JP2000244510A - Method and device for managing network - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently and unitarily manage the plural different networks of a managing object by requesting managing information of network resources from a managing device at the time of presenting the hierarchically constituted managing picture of the network, and preparing and presenting the managing picture based on this transmitted managing information. SOLUTION: In the case of controlling one of the three networks A to C from an integrated managing device, operation for transmitting the request message of managing information to managing devices NM1 to NM3 managing each network A to C in accordance with the constitution of a communication system from a monitoring control picture presented by a presenting part is continued. Whenever each request message is received, the devices NM1 to NM3 fetches corresponding managing information from MIV to transmit it to the device 1. Based on this communication message, a hierarchical managing picture in accordance with the constitution of the communication system is prepared and presented at the presenting part. A user continues operation on the monitoring control picture until the managing picture of a desired site is presented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a network management method for centrally managing a plurality of different types of networks and a network management apparatus using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to manage the operation of a network, for example, to manage the configuration, communication path, performance, and failure state of the network, the physical and logical topology of the network (ring type, bus type, star type, etc.). , Access method (CSMD / CD, token passing, ATM, etc.)
Furthermore, a unique management method is adopted for each manufacturer.

Therefore, when a plurality of different types of networks are integrated and managed, if a change occurs in the management information in the devices constituting each network, the content (change point information) is generated as an alarm, and this is generated. Collect in one place. By processing the collected information, centralized management has been realized.

[0004]

Conventionally, an integrated management device that performs integrated management of a plurality of different types of networks specifies, for example, a location where a failure has occurred or a location where a state has changed from change point information collected from each network. Therefore, it was necessary to collect and hold a large amount of information in advance for a plurality of different networks to be managed. for that reason,
The management device needs to include a large-capacity memory, a CPU with a large processing capacity, and the like in order to process a huge amount of information, and there is a problem that hardware resources, software resources, and the like are costly.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a network management method and a network management apparatus using the same, which can efficiently and unitarily manage a plurality of different types of networks to be managed with a small amount of information.

[0006]

(1) A network management method of the present invention integrates a management device for managing network resources of a plurality of networks of different communication systems, and monitors and controls the plurality of networks. A network management method for requesting, when presenting a hierarchically structured management screen of the network, requesting management information of network resources to be presented on the management screen from the management device; The management screen is created and presented based on the management information transmitted from the device.

According to the present invention, management information can be collected and presented without constantly holding a large amount of information on a plurality of networks of a plurality of different communication systems to be managed. Network can be efficiently and centrally managed.

(2) The network management method of the present invention
In a network management method for monitoring and controlling a plurality of networks by integrating management devices for managing respective network resources of a plurality of networks of different communication schemes, a state change of a network resource of each network from the management device is provided. When a notification (batch alarm message) indicating that an abnormality has been detected is received, a screen indicating that the notification has been received is displayed, and when a request for more detailed information than the information presented on the screen is requested, the The management apparatus requests management information of network resources held in the management apparatus, and presents a screen based on the management information transmitted from the management apparatus in response to the request.

According to the present invention, management information can be collected and presented without always holding a large amount of information on a plurality of different types of networks to be managed.
A plurality of different types of networks to be managed can be efficiently and centrally managed with a small amount of information.

(3) The network management device of the present invention
In a network management device for monitoring and controlling the plurality of networks by integrating management devices for managing respective network resources of a plurality of networks of different communication systems, a management screen configured hierarchically of the networks is displayed. Presenting means for requesting, from the management apparatus, management information of network resources to be presented on the management screen when presenting, and creating and presenting the management screen based on the management information transmitted from the management apparatus in response to the request; It is characterized by having.

According to the present invention, management information can be collected and presented without constantly holding a large amount of information on a plurality of networks of different communication systems to be managed. Network can be efficiently and centrally managed.

(4) In a network management apparatus for monitoring and controlling a plurality of networks by integrating management apparatuses for managing respective network resources of a plurality of networks of different communication schemes, the management apparatus may include: Receiving the notification that the state change or abnormality of the network resource has been detected, the first presentation means for presenting the notice on the screen and the presentation of more detailed information than the information presented on the screen are requested. At each time, the management device requests management information of network resources held in the management device from the management device, and presents a screen based on the management information transmitted from the management device in response to the request. And a presentation means.

According to the present invention, management information can be collected and presented without constantly holding a large amount of information on a plurality of networks of a plurality of different communication systems to be managed. Network can be efficiently and centrally managed.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a communication system according to this embodiment.
Communication networks A to C of different types (for example, different physical and logical topologies, different access methods, etc.) and network resources (configuration, communication path, performance, etc.) of the plurality of networks at one location And an integrated management device that performs unified management with the integrated management device.

The management devices NM1 to NM3 are connected to the networks A to C, respectively.

The management devices NM1 to NM3 perform management / control of network resources of the connected networks A to C, and information (management information) for monitoring and controlling network resources to be managed. Is a database commonly defined in networks A to C, for example,
MIB (Management Information)
n Base).

The management devices NM1 to NM3 collect management information of their network resources from the components of each network in a network A to C to which they are connected, using a method unique to each communication network.
.C is managed / controlled.

Each of the management devices NM1 to NM3 is connected to an arbitrary network (for example, Ethernet in this case), and the integrated management device 1 is also connected to any other network (for example, Ethernet in this case). It is assumed that it is. In this case, the management devices NM1 to NM3
When communication is performed between the network and the integrated management device 1, a router for connecting the networks to each other is required. In FIG. 1, another information transfer network (for example, a frame relay network or an AT) is connected between the management devices NM1 to NM3 and the network to which the integrated management device 1 is connected.
(M network) 2 is shown.

Accordingly, here, the management device NM1 (address “A”) is connected to the information transfer network 2 via the router R1, and the integrated management device 1 (address “X”) is connected to the router R
4, the communication between the management device NM1 and the integrated management device 1 is enabled by connecting to the information transfer network 2. The management device NM2 (address “B”) is connected to the information transfer network 2 via the router R2.
5, the communication between the management device NM2 and the integrated management device 1 is enabled by connecting to the information transfer network 2. further,
The management device NM3 (address “C”) is connected to the information transfer network 2 via the router R3, and the integrated management device 1 is connected to the information transfer network 2 via the router R6 and is connected to the management device NM3 and the integrated management device. 1 is enabled.

By configuring the network as described above, the management devices NM1 to NM3 transfer the management information stored in the respective MIBs to the integrated management device 1, and the integrated management device 1 also manages the management devices NM1 to NM1. A necessary message can be transmitted to the NM3.

The management devices NM1 to NM3 and the integrated management device 1
The communication protocol between the two is, for example, SNMP (Simple
Network Management Protocol) is used. In this case, the management devices NM1 to NM3 exchange management information as agents, and the integrated management device 1 exchanges management information as a manager.
The management devices NM1 to NM3, which are agents, hold network resources to be managed in association with MIB numbers.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the integrated management device 1 as a manager and the management devices NM1 to NM3 as agents.

Each of the management devices NM1 to NM3 includes a local management processing unit 101 and an agent processing unit 102
And the MIB 103.

The local management processing unit 101 manages network resources of the networks A to C to be managed by a method unique to each communication network.

The agent processing unit 102 updates the MIB 103 based on the monitoring control data of the network resources to be managed collected by the local management processing unit 101, and transmits a collective alert message to be described later to the integrated management device 1. In response to a request from the integrated management device 1, M
The management information is read from the IB 103 and the integrated management device 1
Send to

The integrated management device 1 mainly includes a manager processing unit 111, a presentation unit 112, and an information input unit 113.

The manager processing unit 114 is provided with a management device NM.
A presentation screen is created on the basis of various messages notified from the agent processing units 102 to 1 to NM3 and the presentation unit 11
2 and various request messages are created based on the instruction information input from the information input unit 113, and transmitted to the management devices NM1 to NM3.

The presenting section 112 is constituted by a display device or the like, and presents a screen created by the manager processing section 111.

The information input unit 113 is composed of, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.
While operating the screen presented in the above section, it is possible to search for a failure location, specify a location for setting control, input an instruction, and the like.

In order for the integrated management device 1 as the manager to acquire the management information held in the management devices NM1 to NM3 as the agents, when the manager makes an inquiry to the agent (Request), the agent voluntarily sends the agent to the manager. There is a case to notify (Trap). That is, the integrated management device 1 requests management information from the management devices NM1 to NM3 by designating the MIB number, and the management devices NM1 to NM3 transmit the management information in response to the request from the manager. Also, the management devices NM1 to NM3
, Upon detecting a state change, a failure, or the like of a device constituting each of the networks A to C managed by each, notifies the integrated management device 1 of the change.

The functions of the local management processing unit 101, the agent processing unit 102, the MIB 103, and the manager processing unit 111 are, as programs that can be executed by a computer, a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CDROM,
DVDs, etc.), and stored in a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory for distribution.

Next, procedures for the management devices NM1 to NM3 to notify the integrated management device 1 of status changes, failures, and the like of the devices constituting the networks A to C, and configure the networks A to C from the integrated management device 1. A procedure for controlling the device will be described.

First, a procedure for the management apparatuses NM1 to NM3 to notify the integrated management apparatus 1 of a state change, a failure, or the like of a device constituting the networks A to C will be described with reference to a sequence diagram shown in FIG. .

When the management devices NM1 to NM3 detect a change in the state of a network resource to be managed, a failure, or the like, they transmit a collective alert message to the integrated management device 1. For example, the local management processing unit 1 of the management device NM1
In step S01, data (local monitoring control) for notifying a change in state or a failure of a device configuring the node device as shown in FIG. 4A from a node device configuring the network A to be managed. Upon receiving the (data) (step S1), the agent processing unit 102 transmits it to the integrated management device 1 as it is in a batch alert message as shown in FIG. 4B (step S2).

In the management apparatuses NM1 to NM3, when the local management processing unit 101 receives the monitoring control data shown in FIG. 4A, the agent processing unit 102 manages its own management information (MIB) 103 based on the data. To update.

The management information notified from the node device to the management devices NM1 to NM3 in the supervisory control data and treated as a collective alarm includes, for example, the following items.

-Node all stopped-Device common part failure Main board failure Fan failure-Interface board failure 155M received signal disconnected 6M received signal disconnected 1.5M received signal disconnected Line failure-Loopback state For example, the integrated management device 1 Then, it is assumed that the collective alarm message of the network A is transmitted from the management device NM1. In the presentation unit 112 of the integrated management device 1, an overall view of a communication system schematically showing a connection relationship between the three registered networks A to C and the integrated management device 1 is presented. At this time, the manager processing unit 1 of the integrated management device 1
11 receives the collective alert message and determines that it is a collective alert message, for example, by using flag information included in the message, as shown in FIG. Special display such as blinking red or reverse display is performed. Thereby, the integrated management apparatus 1 can indicate which communication network of the three communication networks has failed. However, at this stage, the integrated management device 1 has not yet been able to identify the content of the failure.
Because the information field of the batch alert message contains
This is because information that can be read by the integrated management device 1 is not always written, and even if the information can be read, the integrated management device 1 itself does not hold detailed information on the configuration of the network A. Therefore, in order to search for the fault location, the MIB 103 of the management device NM1 has
It is necessary to obtain management information from.

Generally, in the MIB, the MIB number assigned to the management information is represented by a hierarchical tree structure. In the case of the network A used in the present embodiment, the network A is composed of a plurality of node devices, and each node device connects, for example, a main board for performing input / output transmission path control and the like, a common unit such as a fan, and various terminal devices. Each of the components has items to be managed such as various states. Therefore, it is efficient to gradually acquire these pieces of management information from the summary to the details (at least until the failure content is found).

Therefore, the monitoring control screen presented by the presenting unit 112 also has the management screen of the entire communication system as shown in FIG. 5 at the root, and the management of the networks A to C as shown in FIG. Screen, a node management screen as shown in FIG. 7 for managing each node configuring the network on a leaf of the network management screen, and each component (for example, a board) mounted on the leaf on the node management screen. 8) has a hierarchical structure with a component management screen as shown in FIG.

The component management screen is presented by selecting a desired component from the node management screen. The node management screen is presented by selecting a desired node device from the network management screen. The network management screen is presented by selecting a desired network from the management screen of the entire communication system, which is the root. In addition,
The closer to the route, the wider the range of management information that can be presented on the monitoring control screen, so that the degree of detail decreases.

The user can determine from the monitoring control screen as shown in FIG. 5 that some trouble has occurred in the network A. By performing a predetermined operation for designating the presentation of the management screen of the network A on the monitoring control screen by designating the image area of the above, the manager processing unit 111 causes the management device NM1 (address “A”) to On the other hand, a request message for management information of the network A as shown in FIG.
3). The information field of the request message includes, for example, an MIB number assigned to management information on the configuration, status, and the like of the network A required to create the management screen of the network A as shown in FIG.

Agent processing section 10 of management device NM1
2 receives the management information request message of the network A, extracts the management information corresponding to the MIB number in the message from the MIB 103, and extracts it from FIG.
The information is written in the information field of the notification message as shown in (b) and transmitted to the integrated management device 1 (step S4).

The manager processing unit 111 of the integrated management device 1
Receives the management information notification message of the network A from the management device NM 1, creates a management screen of the network A as shown in FIG. 6 based on the message, and presents it to the presentation unit 112.

The user can determine from the monitoring control screen as shown in FIG. 6 that any failure has occurred in the node α constituting the network A. By specifying the image area of the node α in the screen and performing a predetermined operation for instructing the presentation of the management screen of the node α on the monitoring control screen, the manager processing unit 111 causes the management device NM1 (address “A”), a node α as shown in FIG.
Of the management information request message (step S
5). The information field of the request message includes, for example, an MIB number assigned to management information on the configuration, state, and the like of the node α required to create the management screen of the node α as shown in FIG.

The agent processing unit 10 of the management device NM1
2 receives the request message for the management information of the node α, extracts the management information corresponding to the MIB number in the message from the MIB 103, and extracts it from FIG.
Is written in the information field of the notification message as shown in (1) and transmitted to the integrated management device 1 (step S6).

The manager processing unit 111 of the integrated management device 1
Receives the management information notification message of the node α from the management device NM 1, creates a management screen of the node α as shown in FIG. 7 based on the message, and presents it to the presentation unit 112.

The user can determine from the monitoring control screen as shown in FIG. 7 that some trouble has occurred in the board mounted in the slot 1 of the node α. The manager processing unit 111 performs management by designating the image area of the board in the monitoring control screen using the command and performing a predetermined operation to instruct the presentation of the management screen of the board on the monitoring control screen. Device NM1
A request message for management information of the board as shown in FIG. 9A is transmitted to (address "A") (step S7). In the information field of this request message,
For example, the M attached to the management information relating to the state of the board and the like necessary to create the board management screen as shown in FIG.
IB number.

The agent processing unit 10 of the management device NM1
2 receives the request message for the management information of the board mounted in the slot 1 of the node α, the management information corresponding to the MIB number in the message is sent to the MIB 103.
And writes it in the information field of the notification message as shown in FIG. 9B, and transmits it to the integrated management device 1 (step S8).

The manager processing unit 111 of the integrated management device 1
Receives the management information notification message of the board mounted in the slot 1 of the node α from the management device NM1,
Based on this, a board management screen as shown in FIG. 8 is created and presented on the presentation unit 112.

The user sees the monitoring control screen as shown in FIG. 8 and can judge that the "line failure state" which is a management item of the board is abnormal.

According to the above procedure, the integrated management device 1
It can be shown that a circuit failure has occurred in the board mounted in the slot 1 of the node α constituting the network A.

Next, from the integrated management device 1 to the network A
A description will be given of a procedure for performing control on the devices constituting the devices C to C with reference to a sequence diagram shown in FIG. Here, a case in which setting control for setting a communication path between nodes β and γ configuring network A from integrated management device 1 will be described.

In a state where the overall view of the communication system schematically showing the connection relationship between the three communication networks registered in advance and the integrated management device 1 is presented to the presentation unit 112 of the integrated management device 1, Is network A in the overall diagram
Is selected by using a mouse, and a predetermined operation for instructing the presentation of the management screen of the network A is performed on the monitoring control screen.
1 corresponds to the management device NM1 (address “A”) in FIG.
A request message for management information of the network A as shown in (a) is transmitted (step S11). The information field of the request message includes, for example, an MIB number assigned to management information on the configuration, status, and the like of the network A required to create a management screen for the network A as shown in FIG.

The agent processing unit 10 of the management device NM1
2 receives the management information request message of the network A, extracts the management information corresponding to the MIB number in the message from the MIB 103, and extracts it from FIG.
Write in the information field of the notification message as shown in (b) and transmit it to the integrated management device 1 (step S1)
2).

The manager processing unit 111 of the integrated management device 1
Receives the management information notification message of the network A from the management device NM1, creates a management screen of the network A as shown in FIG.
To be presented.

A user operates a toolbar or the like with a mouse on the monitoring control screen as shown in FIG. 11 to make a fixed connection between the nodes β and γ (PVC: Perm).
A point-to-point PVC setting screen for setting a communication path required for anent virtual connection) is displayed.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the communication path setting screen. On the setting screen shown in FIG. 12, for example, the node numbers, port numbers, VPI values, VCI values, and the like of the nodes β and γ as the end points of the communication path are input to two end point setting windows, respectively. Press the "OK" button with the mouse. Then, the manager processing unit 11
1 corresponds to the management device NM1 (address “A”) in FIG.
The control message of the node α as shown in (c) is transmitted (step S13). In the information field of this control message, for example, management information (node numbers at both ends, port numbers, VPI values, VCI values) necessary for setting a communication path as shown in FIG. Contains.

The agent processing unit 10 of the management device NM1
2 receives the control message and passes it to the local management processing unit 101, and the local management processing unit 101
Based on the management information corresponding to the MIB number in the message, local monitoring control data for setting a communication path is created as shown in FIG. Respectively (step S14).

When the nodes β and γ receive the local monitoring control data for setting the communication path, they execute predetermined processing in each node device and monitor the processing results (changes in the state of the node device) locally. In the control data,
It notifies the management device NM1 (step S15).

When the management device NM1 receives the local monitoring control data, the management device NM1
02 updates its own management information (MIB) 103. Further, the agent processing unit 102 transmits the monitoring control data to the integrated management device 1 as it is in a batch alarm message as shown in FIG. 4B (step S16). Upon receiving the batch alert message, the integrated management device 1 performs special display such as blinking red or inverting the image area of the network A in the overall view as shown in FIG. Thereby, in the integrated management device 1, 3
It is possible to indicate which of the two communication networks the state change has occurred. Less than,
The procedure after step S3 in FIG. 3 may be performed as necessary.

As described above, when the integrated management device 1 controls one of the three networks A to C, the monitoring control screen presented on the presentation unit 112 is used to control each network according to the configuration of the communication system. The operation for transmitting the management information request message to the management devices NM1 to NM3 that manage AC is continued. Each time a request message is received, the management devices NM1 to NM3 extract management information corresponding to the message from the MIB and transmit it to the integrated management device 1. The integrated management device 1 creates a hierarchical management screen according to the configuration of the communication system based on the notification message of the management information, and presents it to the presentation unit 112. The user continues the operation on the monitoring control screen until the presentation screen of the desired part is presented on the presentation unit 112. The user can monitor the state and the like of the desired part on the management screen of the desired part presented on the presentation unit 112, and execute desired control as needed.

As described above, in the integrated management apparatus 1, when presenting management screens hierarchically formed according to the configuration of the network, management information necessary for presenting the management screens of each hierarchy is provided each time. By making a request to the management devices NM1 to NM3, the integrated management device 1 does not always hold a large amount of information on a plurality of different types of networks to be managed (the integrated management device 1 has a large capacity memory or processing capacity). It is not necessary to have a large CPU or the like), and management information can be collected and presented. Therefore, a plurality of different types of networks to be managed can be efficiently and unitarily managed with a small amount of information.

When a notification (batch alarm message) indicating that a state change or abnormality of the network resource has been detected is received from a plurality of different types of networks to be managed,
The management device requests management information of network resources held in the management device, and presents a status change or an abnormal location in the network based on the management information transmitted from the management device in response to the request. Thus, the integrated management apparatus 1 does not always need to hold a large amount of information on a plurality of different types of networks to be managed (the integrated management apparatus 1 does not need to have a large-capacity memory, a CPU with a large processing capacity, or the like). No), management information can be collected and presented, so that a plurality of different types of networks to be managed can be efficiently and centrally managed with a small amount of information.

[0065]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A plurality of different types of networks to be managed can be efficiently and centrally managed with a small amount of information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an integrated management device 1 as a manager and management devices NM1 to NM3 as agents.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining a procedure for the management device NM1 to notify the integrated management device 1 of a status change, a failure, or the like of a device configuring the network A.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of local monitoring control data and a batch alarm message.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall view of a communication system presented in a presentation unit of the integrated management device, and a presentation example when a collective alert message is received by the integrated management device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a presentation example of a management screen of a network A;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a presentation example of a management screen of a node α.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a presentation example of a component part management screen for managing the state and the like of each component part mounted on a node.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of messages (request message, notification message, control message) transmitted and received between the integrated management device 1 and the management devices NM1 to NM3.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining a procedure for controlling a device configuring the network A from the integrated management apparatus 1.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a presentation example of a management screen of a network A;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a presentation example of a communication path setting screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 NM1: Network A management device NM2: Network B management device NM3: Network C management device 1: Integrated management device 2: Information transfer network 101: Local management processing unit 102: Agent processing unit 103: MIB 111: Manager processing unit 112 ... presentation unit 113 ... information input unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) LL00 9A001 BB02 BB03 BB04 CC03 CC08 DD10 DD13 JJ05 JJ18 JJ61 KK56 LL05 LL09

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A network management method for monitoring and controlling a plurality of networks by integrating management devices for managing respective network resources of a plurality of networks of different communication systems, wherein the networks are hierarchically configured. Requesting the management information of the network resource to be presented on the management screen from the management apparatus, and creating the management screen based on the management information transmitted from the management apparatus in response to the request. A network management method characterized by presenting the information. 2. A network management method for monitoring and controlling a plurality of networks by integrating management devices for managing respective network resources of a plurality of networks of different communication schemes. Upon receiving a notification that a change in the state of a network resource or an abnormality has been detected, a message indicating that the notification has been received is displayed on the screen. When a request for displaying more detailed information than the information displayed on the screen is requested, A network management method, comprising: requesting management information of network resources held in the management device from the management device; and presenting a screen based on the management information transmitted from the management device in response to the request. 3. A network management apparatus for monitoring and controlling a plurality of networks by integrating management apparatuses for managing respective network resources of a plurality of networks of different communication systems, wherein the networks are hierarchically configured. Requesting the management information of the network resource to be presented on the management screen from the management apparatus, and creating the management screen based on the management information transmitted from the management apparatus in response to the request. A network management apparatus, comprising: a presentation unit that presents a message. 4. A network management apparatus for monitoring and controlling a plurality of networks by integrating management apparatuses for managing respective network resources of a plurality of networks of different communication schemes, wherein: A first presenting means for presenting a screen indicating that the notification has been received upon receipt of a notification that a state change or abnormality of network resources has been detected, and a request for presenting more detailed information than the information presented on the screen Each time, the management device requests management information of network resources held in the management device from the management device, and presents a screen based on the management information transmitted from the management device in response to the request. A network management device comprising: a presentation unit;