and determine whether the determined transfer time is appropriate. It is preferred to configure.

In this way, it is determined whether or not the transfer time is appropriate, and the determination result is obtained. This determination result can be used to grasp the load state of the monitoring network. That is, the load state of the transfer route of this frame can be grasped. If the result of the determination is that the transfer time is not appropriate, it can be understood that congestion has occurred on the transfer route.

Further, the present invention is preferably configured such that the determination means obtains a transfer time for each relay section of the frame and determines whether each transfer time is appropriate.

This makes it possible to grasp the load state of the monitoring network in more detail.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the management unit manages the transfer time obtained by the determination unit.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the adding unit is provided for each communication device, and is configured to add identification information of the communication device to a frame addressed to the monitoring control device received by the communication device.

Further, according to the present invention, the management means includes means for acquiring identification information of the communication device added to the frame received by the monitoring control device as route information, and storage means for storing route information. It is preferred to configure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a format of a frame transmitted from each communication device to the monitoring Z control device in the monitoring system of the monitoring network according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication processing unit provided in each communication device to realize a monitoring system. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication processing unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a route information processing unit and a route information table provided on the monitoring Z control device side to realize a monitoring system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a route information processing unit and a route information table in a second embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route information processing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a route information processing unit and a route information table in the third embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route information processing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the third embodiment of the monitoring system.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route information processing unit in the fourth embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of the fourth embodiment of the monitoring system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of the fourth embodiment of the monitoring system.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the fourth embodiment of the monitoring system.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a frame format used in the fifth embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a route information processing unit and a route information table in a fifth embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route information processing unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a system configuration diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a route information processing unit and a route information table in a sixth embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence between 〇 p S-NE in the conventional art. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described. The following embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

(First Embodiment)

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a monitoring system for a monitoring network according to the present invention. The monitoring system includes NEs 11 to 15 and 21 to 26 corresponding to a plurality of communication devices, and Op S10 corresponding to a monitoring control device.

NEs 11 to 15 are interconnected by a ring network A. On the other hand, NEs 21 to 26 are interconnected by a ring network B. Op S10 and each of the ring networks A and B are housed in a monitoring and control network (hereinafter referred to as “DCN”) such as DCN (Detect Control Network). In Fig. 1, each NE 12 and 23 functions as the entrance and exit of the ring network. This allows communication between each NE and NE p S.

In Fig. 1, in ring network A, a frame addressed to 0ps10, where each of NEs 11 and 13 to 15 corresponds to a transmission source, is relayed to some NEs, and then transmitted via DCN. Arrives at p S 10 Similarly, in ring network B, a frame addressed to 〇p S10, where each NE 21, 22, 24 to 26 corresponds to a transmission source, is relayed to several NEs and then transmitted via DCN. Arrive at Te S10.

The OpSIO sends and receives frames between each NE and 〇pS10 to monitor / control each NE. For example, when controlling an NE, OpSIO transmits a control frame to the NE. When receiving the control frame, the NE generates a response frame of at least one control frame and transmits the response frame to OpS10. Further, when detecting a failure of a device or a line, the NE generates at least one alarm frame including an alarm of the failure and transmits the frame to Op S10. These response frames and alarm frames have been transmitted from the NE to NE pS in the existing monitoring system.

Op S10 receives the frame transferred from each NE, and based on the stored contents of this frame, OpS10 monitors the network state for monitoring and controlling each NE, that is, determines the frame transfer route. Monitor.

In Fig. 1, two groups of NEs (NE11-: 15, NE21-26) are shown. Op S10 monitors and controls, but the present invention is established without either one group.

Next, a frame transferred from each NE to 〇 p S 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a transmission frame of the NE. The frame includes a header section, a data section, an NE identifier storage section, and an error check code.

The header section stores information for sending a frame to the destination, such as a source address and a destination address. The address of the NE (source NE) corresponding to the source is stored as the source address. The address of the source NE corresponds to the identification information of the source communication device. On the other hand, the address of 〇p S is stored as the destination address. The data section is provided immediately after the header section, and stores data to be transferred from NE to 〇pS. When the response content of the control frame is stored in the data section, this frame is a response frame. On the other hand, when the contents of the alarm are stored in the data section, this frame becomes an alarm frame.

The NE identifier storage section is provided immediately after the data section. The NE identifier storage unit is a variable length area that stores the identifiers of all NEs that relay the frame. When multiple NEs relay a frame, the NE identifier is stored in the order of relaying from the beginning of the frame. The NE identifier storage section is an area newly provided in a frame for realizing the present invention.

Next, the main configuration of each NE for realizing the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the communication processing unit 30 provided in each NE. The communication processing unit 30 includes a frame receiving unit 31, a header analyzing unit 32, an identifier insertion header processing unit 33, a frame transmitting unit 34, and a frame generating unit 35.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the communication processing unit 30. When the frame receiving section 31 receives the frame (step S01), the header analyzing section 32 refers to the header section of the frame and determines whether or not the destination of this frame is this NE (step SO1). 2).

If the destination of the frame is this NE (S 02; YE S), the receiving process of the frame in this NE is performed (step S 03). On the other hand, if the destination of the frame is not this NE (S 02; NO), the header analyzer 32 It is determined whether the destination is Op S (step S 04).

If the destination of the frame is not Δp S (S 04; NO), the frame is passed from the frame receiving unit 31 to the frame transmitting unit 34, and the frame transmitting unit 34 transmits the frame. That is, the frame is transferred without being edited (step S05). On the other hand, when the destination of the frame is Δp S (S 02; YE S), the frame is passed from the frame receiving unit 31 to the identifier insertion header processing unit 33. The identifier insertion Z header processing unit 33 inserts the relay NE identifier as an identifier of this NE into the NE identifier storage unit (FIG. 2) of the frame (step S06). Thereafter, the frame is passed from the identifier insertion Z header processing unit 33 to the frame transmission unit 34, and the frame transmission unit 34 transmits the frame (step S07).

The relay NE identifier is, for example, the address of the relay NE. The relay NE identifier corresponds to the identification information of the communication device that relays the frame. The function of inserting (adding) the relay NE identifier into the frame is a function newly provided to realize the present invention.

By the way, the frame generation unit 35 generates a frame addressed to 〇 pS and gives it to the frame transmission unit 34. The frame generation unit 35 stores the address of $ ps as the destination address in the header of the generated frame as the destination address, and stores the address of the NE of the transmission source as the transmission source address.

With the configuration of the communication processing unit 30 described above, the frame from the transmission source NE is relayed to 〇 p S. As described above, the communication processing unit 30 included in the NE functions as a device including the adding unit that adds the identification information of the NE that relays the frame. Further, the communication processing unit 30 generates and transmits a frame addressed to 〇 p S including the identification information (source address) of the source NE.

Next, the main configuration of 〇 p S for realizing the present invention will be described. Op S is a computer equipped with a processor such as a CPU, a recording medium such as a memory and a hard disk, a communication control device, an input device, and an output device in terms of hardware. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example for realizing the present invention included in OpS. Op S includes a route information processing unit 40 and a storage unit 41. The route information processing unit 40 includes a reception processing unit 42, and the storage unit 41 stores a route information table 43 (Hereinafter referred to as “Table 4 3”).

When receiving the frame addressed to 〇 p S, the reception processing unit 42 extracts the source address (identification information of the source NE) and the relay NE identifier stored in the NE identifier storage unit from the frame, The transit NE identifier is stored at an appropriate location in Table 43 based on the source address. Thus, the reception processing unit 42 creates the route information on the table 43.

Table 43 stores a record in which the relay NE identifier stored in the NE identifier storage unit of the frame is associated with the identifier of the source NE (source address or information corresponding thereto). The reception processing unit 42 writes the relay NE identifier as an identifier on the transfer route into the table 43 so that such a record is created on the table 43.

If the NE identifier storage unit of the frame stores a plurality of relay NE identifiers, the reception processing unit 42 writes the plurality of relay NE identifiers into the table 43 in a state where the relay order of the frame can be identified. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of relay NE identifiers are written in the order of relaying frames (in the order of storage in the NE identifier storage unit).

In this manner, one or more relay NE identifiers (records) stored in Table 43 in a state where the relay NEs are associated with the identifiers of the source NE and the relay order of the frames can be identified constitute the route information. .

However, in this example, the storage content of the NE identifier storage unit of the frame itself constitutes the route information (the relay NE identifier is equal to the identifier on the transfer route), and the reception processing unit 42 stores the content of the NE identifier storage unit in a table. By writing to 43, route information is created on table 43.

Instead, the reception processing unit 42 converts the information into an identifier (identification information) instead of the relay NE identifier, and writes the converted identifier as an identifier on the transfer route in the table 43 so that the route information is created. You may do it.

Route information is created for each transfer route. In other words, even if the source NE is the same, if the transfer route of the frame is different (the content of the relay NE identifier and Z or the number are different), different route information (record) is stored in Table 43. Created.

Reception processing unit 42 creates route information for a certain transfer route on table 43 This is done once. That is, when the route information indicating the transfer route specified by the relay NE identifier stored in the frame is already stored in the table 43, the reception processing unit 42 does not create the same route information on the table 43.

FIG. 5 shows, as an example, a table 43 that stores the route information on the NEs 11 to 15 constituting the ring network A shown in FIG. In ring network A shown in Fig. 1, frames transmitted from NEs 11 and 13 to 15 are transmitted from NE 12 clockwise and transmitted from NE 12 counterclockwise.転送 p S can be reached via one of the transfer routes to be performed. The contents stored in the table 43 shown in FIG. 5 are the contents when 〇 p S10 receives a frame from all NEs 11 to 15 of the ring network A through all transfer routes.

Note that the reception processing unit 42 is a function realized by, for example, the processor in ΔPS operating according to a program. However, dedicated hardware for realizing the function of the reception processing unit 42 may be prepared. The storage unit 41 is configured using a storage medium such as a memory or a hard disk in the PS, for example. However, the route information table may be created on a recording medium housed or connected to Ops, or may be created on a recording medium connected to Ops through a network.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. For example, NE 15 shown in FIG. 1 transmits a frame toward 〇p S 10, and this frame passes through a transfer route of NE 15—NE 11 1 → NE 12 → 0 p S 10 Assume that the vehicle arrives at p S 10.

In this case, the processing for the frame is as follows.

• NE 15 sends a frame addressed to 〇p S 10

• NE 11 receives the frame, performs the processing shown in Figure 4, stores the NE 11 identifier in the NE identifier storage unit (Figure 2) in the received frame, and transmits it.

• The NE 12 receives the frame, stores the identifier of the NE 12 in the NE identifier storage unit like the NE 11, and transmits the frame.

• The reception processing unit 42 (Fig. 5) of p S 10 receives the frame, extracts the identifiers of the NE 11 and NE 12 (relay NE identifiers) from the NE identifier storage unit of the frame, and outputs the tape. The route information indicating the transfer route of the frame from NE 15 “NE 15 → NE 11 → NE 1 2” is stored in the rule 43. Therefore, OpSIO can confirm the transfer route between NE15 and OpS10 by referring to Table 43.

According to the first embodiment, Op S can determine the number of transfer routes from the number of records for a certain source NE by referring to Table 43, The transfer route of the frame, that is, the NE that relays the frame, the number of relays, and the relay order can be ascertained from the (transfer route identifier). Therefore, by referring to Table 43, Op S can recognize which NE the frame transmitted from a certain NE has arrived at Op S.

For example, if every time a SpS receives a frame, information indicating the source NE and the transfer route of the frame is displayed by a display device such as a display, the maintenance person of Op S can Thus, the transfer route of the frame from the NE can be reliably specified without a time lag.

If the contents stored in the route information table are displayed by a display means such as a display, and the display contents are updated along with the update of the table accompanying the reception of the frame, the Op The maintainer of S can easily grasp the transfer route from each NE.

Also, the NE configuration is to determine whether the destination is Op S during the destination confirmation process performed in the normal frame reception process, and to add a relay NE identifier if the destination is 〇p S Since it can be realized by adding simple functions, the effect on the load of communication processing is also negligible.

(Second embodiment)

Next, a second embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing main components of Op S in the second embodiment, and shows a configuration necessary to realize the present invention.

In FIG. 6, Op S includes a route information processing unit 44 and a route information table 47 (hereinafter, “table 47”) stored in a storage unit (not shown) similar to the storage unit 41. Notation). The route information processing unit 44 includes a reception processing unit 45 and a route information comparison unit 46.

Table 47 stores the route information for each source NE as in the first embodiment. Further, Table 47 stores, for each piece of route information, a count value indicating the number of times the transfer route specified by the route information is used, a fixed flag, and an undefined flag.

The determined flag is a flag indicating that the corresponding transfer route has been determined as a normal route preferentially used for transmitting a frame between NE and 〇 pS. Confirmed = 0 ".

On the other hand, the undefined flag is a flag indicating a state in which the normal route of the corresponding transfer route is not determined (the transfer route is undefined), and is “undefined = 1” and “non-undefined = 0”. State (value).

Note that the table 47 shown in FIG. 6 shows route information on NE 15 and NE 26 shown in FIG. 1 as an example.

The reception processing unit 45 of the route information processing unit 44 has the same function as the reception processing unit 42 in the first embodiment, and routes information using the source address and the relay NE identifier included in the frame. Create on Table 47. Further, every time a frame is received, the reception processing unit 45 specifies a frame transfer route based on the content stored in the NE identifier storage unit, and uses the number of times of use of the specified transfer route stored in the table 47. Update (count value) (increment by 1).

The route information comparison unit 46 controls the determination flag and the undefined flag by comparing the number of times the transfer route is used for NEs having two or more transfer routes. The route information comparing section 46 has a threshold value (a threshold value for normally determining the determination of the route: a determination determination threshold value) for controlling the determination flag and the undefined flag.

The route information comparison unit 46 is a function realized by, for example, a processor in the Ops operating according to a program. However, dedicated hardware for realizing the function of the route information comparison unit 46 may be provided.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing by the route information processing unit 44. In FIG. 7, when the reception processing unit 45 receives a frame addressed to Ops (step S 20 1), route information, that is, one or more relay NE identifiers stored in the NE identifier storage unit, is obtained from the frame (step S202).

Next, the reception processing unit 45 determines whether or not the route information of the transfer route specified from the acquired relay NE identifier is already stored in the table 47 (step

5203).

At this time, if the route information is not stored in the table 47 (S203: NO), the reception processing unit 45 stores the route information including the acquired relay NE identifier on the table 47. The counter value (the number of times of use: default value: 0) corresponding to the created route information is set to "1" (step S204).

On the other hand, when the route information is stored in the table 47 (S203: YES), the reception processing unit 45 increments the count value corresponding to the route information by one (step S205). .

Next, the route information comparing unit 46 determines whether or not other route information is stored for the source NE corresponding to the route information whose counter value has been updated (Step S206). At this time, if no other route information is stored (S20

6; NO), the process ends.

On the other hand, when other route information is stored (S206; YE S), the route information comparing unit 46 determines whether the updated count value (update count value) and the other route information correspond to the updated count value. The count value is compared with the count value (another count value), and the difference between the two values is obtained (step 207).

Next, the route information comparing unit 46 determines whether or not the obtained difference is equal to or more than a threshold for determination determination (step S208). At this time, if the difference is equal to or more than the threshold for determination (S208; YE S), the route information comparison unit 46 sets the value of the determination flag having the larger counter value to "1". (Step S209).

As a result, one of the plurality of transfer routes is determined as a normal route. If the route information comparing unit 46 sets the value of any of the definite flags for a certain source NE to “1” in step S209, the values of all undefined flags for this source NE are “ 0 ".

On the other hand, if the difference is not equal to or more than the threshold for determination (S208; NO), The value of all indefinite flags for the source NE for which the determination of the normal route is determined is set to "1" (step S210).

If the route information comparison unit 46 sets all indefinite flags for a certain source NE to “1” in step S210, the values of all the definite flags for this source NE are It becomes "0".

As described above, when the route information processing unit 44 updates the count value corresponding to the transfer route of the received frame, the source NE corresponding to the count value updates the plurality of transfer routes. Determine if you have it.

If the source NE has a plurality of transfer routes, the route information processing unit 44 compares the count value for the source NE and, if the difference exceeds the threshold for determination determination, calculates the count value. A large transfer route is determined as a normal route. On the other hand, if the difference does not exceed the threshold for determination, the route information processing unit 44 sets the indefinite flag for all transfer routes (sets "1"). Thus, 〇ps can specify the normal route of the frame transmitted from the NE.

In general, frames are routed to reach 〇PS by the shortest route (the forwarding route with the least number of NEs (the number of transit NEs)). The NE 15 shown in FIG. 1 has a transfer route of “NE 11 → NE 12” and a transfer route of “NE 14 → NE 13 → NE 12”. The former is shorter than the latter, so the former is used preferentially. As a result, the former is selected as the normal route. That is, the final confirmation flag is finally set (see Table 47 in FIG. 6).

On the other hand, the NE 26 shown in FIG. 1 has a transfer route of “NE 21 → NE 22 → NE 23” and a transfer route of “NE 25 → NE 24 → NE 23”. The former and the latter have the same number of transit NEs (the number passing through the NE). In this case, either one can be determined as a normal route. That is, the normal route is undefined. Therefore, both undefined flags are finally set (see Table 47 in FIG. 6). Then, as long as both are normal, the normal route is not determined for either one.

The confirmation flag is used to determine whether or not there is a normal route between a certain NE and 〇 p S. Further, the undefined flag is used to determine whether or not the normal route between a certain NE and 〇 p S is undefined. The Op S cannot determine from the beginning whether each NE has a normal route. Therefore, the table 47 of the route information processing unit 44 has a count value indicating the number of times of use of each transfer route, and the route information comparing unit 46 determines the presence or absence of a normal route from the difference between the count values of the transfer routes. For this reason, the route information comparison unit 46 has a difference between the counter values required to determine the presence / absence of a normal route as a threshold for determination.

In the processing example described with reference to FIG. 7, it is assumed that the number of transfer routes is two (the other count value is one). When there are three or more transfer routes (when there is another count value of two or more), the route information comparing unit 46 performs the following processing. That is, when the difference between the largest counter value and the next largest counter value among the three or more counter values exceeds the threshold value for determination, the route information comparison unit 46 determines the largest count value (the number of times of use). The transfer route corresponding to is determined as the normal route.

Further, in the processing example shown in FIG. 7, when there is one transfer route between a certain NE and 〇 pS, the values of the fixed flag and the undefined flag are always “0”. Instead, the counter value is compared (S207 and S208) assuming that the number of times other non-existing transfer routes are used is zero, and the determination flag for the only one existing transfer route is determined. It may be set to "1".

The operation of the second embodiment is as follows. For example, assume that NE 15 shown in FIG. 1 transmits a frame toward Op S 10. In this case, the frame transfer route patterns that can be used include the first route (NE15 → NE11 → NE12 → 〇pS10) and the second route ( NE 15 → NE 14 → NE 13 → NE 12 → 〇 p S 10).

When the frame transmitted from NE 15 is received by Op S 10 through the first route, route information processing unit 44 of Op S 10 executes the processing shown in FIG. In this process, the reception processing unit 45 increments the counter value of the first route of NE 15 stored in the table 47 by one.

Then, the route information comparison unit 46 calculates a difference between the counter value (the number of times of use) of the first route and the counter value (the number of times of use) of the second route, and determines the difference as a threshold (determination determination). Is determined, and the values of the fixed flag and the undefined flag corresponding to the first and second routes are controlled according to the result of this determination.

According to the second embodiment, the route information for NEs is stored in the table 47, and a fixed flag indicating a normal route and an undefined flag indicating that the normal route is undefined are set.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, according to the second embodiment, the transfer route (normal route) normally used between a certain NE and 〇 p S can be determined by referring to the fixed flag and the undefined flag set in Table 47. Can be identified. Alternatively, it can be recognized that the normal route is not fixed.

(Third embodiment)

Next, a third embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing main components of Ops in the third embodiment, and shows a configuration necessary for realizing the present invention.

In FIG. 8, Op S is a route information processing unit 48 and a route information table 49 stored in a storage unit (not shown) similar to the storage unit 41 (hereinafter, referred to as “table 49”). ). The route information processing unit 48 includes a reception processing unit 50, a route information comparison unit 52, and a route update determination unit 51. Further, OpS includes a notification unit 53.

That is, 〇ps in the third embodiment is configured by adding a route information update determination unit 51 and a notification unit 53 to the second embodiment. The table 49 is the same as the table 47 of the second embodiment. The reception processing unit 50 and the route information comparison unit 52 have the same functions as the reception processing unit 45 and the route information comparison unit 46 of the second embodiment. Therefore, description of the table 49, the reception processing unit 50, and the route information comparison unit 52 is omitted, and the route update processing unit 51 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing example by the route information processing unit 48 in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the processing by the route information processing unit 48 is performed between the step S202 and the step S203 shown in FIG. Judgment processing (steps S303 to S305) is inserted It is constituted by.

Steps S301 and S302 are the same processing as steps S201 and S202 shown in FIG. 7, and steps S306 to S313 are steps S203 to S2 shown in FIG. This is the same process as 10. Therefore, description of these steps is omitted.

In step 303, the route update determination processing section 51 determines whether or not there is a transfer route (normal route) for which the confirmation flag is set to "1". That is, the route update determination processing unit 51 refers to the table 49, and among all the route information stored in the table 49 for the NE corresponding to the transmission source of the frame received by the reception processing unit 50, It is determined whether the value of any of the confirmation flags is set to "1".

At this time, if there is no route information for which the value of the confirmation flag is "1" (S303; NO), it is determined that there is no normal route, and the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, when there is route information with the value of the confirmation flag being “1” (S303; YE S), the route update determination processing unit 51 determines that there is a normal route, and determines that there is a normal route. Then, it is determined whether or not the transfer route specified from the relay NE identifier in the frame received in the step matches the normal route (step S304).

At this time, if the transfer route matches the normal route, the process proceeds to step S308. On the other hand, when the transfer route does not coincide with the normal route, the route update processing determination unit 51 notifies the Ops maintainer of the route update determination information (step S305). Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S308.

The route update information is information indicating that the frame has arrived via a transfer route different from the normal route. The route update determination unit 51 gives the route update information to the notification unit 53. The notification unit 53 outputs route update information to the outside by an appropriate method such as voice, light, screen display (display of a GUI (Graphical User Interface)), and vibration. The Op S maintainer can receive the route update information output (notified) from the notification unit 53. The route update judging section 51 can output the route update information from the notifying section 53 as soon as the transfer route mismatch is detected. Route update information can include transfer route identification information and normal route identification information. Monkey

The route update determination unit 51 is a function realized by, for example, a processor in the Ops operating according to a program. However, dedicated hardware for realizing the function of the route update determination unit 51 may be provided. The route update determination unit 51 corresponds to the detection unit of the present invention.

The notification unit 53 has a configuration according to a method of transmitting route update information to a maintenance person, and includes, for example, display means such as a display, printing means such as a printer, and sound output such as a buzzer (alarm). Means, lighting means such as lamps and LEDs, and vibration means such as vibrators.

In the processing shown in FIG. 9, the fact that the confirmation flag is set means that the shortest route has been determined. Nevertheless, the fact that the frame arrived at Op S via another transfer route means that the shortest route had a problem and the frame could not be transferred on the shortest route. Therefore, the Op S maintainer can recognize that a problem has occurred in the normal route by receiving the route update information. However, the route update information may directly indicate a failure or abnormality of the normal route.

The operation of the third embodiment is as follows. For example, when the NE 15 shown in FIG. 1 transmits a frame addressed to Op S, the frame is the first route (NE 15 → NE 1 l → NE 1) as described in the second embodiment. Op S 10 through one of two routes (NE 15 → NE 14 → NE 13 → NE 12 → 〇 p S) and the second route. Since the first route is shorter (the shortest route) than the second route, the first route is determined as a normal route.

When the frame is received by ΔpS, the route update determining unit 51 (FIG. 8) of the route information processing unit 48 specifies the transfer route of the frame received from the NE 15. At this time, if the transfer route of the specified frame is the second route and the first route has already been determined as the normal route, the route update processing unit 51 determines that the transfer route of the frame is normal. Upon switching from the route to another transfer route, the abnormality of the first route is detected, and the route update information is immediately output (notified) to the outside of 〇PS via the notification unit 53. The output route update information is transmitted to the 保守 p S maintainer. Is done. As a result, the Op S maintainer can recognize that a problem has occurred in the first route, which corresponds to the normal route, at an early stage from the occurrence of the problem.

According to the third embodiment, the same functions and effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained. Further, according to the third embodiment, when there are a plurality of transfer routes for a certain NE and the normal route is determined, the problem relating to the normal route is detected and immediately transmitted to the maintenance person of 0S. be able to.

In particular, according to the third embodiment, the following operation and effect can be obtained. FIGS. 10 (A) and (B) are diagrams showing a communication sequence between OpS and NE. The communication sequence between O p S and NE consists of a control system sequence (Fig. 10 (A)) and a monitoring system sequence (Fig. 10 (B)).

In the control sequence, Op S sends a control frame to the NE to control the NE. When receiving the control frame, the NE transmits n (n is an integer of 1 or more) response frames to 0 pS. The response frame has, for example, the format shown in FIG. 2, and the response content of the control frame is stored in the data portion.

In the monitoring sequence, the NE generates an alarm frame and sends it to Op S when detecting a failure in the equipment or a communication failure. Op S can monitor the NE side for failures by receiving the alarm frame. The alarm frame also has the format shown in Fig. 2, and the contents of the alarm are stored in the data area.

FIG. 10 (A) shows a case where Op S transmits a control frame to the NE, and the NE that has received the control frame transmits n response frames to the Op S. Here, there are two routes for forwarding frames between 〇 p S and the NE, one is used as a normal route, and the other is used as an alternative route in the event of a failure of the normal route <Figure 10 ( As shown in A), it is assumed that after the second control response frame among the n response frames is received by Ops through the normal route, a failure occurs in the normal route. In this case, the third and subsequent response frames arrive at Op S via the alternative route.

Op S performs the processing shown in Fig. 9 every time it receives a frame from the NE, and determines one transfer route as a normal route. Op S receives third response frame If the normal route has already been determined, the 〇p S detects the failure of the normal route by the route update determination process (Fig. 9) triggered by the reception of the third response frame. , To notify outside of Op S.

In this way, Op S can detect the failure of the normal route by receiving the first frame transmitted from the NE after the failure of the normal route has occurred. Therefore, the maintenance person of Op S can recognize the occurrence of the failure of the normal route as early as possible, and can clearly understand when the failure of the normal route has occurred.

The above operations and effects can be obtained in the monitoring system sequence shown in FIG. 10 (B). That is, when detecting a failure, the NE transmits n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) alarm frames to $ ps. If the normal route has already been determined when the third alarm frame has been received, Op S performs the route update determination process (when the third alarm frame is received). Based on Fig. 9), the fault of the normal route is detected and notified outside OpS.

As described above, the maintenance person of Op S can properly grasp the state of the monitoring network (communication state), so that the monitoring network can be operated with high reliability and maintainability.

(Fourth embodiment)

Next, a fourth embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment has points in common with the third embodiment, and therefore, only the differences will be described, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

The main components of the Op S (route information processing unit 48) in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the third embodiment (see FIG. 8). However, the processing of the route update determination unit 51 is different from that of the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing example by the route information processing unit 48 in the fourth embodiment. In the processing in FIG. 11, for example, 〇p S receives a frame from an NE having two transfer routes (referred to as route (A) and route (B)) such as NE 15 shown in FIG. It is assumed that this is done.

In FIG. 11, the reception processing unit 50 receives a frame from the NE, It is assumed that the route information of the route (A) is obtained by extracting the relay NE identifier from the NE identifier storage unit (step S401).

Then, the reception processing unit 50 determines whether the route information of the route (A) is already stored in the table 49 (step S402). At this time, if the route information is not stored in the table 49 (S402; NO), the reception processing unit 50 stores the route information of the route (A) at a predetermined position in the table 49, and The count value is set to "1", and the values of the corresponding definite flag and indefinite flag are respectively set to "0" (step S403).

On the other hand, when the route information of the route (A) is stored in the table 49 (S402; YE S), the reception processing unit 50 sets the count corresponding to the route information of the route (A). Increment the value (number of uses) by 1 (add 1 to the count value) (step S404).

Subsequently, the reception processing unit 50 determines whether or not other route information (route information of the route (B)) is stored in the table 49 (step S405). At this time, if the route information of the route (B) is not stored in the table 49 (S405; NO), the process ends.

On the other hand, when the route information of the route (B) is stored in the table 49 (S405; YES), the route information comparing unit 52 determines the count value of the route (A) and the route value. The counter value of (B) is read from the table 49 and compared, and the difference between the two is obtained (step S406).

Subsequently, the route information comparison unit 52 determines whether or not the difference between the counter values is equal to or greater than a threshold for determination (step S407). At this time, if the difference is equal to or larger than the threshold for determination (S407; YE S), the normal route determination by the route update determination unit 51 (steps S408 to S412) If not (S407; NO), the route update determining unit 51 executes the route indefinite determination process (steps S413 to S418).

The normal route determination processing is executed as follows. However, the normal route determination processing described below is based on the premise that the count value of the route (A) is larger than the count value of the route (B). First, the route update determination unit 51 determines whether a confirmation flag corresponding to the route information of the route (A) is set (whether or not the value of the confirmation flag is "1") (step S408). ).

At this time, if the value of the confirmation flag is “1” (S 408; YE S), the processing is terminated; otherwise (S 408; NO), the route update determination unit 51 The value of the decision flag corresponding to the route information of the port (A) is set to "1" (set the decision flag) (step S409).

Subsequently, the route update determination unit 51 determines whether the undefined flag corresponding to the route (A) or the undefined flag corresponding to the route (B) is set (the value of the undefined flag is set to “1”). Is determined (step S410).

At this time, if the indefinite flag is not set to "1" (S410; NO), the processing is terminated; otherwise (S410; YES), the route update determination unit Step 51 performs an abnormality occurrence notification process (step S411).

That is, the route update determination unit 51 detects an abnormality in the transfer route (route (B)) and outputs an abnormality in the route (B) to the outside of the Op S via the notification unit 53. As the method of transmitting the abnormality, the same method as the method of transmitting the route update information described in the third embodiment can be applied.

When executing the process in step S411, the route update determination unit 51 subsequently initializes the indefinite flags of all routes (routes (A) and (B)) related to the NE ( Set to "0") (Step S412). Then, the process ends.

On the other hand, the route uncertainty determination process is executed as follows. First, the route update determination unit 51 determines whether a determination flag corresponding to the route information of the route (B) is set (whether the value of the determination flag is "1") (step S41). 3).

At this time, if the value of the confirmation flag is not “1” (S413; N〇), the processing proceeds to step S417, and if the value of the confirmation flag is “1” (S4 1 3; YES), the process proceeds to step S414.

In step S414, the route update determination unit 51 executes the same abnormality notification processing as in step S411. Subsequently, the route update determining unit 51 sets the count value corresponding to the route (B) to a threshold value (undefined value) for determining that the normal route is undefined. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or more than a threshold (for determination) (step S415).

At this time, if the count value is not equal to or greater than the indeterminate determination threshold (S415: NO), the process proceeds to step S415, and if the count value is equal to or greater than the indeterminate determination threshold (S41). 5; YE S), the process proceeds to step S 416.

In step S416, the route update determining unit 51 initializes (sets to "0") the decision flag corresponding to the route (B) and sets an indefinite flag corresponding to the route (B) (" 1 "). Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S417.

In step S 417, the route update determination unit 51 determines whether the counter value corresponding to the route (A) is equal to or more than the indeterminate determination threshold. At this time, if the count value is not equal to or greater than the indeterminate judgment threshold (S417: NO), the process ends.

On the other hand, when the counter value is equal to or more than the threshold for indeterminate determination (S 417; YE S), the route update determining unit 51 sets an indeterminate flag corresponding to the route (A) (to “1”). Settings) (step S418). Then, the process ends. In the process shown in FIG. 10, the same process is performed also when the route information (relay NE identifier) for specifying the route (B) from the frame is obtained in step S401. However, in this case, “route information (A)” and “route information (B) J” shown in FIG. 11 are switched.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the route update determination unit 51 executes the normal route determination determination process and the route undetermined determination process illustrated in FIG. As a result, when frames are intensively transferred from a specific transfer route in spite of the fact that the normal route is undefined, it is possible to detect that there is a problem with the other transfer route. it can.

Specifically, for example, NE 26 shown in FIG. 1 has a first route (NE → 26 → NE 21 → NE 22 → NE 23 → Op S) and a second route (NE 26 → NE 25 → NE 24 → NE 23 → 0 p S). Since the number of transit NEs is equal, the normal route between NE 26-0 pS is undefined. Nevertheless, the fact that the frame from NE 26 arrives at only one of the first route and the second route means that the other route has a problem. I do. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the route update determining unit 51 further has an indeterminate determination threshold value and individually sets an indeterminate flag for each transfer route. That is, unlike the second and third embodiments, the indefinite flag is individually controlled for each piece of route information (route) by the route indefinite determination processing, independent of the control of the fixed flag.

When the route update determination unit 51 sets “1” to the determination flag of a certain transfer route (for example, the first route) of a certain NE (for example, NE 26) (the route is determined as a normal route) At that time, if the indeterminate flag of the transfer route (first route) or another transfer route (for example, the second route of NE 26) is "1", the other transfer route (Second route) is detected to be abnormal. As a result, it is possible to automatically detect a problem with a transfer route for an NE having a plurality of transfer routes for which a normal route cannot be determined.

Further, the route update determination unit 51 determines that the difference between the counter value of the first route and the count value of the second route (first route> second route) does not exceed the threshold for determination determination. In this case, if the confirmation flag of the second route is set, an abnormality is detected. This is because it is expected that the first route is exclusively used due to the abnormality of the second route, so that the difference does not reach the threshold for determination. According to the fourth embodiment, the same functions and effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained. Further, the fourth embodiment can obtain the following operation and effect. For example, when the NE 15 shown in FIG. 1 transmits a frame addressed to 0 pS 10, the frame is transmitted through the first route (NE 15 → NE 11 → NE) as described in the second embodiment. 1 2 → O p S 10) and one of the second route (NE 15 → NE 14 → NE 13 → NE 12 → 0 p S 10) .

In this case, the difference between the count value of the first route and the count value of the second route has reached the determination threshold even though the determination flag has already been set for the first route. If not, the route update determination unit 51 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the first route. The detected abnormality of the first route is immediately output to the outside of 〇 p S via the notification unit 53.

In addition, if one of the first route and the second route is determined as a normal route even though the indeterminate flag is set on the first route or the second route, The route update determination unit 51 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the other route. The detected abnormality of the other route is immediately output to the outside of 〇 p S via the notification unit 53.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of the fourth embodiment. The monitoring system shown in Fig. 12 assumes the system configuration shown in Fig. 1. That is, the monitoring system is composed of a ring network A composed of NEs 11 to 15, a ring network B composed of NEs 21 to 26, and an Op S for monitoring and controlling these NEs. It consists of a route information table that stores the relay NE identifier in the received frame.

Each NE shown in FIG. 12 includes a communication processing unit similar to the communication processing unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, and transmits a frame having the format shown in FIG. In addition, 〇 p S and the route information table shown in FIG. 12 have the same configuration as the route information processing unit 48 and the route information table 49 shown in FIG. 8, and Op S is a threshold for determination It has an indefinite judgment threshold.

The Op S monitors and controls each NE according to the control system sequence shown in FIG. 13 (A) and the monitoring system sequence shown in FIG. 13 (B). That is, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), when controlling a certain NE, Op S transmits a control frame to the NE. When receiving the control frame, the NE performs an operation according to the control content stored in the control frame and transmits n response frames to 0 pS. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 13 (B), when the NE detects a device or line failure, it generates n alarm frames indicating the failure and sends it to OpS.

In FIG. 12, a response frame or an alarm frame (hereinafter, referred to as a “frame” in the sixth embodiment) transmitted by an NE in the ring network A, for example, the NE 15, usually has a route V (NE 1 5 → NE 1 1 → NE 1 2) to arrive at 〇p S.

When the NEs 11 and 12 located on the frame transfer route receive the frame, they store their identification information in the NE identifier storage section of the frame and transmit it to the next transfer destination. That is, the frame is relayed.

When the frame is received, O pS Acquire the NE 11 and NE 12 identifiers included as relay NE identifiers as route information and perform the processing shown in the flowchart shown in Fig. 11.

In this process, the normal route determination processing is performed, and if the route information of Route V is not stored in the route information table, the route information of Route V is stored in the route information table, and the corresponding counter value is “1”. Is set to

Thereafter, the count value of Route V is incremented each time Op S receives a frame from NE 15 through Route V, and the counter value of Route V and Route X (frames received through Route X are received). Otherwise, when the difference of the count value exceeds "0"), the route V decision flag is set when the difference exceeds the decision threshold. As a result, the route V is determined as a normal route between NE 15 and Op S.

On the other hand, NE 26 in ring network B has two transfer routes (routes Y and Z). However, since the number of transit NEs in route Y and route Z is equal, the difference between these counter values (the number of times of use) does not spread beyond the threshold for determination. Therefore, the normal route is not fixed.

On the other hand, the counter value of route Y or route Z is compared with the threshold value for indeterminate determination in the route indeterminate determination process (FIG. 11). .

In the state monitoring system described above, if a failure occurs between NE 15 and NE 11 and between NE 24 and NE 25 as shown in Fig. 14, and communication between them becomes impossible, In the monitoring system, the following operations are performed.

In the ring network A, the route route between NE 15 and Op S is route X only. Therefore, for NE 15, the counter value of route V in the route information table does not change, and only the count value of route X increases. As a result, the difference between the count values of route V and route X becomes smaller than the threshold for determination. Then, Op S detects the abnormality of Route V, performs an abnormality occurrence notification process of Route V, clears the determination flag for Route V, and performs an indeterminate flag determination process.

On the other hand, in the ring network B, the transfer route between NE 26-0ps is only route Y. Therefore, as for the NE 26, only the route Y increases the counter value of the NE 26 in the route information table. As a result, route Y and le The difference in the count value of the route Z becomes larger than the threshold for determination, and the route Y determination flag is set. Then, the Op S detects the abnormality of the route Z, performs an abnormality occurrence notification process of the route Z, and sets the final flag of the route Y at the same time as clearing the indefinite flag of the root Y or the root Z.

According to the fourth embodiment, the abnormality of the transfer route is determined based on the route information included in the received frame. Therefore, an abnormality in the transfer route can be detected at an early stage, and the maintenance person of the PS can be notified.

(Fifth embodiment)

Next, a fifth embodiment of the monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention will be described. The fifth embodiment has points in common with the first and second embodiments, and therefore, the differences will be mainly described, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a format of a frame transmitted from NE to Ops in the monitoring system according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 15, the frame includes a header section, a data section, a storage section for the transmission time of the source NE (source transmission time storage section), a NE identifier storage section, and an error check code.

The header, data, and error check code are the same as the frame shown in Fig. 2, and are provided in the conventional frame transmitted from NE to 〇ps.

The source transmission time storage unit stores the time at which the source NE transmitted the frame. _{C The} NE identifier storage unit stores the time when the relay NE forwarded the frame together with the identifier of the NE that relays the frame (transfer time). Is a variable-length area for storing. The transfer time is stored for each relay NE.

The NE in the fifth embodiment has a communication processing unit 30 as shown in FIG. However, the identifier insertion / header processing unit 33 of the communication processing unit 30 in the fifth embodiment further has a function of adding the transfer time by the relay NE to the frame together with the identifier of the relay NE. That is, in step S06 shown in FIG. 4, the transfer time is stored in the NE identifier storage together with the relay NE identifier. Further, the frame generation unit 35 in the fifth embodiment further has a function of adding (inserting) the source transmission time to a newly generated frame. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing main components of Op S in the fifth embodiment. OpS includes a route information processing unit 53 and a storage unit 54. The route information processing section 53 includes a reception processing section 55 and a transfer time comparison processing section 56. The storage section 54 stores a route information table 57 (hereinafter, referred to as “table 57”). I do. The reception processing unit 55 corresponds to the reception processing unit 42 shown in FIG. 5, and similarly to the reception processing unit 42, receives a frame addressed to Ops from the NE (see FIG. 15). I do. The reception processing unit 55 writes the relay NE identifier stored in the NE identifier storage unit of the frame at a predetermined position in the table 57 in the same manner as the reception processing unit 42, so that the route information ( Record).

The transfer time comparison processing unit 56 receives from the reception processing unit 55 the contents stored in the transmission source transmission time storage unit and the NE identifier storage unit of the frame, and from these, the transmission time of the transmission source NE and the transmission time of each relay NE. The transfer time and the transfer time are extracted, and the transfer time for each transfer section (relay section) is obtained using these, and is included in the corresponding record of Table 57.

As a result, at least one relay NE identifier on the transfer route and the transfer time of the frame between the source NE and the relay NE are stored as the record of the route information. Further, when there are a plurality of relay NEs, the transfer time between the relay NEs is further included in the record. Thus, the record includes the route information (relay NE identifier) and the transfer time for each NE transfer section (relay section). For this reason, the table 57 has a storage area for the relay NE and a storage area for the transfer time for each relay section for each NE and for each transfer route.

Further, the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 has a transfer time threshold (evaluation threshold) for determining whether or not the transfer time is within an appropriate range (appropriate or not), and for each transfer section (relay section). Evaluate whether the transfer time is appropriate.

FIG. 16 shows, as an example, a table 57 storing route information on NEs 11 to 15 connected to the ring network A shown in FIG. That is, Table 57 shows the contents stored in the case where OpS 10 receives frames from all NEs 11 to 15 of ring network A through all transfer routes.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing example by the route information processing section 53. The process shown in FIG. 17 starts when the reception processing unit 55 receives a frame addressed to Op S from the NE (step S501).

The reception processing unit 55 specifies the transfer route of the frame from the relay NE identifier stored in the NE identifier storage unit of the frame, and determines whether the route information indicating the transfer route is already stored in the table 57. Is determined (step S502).

At this time, if the route information is stored in the table 57 (S502; YES), the processing proceeds to step S504, and if not (S502; NO), the reception processing unit 5 5 stores the route information in a predetermined position of the table 57. Thereafter, processing proceeds to step S504.

In step S504, the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 determines whether or not one or more relay NE identifiers are stored in the NE identifier storage unit received from the reception processing unit 55. At this time, if there is no relay NE identifier (S504; NO), the process ends.

On the other hand, when there is a relay NE identifier (S504; YES), the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 calculates one transfer section (between the source NE and the relay NE or between the relay NEs), By calculating the difference between the transmission times (transfer times) of the NEs corresponding to the source and destination of the transfer section, the transfer time of the transfer section is calculated (step S505).

Subsequently, the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 stores the calculated transfer time (difference) in a predetermined position in the table 57, compares the transfer time with the evaluation threshold (step S506), and determines the transfer time. It is determined whether or not the evaluation threshold is exceeded (step S507).

At this time, if the transfer time does not exceed the evaluation threshold (S507; N〇), the process proceeds to step S509, and if the transfer time exceeds the evaluation threshold (S507) YES), the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 performs a threshold excess notification process (step S508).

As the threshold excess notification processing, for example, the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 generates information (evaluation result) indicating that the transfer time is out of the proper range, and outputs the information to the outside of 〇p S via the notification unit 58. Output to The evaluation result includes the identification of the transfer route evaluated. Information and identification information of a transfer section (relay section) may be included.

The same configuration as that of the notification unit 53 (FIG. 8) described in the third embodiment can be applied to the notification unit 58. The output of the information from the notification unit 58 can be performed immediately after the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 determines that the threshold has been exceeded.

When the threshold excess notification process ends, the process proceeds to step S509. Through the processing in steps S505 to S508 described above, evaluation for one transfer section (relay section) is performed.

In step S509, the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 determines whether there is an unprocessed relay NE identifier. At this time, if there is no unprocessed relay NE identifier (S509; NO), the processing ends assuming that the evaluation of the transfer time has been completed for all the relay sections.

On the other hand, if there is an unprocessed relay NE identifier (S509; YES), the process returns to step S505, and the transfer time for the next relay section is evaluated. When the evaluation of the transfer time for the relay section is completed, the processing ends. As described above, when a frame addressed to 〇p S is received from the NE, the route information processing section 53 Each transfer time is evaluated, and if there is a relay section exceeding the appropriate time, the evaluation result is output to the outside via the notification unit 53. As a result, for example, an OpS maintainer can grasp the load status of the monitoring network. For example, a maintenance person of Ops can recognize occurrence of congestion in a certain relay section.

The transfer time comparison processing unit 56 described above is a function realized by the processor in the Ops operating according to a predetermined program. However, dedicated hardware for realizing the function of the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 may be provided. In FIG. 16, the reception processing unit 55 and the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 have been described separately. However, the reception processing unit 55 may include the function of the transfer time comparison processing unit 56. That is, the reception processing unit 55 may execute all of the processing shown in FIG. The transfer time comparison processing section 56 corresponds to the determination means of the present invention.

According to the fifth embodiment, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, according to the fifth embodiment, the following operation and effect can be obtained. Shown in Figure 1 With such a system configuration, NE 15 transmits a frame addressed to 〇 p S 10, and this frame is the transfer route of “NE 15 → NE 11 → NE 12 → 0 p S 10”. It is assumed that the vehicle arrives at 〇p S 10 through.

The processing for the frame in this case is as follows.

• NE 15 adds the source transmission time (time information) and transmits the frame.

• The NE 11 receives the frame, stores (adds) the identifier of the NE 11 and the transfer time (time information) of the NE 11 in the NE identifier storage section in the received frame, and transmits (relays) the frame. .

• Upon receiving the frame, NE 12 stores the identifier of NE 12 and the transfer time at NE 12 in the NE identifier storage section of the frame, as in NE 11, and transmits (relays) the frame.

• Upon receiving the frame, フレーム p S10 receives the route information indicating the transfer route “NE15 → NE11 → NE12”, between NE15_NE11 and NE11_NE. The transfer time between 1 and 2 is stored in Table 57.

• If the transfer time exceeds the evaluation threshold, OpSIO notifies the SPS maintainer of the evaluation result.

By the above-mentioned processing or operation, the maintenance person of Op S is required. It becomes possible to know the load state of the monitoring network, and for example, it is possible to determine whether it is necessary to extend the monitoring network.

(Sixth embodiment)

Next, a monitoring network monitoring system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the monitoring system. In Fig. 18, the monitoring system has the same system configuration as Fig. 1.

Each NE shown in FIG. 18 includes a communication processing unit similar to the communication processing unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, and transmits a frame having the format shown in FIG. That is, when transmitting a frame, each NE adds the transmission time of the source NE to the frame, and when relaying the frame, inserts the NE identifier and the transfer time into the NE identifier storage of the frame. I do.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing 0 pS and a route information table in the sixth embodiment. You. In FIG. 19, 〇 p S includes a route information processing unit 58 and a route information table 59 (hereinafter, referred to as “table 59”) stored in a storage unit similar to the storage unit 41. ing. The route information processing unit 58 includes a reception processing unit 60, a route information comparison unit 63, a route update determination unit 62, and a transfer time comparison processing unit 63.

The reception processing unit 60 has the same function as the reception processing unit 55 described in the fifth embodiment. The route information comparison unit 61 has the same function as the route information comparison unit 52 described in the third or fourth embodiment.

The route update determining unit 62 has the same function as the route update determining unit 51 described in the third or fourth embodiment. That is, the route update determination unit 62 can execute one of the route update determination process (FIG. 9), the normal route determination determination process, and the route determination process (FIG. 11). The transfer time comparison processing unit 63 has the same function as the transfer time comparison processing unit 56 described in the fifth embodiment.

As described above, 0 pS and the route information table in the sixth embodiment are configured by a combination of the third embodiment and the fifth embodiment, or a combination of the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment.

According to the monitoring system of the sixth embodiment, for example, the route update determination unit 62 executes the route update determination process (FIG. 9) to detect a failure in the normal route, and transmits the information via the notification unit 64. 〇p Can notify maintenance personnel of S. Alternatively, the route update determination unit 62 performs the normal route determination determination process and the route undetermined determination process (FIG. 11), so that one of the two transfer routes in which the normal route is faulty or the normal route is undefined. fault detecting, whereas _c may notify the maintenance personnel of 〇_P S via the notification unit 6 4, transfer time comparison processing unit 6 3, an evaluation threshold value and transfer time, as shown in FIG. 1 7 Then, it is determined whether or not the transfer time is within an appropriate range. If the transfer time is outside the appropriate range, this is detected and notified to the maintenance person of 〇PS via the notification unit 64. Therefore, for example, regarding the frame transfer between NE 1 5 and 〇 p S, for example, when congestion occurs between NE 1 1 and NE 12, this is detected and the maintenance person of 〇 p S is notified. You can be notified.

The monitoring system according to the present invention described above can solve the following problems. If there is only one communication route between NE_OpS, this communication route If a problem occurs, the status of the NE cannot be monitored from OpS. For this reason, multiple communication routes (generally two) are usually provided between NE__pS. In an operation mode in which multiple communication routes are provided between NE and 〇 p S, even if one route becomes unavailable due to a failure, frames are transmitted and received using another route. For this reason, it involves the danger that discovery of obstacles will be delayed. The monitoring system according to the present invention can specify a transfer route of a frame each time a frame is received, and determine the normality of the transfer route based on the transfer route. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a failure of a certain route from being discovered and a double failure from occurring when a failure occurs in all routes.

In addition, the number of NEs to be monitored and controlled at 〇 p S changes with time, and the communication load of the monitoring network also differs from the time of the initial design. For this reason, it is necessary to grasp the communication load of the monitoring network in order to determine whether the current monitoring network is in a state where there is no problem in operation or in a state where expansion should be considered. The monitoring system according to the present invention can determine the validity of the transfer time for each relay section. Therefore, it is possible to easily specify which position in the monitoring network is becoming heavier.

Further, the monitoring system according to the present invention adds a relay NE identifier to a frame (response frame, alarm frame) transmitted from each NE to 〇 pS in the conventional monitoring system, and manages this on the 〇 pS side. I do. Thus, the present invention does not use special frames such as monitoring frames and test frames. This eliminates the need for special frame traffic. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the communication load of the monitoring network, and the Ops maintainer can specify the transmission route of the transmission frame of the NE accurately and in real time in the conventional operation mode. it can. This enables monitoring of the monitoring network and confirmation of the transfer route without impairing the original function of the monitoring network.

In addition, monitoring of the monitoring network (whether or not a problem has occurred) can be performed from route information managed by the OpS side. This makes it possible to operate a monitoring network with higher reliability and maintainability. Furthermore, it is possible to know whether or not the monitoring network is congested, and to obtain information on the necessity of expanding the monitoring network. It becomes possible.

Further, the monitoring system according to the present invention can be realized by adding a function of adding an identifier Z transfer time to a frame to NE and adding a function of managing an identifier transfer time to the PS side. Therefore, in implementing the present invention, it is not necessary to apply a large-scale modification to an existing monitoring system, and the cost for implementing the present invention is small. Industrial applicability

The monitoring network monitoring system according to the present invention can be used for a system that monitors a monitoring network for transmitting and receiving frames between a plurality of communication devices and a monitoring control device that monitors and controls these devices.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A system for monitoring a monitoring network for transmitting and receiving frames between a plurality of communication devices and a monitoring / control device for monitoring / controlling them.

The identification information of all communication devices that relay this frame is added to the frame addressed to the monitoring Z control device that is sent from any communication device and received by the monitoring / control device via at least one communication device. Additional means;

Management means for managing route information indicating a transfer route of a frame specified using the identification information of the at least one communication device added to the frame received by the monitoring control device;

Monitoring network monitoring system including.

2. The management means manages the route information for each communication device and for each transfer route, and manages the number of times the transfer route is used for each transfer route.

Determining means for determining a normal route as a transfer route that is preferentially used when a communication device transfers a frame to a monitoring / control device based on the number of times of use of the transfer route managed by the management unit; Also include

The monitoring network monitoring system according to claim 1.

3. Every time a frame is received by the monitoring / control device, the management unit updates the number of times of use of the transfer route specified using the identification information of the communication device added to the received frame,

Each time the number of times of use of the transfer route is updated, the determination unit determines whether or not other route information corresponding to the communication device that is the transmission source of the updated transfer route is managed by the management unit. If the other route information is managed by the management means, a difference between the updated number of times of use of the transfer route and the number of times of use of the other transfer route is obtained, and the obtained difference is usually When the threshold value for determining the route to be determined is exceeded, the transfer route with the updated number of uses is determined as the normal route. 3. A monitoring system for a monitoring network according to claim 2.

4. Each time a frame is received by the monitoring control device, the management unit updates the number of times of use of the transfer route specified using the identification information of the communication device added to the received frame,

Each time the number of times of use of the transfer route is updated, the determination unit determines whether or not a plurality of pieces of route information corresponding to the communication device that is the transmission source of the updated transfer route is managed by the management unit. When a plurality of pieces of route information are managed by the management unit, a difference between the largest number of times of use of the plurality of transfer routes and the next largest number of times of use is obtained, and the obtained difference is obtained. If the value exceeds the threshold for determination for determining the normal route, the transfer route with the largest number of uses is determined as the normal route.

3. A monitoring system for a monitoring network according to claim 2.

5. If the difference obtained by the determination means does not exceed the determination determination threshold, the normal route is included in all the route information managed for the transmission source communication device of the transfer route whose update count has been updated. Further includes setting means for setting an undefined state indicating that the state is undefined.

The monitoring network monitoring system according to claim 3.

6. The monitoring unit further includes a detection unit that detects abnormality of the normal route when the monitoring Z control device receives a frame from the communication device for which the normal route has been determined by the determination unit via a transfer route different from the normal route.

3. A monitoring system for a monitoring network according to claim 2.

7. When the difference obtained by the determination means does not exceed the determination determination threshold value and the other transfer route has already been determined as a normal route, detection for detecting an abnormality in the other communication route. Further includes means

The monitoring network monitoring system according to claim 3.

8. When the difference obtained by the determination means does not exceed the threshold for determination determination, and when the other transfer route is not determined as a normal route, an undefined state indicating that the normal route is undefined. Setting means for setting an undefined state to the transfer route having the updated use count when the use count of the updated transfer route exceeds the indeterminate threshold value for setting the transfer route;

When the determination means determines the transfer route having the updated number of times of use as a normal route, if the transfer route or the other transfer route is in an undefined state, the other transfer route is abnormal. 4. The monitoring system for a monitoring network according to claim 3, further comprising: a detection unit configured to detect the monitoring.

9. The setting means, wherein the detecting means detects an abnormality based on the fact that the difference obtained by the determining means does not exceed the threshold for determination and the other transfer route is determined as a normal route. If the number of times the other transfer route is used exceeds the indefinite threshold value, the determination of the normal route for the other transfer route is canceled and an undefined state is set,

When the determining unit determines the transfer route whose use count has been updated as a normal route, the determining unit determines that the other transfer route is in an undefined state. Detect abnormalities

A monitoring system for a monitoring network according to claim 8.

10. The adding unit further adds the transfer time of the frame to the frame in all communication devices that relay the frame,

The monitoring / control device further includes determination means for determining a frame transfer time based on a transfer time of the frame added to the frame received by the monitoring / control device, and determining whether the determined transfer time is appropriate.

The monitoring network monitoring system according to claim 1.

1 1. The determination means obtains a transfer time for each relay section of the frame, and determines each transfer time. Determine if it is appropriate

A monitoring network monitoring system according to claim 10.

12. The monitoring network monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein the management unit manages the transfer time obtained by the determination unit.

13. The adding means is provided for each communication device, and adds the identification information of the communication device to a frame addressed to the monitoring control device received by the communication device.

The monitoring network monitoring system according to claim 1.

14. The management means includes: means for acquiring, as route information, the identification information of the communication device added to the frame received by the monitoring control device; and storage means for storing route information.

The monitoring network monitoring system according to claim 1.