JP4637041B2 - System switching method for packet data conversion processor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system switching method of a packet data conversion processing unit and a media gateway apparatus having a packet data conversion processing unit, and in particular, conversion between existing telephone communication and VOICE Over IP, that is, time division multiplexing communication The present invention relates to a system switching method and a media gateway device of a packet data conversion processing unit possessed by a media gateway device that changes communication media between packet communications.

For example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 or the like is known as a conventional technique related to a working / preliminary switching method of a packet data conversion processing unit included in a media gateway device. This conventional technology transfers RTP / RTCP session information for communication on the packet network side in the media gateway device between the active system and the standby system, so that the standby system becomes the active system when the system is switched. In addition, it is possible to continue the communication that has been carried out in the operational system until then. And in this prior art, when the active system is switched to the standby system, the standby system is disconnected from the packet network, and at the same time, no two devices having the same address are present in the network, and then succeeded. Communication continues using session information.
JP-A-2005-57461

  In the above-described prior art, when the interface for the standby packet network is disconnected from the network, the system switchover to a system that cannot perform communication, and various types of packet networks to which the standby system is connected The state of communication with the device or the packet network is confirmed when the standby system is switched to the active system. For this reason, the above-described conventional technology does not guarantee that communication can be performed immediately when the standby system starts operation, and there is a problem that communication is not possible when switching from the standby system to the active system. Has a point. Such a problem may be unavoidable in the case of system switching due to a failure. However, in the case of maintenance of the apparatus, service continuity is impaired, which is not preferable.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and occurs at the time of system switching in a media gateway device that has a redundant configuration and the packet data conversion processing unit performs system switching due to occurrence of a failure or maintenance procedure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system switching method for a packet data conversion processing unit and a media gateway device that can shorten the communication disabled time.

According to the present invention, the object is to have a time division multiplexed data processing unit and a packet data conversion processing unit connected to the packet network in a redundant configuration, and to convert between the time division multiplexed data and the packet data. In the system switching method of the packet data conversion processing unit in the media gateway device that performs the above, the packet data conversion processing unit having the redundant configuration includes an operation packet data conversion processing unit and a standby packet data conversion processing unit. It has a function for communicating with the packet data conversion processing unit of the operation system, during its operation, to set the same communication information and operational system for the packet data conversion processing unit of the standby system, the system When switching, the packet data from the active packet data conversion processing unit is stopped, and the packet data changed from standby to new active From the start of the conversion processing section packet transmission, have lines to switch the connection between performs switching, time-division data processing unit and the packet data conversion processing unit of the new active system of routing a packet network, the The packet data conversion processing unit that has been changed from the standby system to the new operating system is the packet data conversion processing unit of the old operating system that is switched from the active system to the standby system by switching the system when the time division multiplexed data is facsimile or analog modem data. This is achieved by applying the size of the jitter buffer and the echo canceller setting, which have been applied by detecting the data communication in step 1, to the own packet data conversion processing unit .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the communication impossibility encounter by redundant switching can be avoided, the communication quality continuation improvement before and after system switching, and the communication disabled time in system switching can be shortened.

Hereinafter, detailed description of the embodiments of the system switching Way Method of packet data conversion processing unit according to the present invention with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a media gateway device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a packet data conversion processing unit in FIG. 1A. 1A and 1B, 10 is a media gateway device, 20 is a packet data conversion processing unit, 30 is a time division multiplexing data processing unit, 40 is a packet network, 50 is a communication partner device, 200 is an inter-system communication path, and 201 is Packet data transfer path, 202 is a data communication path, 211 is a CPU, 212 is a memory, 213 is an inter-system communication section, 214 is a data communication section, 215 is a network communication section, 221 is an address assignment section, 222 is a packet conversion section, 223 is a communication status change detection unit, 224 is a communication information setting unit, 225 is a communication information holding unit, and 226 is a switching factor detection unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the media gateway device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a packet data conversion processing unit 20 having a redundant configuration and a time division data processing unit 30. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, only one time division data processing unit 30 is provided. However, like the packet data conversion processing unit 20, a redundant configuration may be adopted. The packet data conversion processing unit 20 has a function of performing media conversion between time division data and packet format data. Further, since two packet data conversion processing units 20 are provided and have a redundant configuration, they are connected by an inter-system communication path 200 in order to exchange data between the respective systems. Further, the packet data conversion processing unit 20 is connected to a packet data transfer path 201 for transmitting and receiving packet data to and from the packet network 40. The time division multiplexed data processing unit 30 is connected to a data communication path 202 for exchanging data with the packet data conversion processing unit 20, and is connected to a communication partner device 50 such as a telephone terminal. It has a function of performing division multiplexing communication.

  The media gateway device 20 configured as described above controls communication between a communication partner device 50 such as a telephone terminal and another communication partner device (not shown) connected via the packet network 40. That is, the media gateway device 20 processes the communication data from the communication partner device 50 by the time division multiplex data processing unit 30, and the packet data conversion processing unit 20 operating as the active system receives the data from the time division multiplex data processing unit 30. The packet data conversion processing unit converts the packet data sent from the other communication partner device (not shown) into the packet network 40 by converting the time division data into packet data and transmitting the packet data to the packet network 40. 20 is converted into time-division data and transferred to the time-division multiplex data processing unit 30, and the communication data processed by the time-division multiplex data processing unit 30 is transmitted to the communication partner device 50. Controls communication.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the packet data conversion processing unit 20 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory that stores a CPU 211 that controls the packet data conversion processing unit 20 and various functional units configured by a control program. Inter-system communication unit 213 for exchanging data between the other memory 212 and the other-system packet data conversion processing unit via the inter-system communication path 200, and a time-division multiplexed data processing unit via the data communication path 202 30 includes a data communication unit 214 that exchanges time-sharing data with the network 30, and a network communication unit 125 that exchanges packet data with the packet network 40 through the packet data transfer path 201. Yes.

In the memory 212, as various functional units configured by programs, an address assigning unit 221 that assigns an address indicating whether the own device is an active system or a standby system, mutual conversion between time division data and packet data A packet data conversion unit 222 that performs communication, a communication status change detection unit 223 that detects that the communication status has changed during communication, a communication information setting unit 224 that sets communication information according to the communication status, and set communication information And a switching factor detection unit 226 that detects a switching factor from the active system to the standby system or from the standby system to the active system.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation at the time of initial setting of the media gateway device, which will be described next. The packet data conversion processing unit 20 having a redundant configuration is preset by an operation manager or the like so that one of them becomes an active system and the other becomes a standby system.

(1) First, in the packet data conversion processing unit 20 set as the active system, the CPU 211 determines that the own apparatus is the active system, and the address assigning unit 221 performs the active system address assignment process for the packet network. Here, the address of the active, a predetermined address in the operational system is an address other communication partner device connected via a packet network 40 knows (step 2000).

(2) Similarly, in the packet data conversion processing unit 20 set as the standby system, the CPU 211 determines that the own apparatus is the standby system, and the address assignment unit 221 performs the standby system address assignment processing for the packet network. . Here, the standby system address is an address for monitoring whether communication with the packet network is possible, and is an address that can be arbitrarily determined (step 2001).

(3) After that, the active packet data conversion processing unit 20 causes the time-division multiplexed data processing unit 30 to perform the operation system setting process, so that the own packet data conversion processing unit 20 becomes the active system. Is notified (step 2002).

(4) Thereby, the time division multiplexed data processing unit 30 determines which is the active system of the packet data conversion processing unit 20 and selects the active packet data conversion processing unit 20 in the subsequent processing. (Step 3000).

(5) Further, the operational packet data conversion processing unit 20 notifies the packet network 40 of operational address information, and secures routing for itself from the packet network 40 (step 2003).

(6) Similarly, the standby packet data conversion processor 20 notifies the packet network 40 of standby address information (step 2004).

  The notification of the address information in steps 2003 and 2004 described above can be realized by sending GARP to the IP network.

(7) The active packet data conversion processing unit 20 secures the routing for the packet network 40 and then transmits an active network monitoring packet to the packet network 40 at regular intervals. Whether or not communication is possible is constantly monitored (step 2005).

(8) Similarly, the standby packet data conversion processing unit 20 transmits a standby network monitoring packet 2006 to the packet network 40 at regular intervals, and the standby system communicates with the packet network 40. Whether it is possible is constantly monitored (step 2006).

  In the above-described steps 2005 and 2006, whether or not communication with the packet network is possible is monitored by sending an ICMP Echo Request and receiving an ICMP Echo Reply to the IP network. This can be realized by monitoring.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control process from the start of communication of the media gateway device to the middle of communication. Next, this will be described.

(1) A communication start procedure is performed by signals among the communication partner device 50, the media gateway device 10, and the packet network 40. For this reason, information for communication via the packet network is exchanged in the call setting procedure (step 6000).

(2) When the call setting process in step 6000 is completed and it is determined that the transition can be made during communication, the active packet data conversion processing unit 20 determines the communication information (in the process of the call setting process in step 6000) ( In the IP communication, the packetization period in RTP, the codec type, the partner port number and address, the own port number and address, etc.) are identified, and the communication information setting unit 224 sets the communication information in its own communication information holding unit 225 (step 2007).

(3) After that, the media gateway device converts the communication data (time division) 8001 from the time division multiplexed data processing unit 30 into communication data (packet) 7001 ⇒ packet conversion processing and communication data (packet) The packet data conversion processing unit 20 of the operational system performs the packet ⇒ time division conversion processing for converting 7002 into communication data (time division) 8002 to establish bidirectional communication between the communication partner device 50 and the packet network 40. Thus, the communication state is set (steps 2008, 2009, 6001).

(4) Further, after starting communication, the active packet data conversion processing unit 20 sets the communication information set in step 2007 for setting session information to the standby packet data conversion processing unit 20. The standby packet data conversion processing unit 20 that has notified the standby system and receives the notification performs session information holding processing, and holds the same communication information as the active system in the standby system (steps 2010 and 2011). .

  As the session information described above, when the time division multiplexed data being communicated is data such as a facsimile or an analog modem, the data communication is detected by the packet data conversion processing unit of the old operational system that is changed from the active system to the standby system by system switching. The size of the jitter buffer and the setting information of the echo canceller that have been applied in the past.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation in the media gateway apparatus when the operation condition is changed during communication. Next, this will be explained. In general, during communication, there may be a change in the communication status such as a packet conversion period, a packet conversion method such as a codec condition, etc. due to a signal procedure with the packet network 40 or the communication partner apparatus 50. There are cases where it is necessary to change the jitter buffer or echo cancellation method because the contents of the communication data are a FAX or a modem, and there are also cases where the communication status changes regardless of the signal procedure. The process here is a process for dealing with such a case.

(1) The active packet data conversion processing unit 20 monitors the communication data (packet) 7002 from the packet network 40 by the communication status change detection unit 223, and time-division multiplexed data and packet data for a call during communication It is detected whether or not there is a change in the conversion condition during the period, that is, whether or not the communication status has changed (step 2012).

(2) When the change of the communication status is detected by the communication status change detection processing in step 2012, the active packet data conversion processing portion 20 performs the operation condition change processing on the own packet data conversion processing portion 20. Perform (step 2013).

(3) The active packet data conversion processing unit 20 notifies the standby system of the session information update together with the changed operation condition information to the standby packet data conversion processing unit 20, and receives this. The standby-system packet data conversion processing unit 20 performs the session information update process, holds the same communication information in the standby system in the standby system so that the latest communication conditions are reflected when the system is switched. Prepare (steps 2014 and 2015).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the system switching process from when the system switching factor is detected until the standby packet data conversion processing unit becomes the active system.

(1) The switching factor detection unit 226 in the packet data conversion processing unit 20 detects a system switching factor based on failure detection, detection of a communication failure with an external packet network, an instruction from an administrator according to a maintenance procedure, and the like (step 2016). ).

(2) The operational packet data conversion processing unit 20 that has detected the system switching factor transmits a system switching instruction to the standby packet data conversion processing unit 20 (step 2017).

(3) The standby packet data conversion processing unit 20 that has received the system switching instruction by the processing in step 2017 from the active packet data conversion processing unit 20 uses the address assignment unit 221 to the active packet data conversion processing unit. Address assignment is performed, and processing for collectively setting communication information received from the active system while operating as a standby system is executed (steps 2000 and 2018).

(4) When the communication information batch setting process in step 2018 is completed, the standby packet data conversion processing unit 20 transmits a packet conversion stop request to the active packet data conversion processing unit 20 (step 2019).

(5) The active packet data conversion processing unit 20 receives the packet conversion stop request, performs the packet conversion stop processing, and only the communication data (time division) 8002 for the amount stored in the jitter buffer. The packet is sent to the communication partner device 50 via the time division data processing unit 30, and then the packet conversion process is stopped (step 2020).

(6) Thereafter, in the standby packet data conversion processing unit 20, the active packet data conversion processing unit transmits the communication data (time division) stored in the jitter buffer to the time division data processing unit 30. After the time that can be done, the next processing is started.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation until the operation of the packet data conversion processing unit of the new active system is started in the system switching process described with reference to FIG. 5. Next, this will be described.

(1) The standby packet data conversion processing unit 20 transmits to the time division data processing unit 30 the communication data (time division) stored in the jitter buffer in the old operational packet data conversion processing unit 20. After the elapse of the time that can be performed, it is determined that the device itself has become a new operation system, and first, routing information from the packet network 40 to itself is secured by notifying the packet network 40 of operation address information ( Step 2003).

(2) Next, since the packet data conversion processing unit 20 which has become a new operation system causes the time division multiplexing data processing unit 30 to perform an operation system setting process, the own packet data conversion processing unit 20 (Step 2002).

(3) When the time division multiplexed data processing unit 30 receives the notification of the operational system setting in step 2002, the time division multiplexed data processing unit 30 recognizes that the operational system has changed and sets which is the operational system of the packet data conversion processing unit 20. Then, in the subsequent processing, the new active packet data conversion processing unit 20 is selected (step 3000).

(4) After that, the media gateway device converts the communication data (time division) 8001 from the time division multiplexed data processing unit 30 into communication data (packet) 7001 ⇒ packet conversion processing and communication data (packet) 7002. Is converted to communication data (time division) 8002 ⇒ time division conversion processing is performed by the packet data conversion processing unit 20, which is a new operation system, and bidirectional between the communication partner device 50 and the packet network 40. Communication is established and the communication is in progress (steps 2008 and 2009).

(5) The old operational packet data conversion processing unit 20 that has become a new standby system performs a standby system for the packet network 40 after the address assignment unit 221 performs a standby system address assignment process for the packet network. The address information is notified, and routing from the packet network 40 to the standby system is secured (steps 2001 and 2004).

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, by executing the processing as described above, the detailed condition of the communication status before the system switching can be continuously maintained, so that the packet data having the redundant configuration of the media gateway device It becomes possible to shorten the communication disabled time that occurs at the time of system switching of the conversion processing unit.

  In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a separate address is assigned to each of the packet data processing units of the active system and the standby system having a redundant configuration, and communication with the packet network is enabled even in the standby system. During operation, the active system and the standby system are always monitored independently to be able to communicate with each other in the packet network, and it is determined that the operational system cannot communicate with the packet network as a failure. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not system switching is possible by determining that communication with the packet network is confirmed in the standby system as a condition for switching from the standby system to the active system. Will be able to.

  Normally, if the RTP and RTCP information is transferred for the session information transferred from the active system to the standby system, the continuation of communication will not be impaired. There is information that does not affect communication quality. According to the embodiment of the present invention, these pieces of information are also transferred together, and the information held in the jitter buffer by the old operational system in the system switching procedure is transferred to the time division multiplex data processing unit. Since the system switching is executed in anticipation of termination, the system switching can be realized so as to minimize the communication disabled time for the user using the terminal.

  Each process in the above-described embodiment of the present invention is configured by a program and can be executed by a CPU included in the present invention. These programs are stored in a recording medium such as an FD, CDROM, or DVD. It can be provided and can be provided by digital information via a network.

  The present invention is particularly suitable for use in media conversion between a telephone system and an IP-based voice network system.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the media gateway apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the packet data conversion process part in FIG. 1A. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation at the time of initial setting of a media gateway apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the control processing from communication start of a media gateway apparatus until it reaches during communication. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation in the media gateway apparatus when there is an operation condition change during communication. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of a system switching process from when a system switching factor is detected until a standby packet data conversion processing unit becomes an active system. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing operations until the operation of a new active packet data conversion processing unit is started in the system switching processing described with reference to FIG. 5.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Media gateway apparatus 20 Packet data conversion process part 30 Time division multiplexing data process part 40 Packet network 50 Communication partner apparatus 200 Intersystem communication path 201 Packet data transfer path 202 Data communication path 211 CPU
212 memory 213 inter-system communication unit 214 data communication unit 215 network communication unit 221 address assignment unit 222 packet conversion unit 223 communication status change detection unit 224 communication information setting unit 225 communication information holding unit 226 switching factor detection unit

Claims (2)

The packet data in the media gateway device having a time division multiplexed data processing unit and a packet data conversion processing unit having a redundant configuration and connected to the packet network, and performing mutual conversion between the time division multiplexed data and the packet data In the system switching method of the conversion processing unit,
The packet data conversion processing unit having the redundant configuration has a function of performing communication between the active packet data conversion processing unit and the standby packet data conversion processing unit,
Packet data conversion processing unit of the operation system, during its operation, to set the operating system the same communication and information to the packet data conversion processing unit of the standby system, during system switchover, the packet data conversion of the active system After packet transmission from the processing unit is stopped and the packet data conversion processing unit that has changed from the standby system to the new operation system starts packet transmission, the packet network routing is switched to the new operation system, and time sharing There line switching of the connection between the data processing unit and the packet data conversion processing unit,
The packet data conversion processing unit that has been changed from the standby system to the new operation system, when the time division multiplexed data is facsimile or analog modem data, the packet data conversion processing of the old operation system that is switched from the operation system to the standby system by system switching A system switching method for a packet data conversion processing unit, wherein a jitter buffer size and an echo canceller setting applied by detecting data communication in the unit are applied to the own packet data conversion processing unit . The active and standby packet data conversion processing units are respectively assigned an active address and a standby address identified in the packet network, and monitor whether or not communication with the packet network is possible. The system switching method of the packet data conversion processing unit according to claim 1, wherein a failure of the packet network is detected .

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