JP5004051B2 - Mesh network using flooding relay packet system and nodes used in the network - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mesh type network using a flooding relay packet system. The present invention also relates to a communication device that constructs this mesh network.

  In recent years, the use of mesh network has been widely studied. Various sightseeing service systems and local government networks using this mesh network have been studied.

  When building a public or private network and a temporary network in an emergency, the system can be built in a short period of time, and even if an operation failure occurs, the failure is automatically detected and the failure is avoided. An available system is required.

The Action Figure 13 when a failure occurs, an example of a conventional system of networks. This figure shows an example in which seven network devices 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, 90f, 90g and one management tool 93 constitute a mesh network. In each network device 90 group constituting this system, it is necessary to statically set network information for each device in order to perform a network control operation. Further, when the network information set in the network device 90 is changed (for example, when an address is changed or a setting parameter is changed), the management tool 93 changes the target network device. It is necessary to connect via Web, Telnet, SNMP, or the like.

  In the conventional system shown in FIG. 13, if a failure occurs in the path while the setting information is being updated or accessed from the management tool 93 to the network device 90, the setting information In some cases, it was not reflected correctly on other network devices.

  Further, in the mesh type network as shown in FIG. 13, a management method that takes into consideration that the network device 90 cannot be reconnected from the outside is required.

  Further, when a system as shown in FIG. 13 is constructed using an unstable wireless link, the reliability is lower than that of a wired link. Therefore, a network using a wireless link by a conventional management method is used. It was very difficult to maintain.

  In addition, in the conventional system of FIG. 13, in order for the network device 90 to have a function of automatically switching to a detour path in the network, predetermined application software for managing information related to a connection failure is necessary. It was.

2. Description of the Related Art As a technique for constructing a network, a method using IP routing is conventionally known. According to IP routing, it is possible to configure a mesh network. However, since it is necessary to set IP address information and the like in advance for each network device in order to construct a network, it has been impossible to automatically construct a network.

  In addition, there is RFC2730 (The OSPF Opaque LSA Option) standardized by IETF as a network equipment information sharing and transmission method, but this is only used for information sharing with applications higher in IP. Therefore, it is not a standardized protocol for the purpose of automatic network construction.

  In general, IEEE802.1D STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is used for a network construction method below a data link layer in a mesh network. However, even when STP is used, a tree path centering on the bridge route is constructed after performing STP control settings for each network device in advance, which also realizes automatic network construction. Do not mean.

  When STP is used, a redundant link (unused link) always occurs, and the redundant link is not used for communication in order to cut off the bridge loop. An example of a mesh network for explaining this is shown in FIG. In this example, there are three paths between the root bridge 96 and the node 99d. However, the links between the nodes 99d and 99c and between the nodes 99d and 99b are redundant links and cannot be used. As a result, the link capable of active operation is only the link connecting the node 99a and the node 99d.

Prior Art Document The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for searching for a detour path when a failure occurs in a path constituting a network.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses a technique for switching a communication path in which a failure has occurred to a bypass path in a network. In particular, this Patent Document 2 describes that a node that detects a failure generates a failure recovery message that identifies the failure location, and floods it to another node adjacent to this node.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-8806 JP 2002-77244 A

  As described in the background art above, conventionally, since a network could not be automatically constructed in a short period of time, a method that enables this is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a mesh network that can automatically construct a network.

  The second object is to provide a mesh network that can automatically detect a failure and continue operation when a failure occurs in the network.

  The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.

  (1) In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a mesh network including a plurality of mesh network constituent nodes and a link group connecting the plurality of mesh network constituent nodes. When the network configuration node receives link information at the data link layer level through two or more ports for connecting to other mesh network configuration nodes via the link and any one of the ports, Flooding communication means for performing flooding communication for transmitting the link information to all of the other mesh network constituent nodes connected to the other ports at a data link layer level, It is a net.

  (2) Further, according to the present invention, in the mesh network configuration node used in the mesh network described in (1), the mesh network configuration node is connected to another mesh network configuration node via the link. When two or more ports for receiving predetermined link information at the data link layer level via any one of the ports, the link information is transmitted to another mesh connected to another port. A mesh network configuration node comprising flooding communication means for transmitting to a network configuration node at a data link layer level.

  Here, the link information is information related to each link constituting the mesh network, and is typically expressed by a packet.

  (3) Further, according to the present invention, in the mesh network constituent node described in (2) above, the flooding communication means sends a link confirmation request to the mesh network constituent nodes connected to all the ports. It is a mesh network constituent node characterized by transmitting periodically.

  (4) In the mesh network configuration node according to (3), the flooding communication unit may request the link confirmation request from the mesh network configuration node connected to any one of the ports. Is received, the link confirmation response is periodically transmitted to the mesh network constituent node.

(5) Further, according to the present invention, in the mesh network constituent node according to any one of the above (2) to (4), the flooding communication means activates the mesh network constituent node or changes the link. A controller that notifies the FRP proxy means of the link information when detected, and an FRP proxy that transmits the link information notified from the controller to all the mesh network constituent nodes connected to the port Means for forming a mesh network.

  (6) Further, the present invention includes a storage unit that stores the link information in the mesh network constituent node according to (5), wherein the transmitted link information is time information indicating a created time. The flooding communication means examines the link information in the storage means when the link information is received, and the time information included in the received link information has been received in the past in the storage means It is checked whether the time information included in the link information is the same as the time information. As a result of the inspection, the time information included in the received link information and the link information received in the past are included. When the received time information is not the same, the received link information is stored in the storage means, and the received link information is received as the link information. A mesh network configuration node and transmits to the mesh network configuration node connected to a port other than port.

  (7) Further, the present invention includes a network management node connected to any one of the mesh network constituent nodes via a link in the mesh network described in (1) above, wherein the network management node includes: Create network configuration information for a mesh network from one or more ports, communication means for receiving link information at the data link layer level via the ports, and link information received from each mesh network configuration node. Network configuration information creating means for transmitting the network configuration information at a data link layer level via the port.

  (8) Further, according to the present invention, in the network management node used in the mesh network described in (7) above, link information is received at a data link layer level via one or more ports and the ports. And communication means for creating network configuration information of a mesh network from the link information received from each mesh network configuration node, and the communication means via the port The network management node transmits the network configuration information at a data link layer level.

  (9) Further, according to the present invention, in the network management node according to the above (8), one piece of data path information which is data path information based on each mesh network constituent node is based on the link information. The network management node is characterized by comprising data path information creating means created as described above, wherein the communication means transmits the data path information at the data link layer level via the port.

  (10) Further, according to the present invention, in the mesh network configuration node according to any one of (2) to (6), the mesh network configuration node is a network for recording network configuration information of the mesh network network. Comprising a configuration information storage means, and the flooding communication means stores the network configuration information in the network configuration information storage means when receiving the network configuration information at a data link layer level from any of the ports, The mesh network configuration node transmits the network configuration information to all the mesh network configuration nodes connected to the other ports at a data link layer level.

  (11) Further, according to the present invention, in the mesh network constituent node according to any one of (2) to (6), the mesh network constituent node is data path information based on each mesh network constituent node. Data path information storage means for storing the data path information used by itself in the data path information, and when the data path information is received from any of the ports, the data path information is used by itself The data path information to be retrieved, and the retrieved data path information is stored in the data path information storage unit, and the flooding communication unit is configured to receive the received data path information other than the port that has received the information. It is a mesh network constituent node characterized by transmitting at a data link layer level via a port.

(12) Further, according to the present invention, in the mesh network configuration node according to (6), the link change includes a link failure , and the control unit detects a failure of a link to which the self is connected. given the link information including the failure to the FRP proxy means, the FRP proxy means, the mesh network configuration, characterized in that the link information of the fault, transmission over a link other than the link where the failure has occurred It is a node.

(13) Further, in the mesh network configuration node according to (11), the flooding communication unit includes a link failure from the mesh network configuration node connected to any one of the ports. When the link information is received, on the basis of the data route information stored in the data route information storage unit, the route through the failed link is switched to a route using another link. A mesh network constituting node.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since link information is transmitted and received at the data link layer level, it is possible to more easily execute the configuration of the network.

  Further, even if a link failure occurs, the path can be easily switched, so that a network with increased resistance to the failure can be constructed.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, taking a mesh network 10 as shown in FIG. 1 as an example, a specific example of a communication method, a network construction method, and an operation when a failure occurs will be described in order.

1. Overall Configuration As shown in FIG. 1, this mesh network 10 includes seven mesh network configuration nodes 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, and 13g, a group of links 15 and a network management node 18. I have. In the mesh network 10, the network is constructed and managed by a communication protocol called FRP.

  Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the mesh network constituent node is referred to as TSG (Terminal Service Gateway), and the network management node is referred to as NM (Network Manager).

1-1. Communication method (communication protocol)
In the present embodiment, communication using a communication protocol called FRP (Flooding Relay Protocol) is performed between the TSGs 13. This FRP is a bridge protocol that operates according to the Ethernet (registered trademark) protocol defined in the present invention for the purpose of automatically constructing and managing a mesh network. This FRP is implemented in the data link layer in the OSI layer, and is used to transfer link information 21 between the TSGs 13 in the data link layer. The communication using the FRP employs a communication method (flooding communication method) in which the link information 21 received through one port of the TSG 13 is transmitted to all the TSGs connected to other ports. It is characterized by that. FIG. 1 shows that link information 21 is transmitted from all TSGs 13.

  According to this FRP, the link information 21 can be notified to all of the TSGs 13 by proxy / relay while being flooded in the data link layer of each TSG 13.

  This FRP can also be incorporated into a VLAN switch with a normal management function that is generally commercially available. As a result, since the construction and management of the existing network can be automated, the operation cost can be significantly reduced as compared with the conventional network.

  When a network is constructed using this FRP, all the links 15 in the mesh network 10 can be operated actively. Also, it is possible to set multiple logical paths on the physical link.

  In the network formed by the conventional STP, as shown in FIG. 14, there is only one link that can be actively operated with respect to one node 99d. If a network similar to this STP network is formed using FRP, three paths can be set for the node 99d. That is, according to FRP, the degree of freedom of route setting is higher than in the prior art, and a network with high bandwidth utilization efficiency can be constructed.

  In this specification, the communication method using the FRP is also called a flooding relay packet method or simply FRP.

1-2. TSG (mesh network configuration node)
The TSG 13 is a communication device having a plurality of ports. In each TSG 13, only NodeID is set in advance. When the mesh network 10 is constructed using a wireless link, it is necessary to perform predetermined initial settings for each TSG 13.

  Immediately after power-on, each TSG 13 transmits a link confirmation request to all TSGs 13 connected to the port using FRP and attempts to establish a link. As a result, a link is established between the TSGs 13 whose links have been confirmed.

1-3. NM (network management node)
The NM 18 is a communication device that manages the connection status of the entire mesh network 10. The NM 18 includes a plurality of ports, similar to the TSG 13.

  The NM 18 obtains information regarding link establishment between the TSGs 13 by FRP, and creates network configuration information. This network configuration information is information obtained by combining information related to a plurality of link establishments acquired by the NM 18 and represents the link establishment status of the entire mesh network 10.

  The network management node (NM18) transmits the network configuration information by FRP, so that even if a failure occurs in the relay link, the data is accurately transmitted between the mesh network configuration nodes (TSG) 13 while checking the link state. Since transfer is possible, network configuration information can be distributed to all of the TSGs 13.

  Further, when a failure occurs in the link 15 group, link failure information relating to the failure is transmitted from the TSG 13 to the NM 18, and the occurrence state of the failure is grasped in real time by the NM 18. The NM 18 can accumulate the link failure information and generate a log.

2. Network Construction In the present embodiment, network construction includes the following three procedures.

  These three procedures are “link establishment between TSGs”, “transfer of FRP notification information”, and “distribution of FRP setting information” as will be sequentially described below.

2-1. Link establishment between TSGs Link establishment between TSGs 13 is performed in the data link layer of each mesh network constituent node (TSG) 13. A conceptual diagram in the data link layer is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a TSG control unit 33, a TSG switch unit 36, and a group of N connection ports 39 are provided in the data link layer of the TSG 13.

  First, a management Node ID (NID) is initially set in the TSG control unit 33. As this NID, a unique ID number is assigned to each node in the mesh, that is, the TSG. For example, an integer from 0 to n is assigned as the ID.

  Further, a management port ID (PID) is assigned to the connection port 39 group of the TSG switch section 36 of the TSG 13, and each TSG 13 connected to the connection port 39 group is recognized by the PID. PID is a concept of a port number for connecting to another node. The TSG 13 identifies other nodes to be connected based on the PID. This PID is one integer selected from 0 to N.

  A device connected to each TSG 13 can be identified from the PID of the TSG to which the device is connected and the NID of the TSG provided with the PID.

The link confirmation protocol TSG control unit 33 periodically transmits a link confirmation request to the other TSGs 13 after the power is turned on. This transmission is performed to all adjacent TSGs 13 (connected to each port).

A conceptual diagram of this link confirmation request is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the TSG-A control unit 42a transmits a link confirmation request 51a to the adjacent TSG-B control unit 42b. The TSG-B control unit 42b that has received the link confirmation request 51a periodically transmits a link confirmation response 51b. This is shown in FIG. The determination of link connection / disconnection is performed based on parameters such as a link confirmation request packet transfer period and a response packet loss rate. Therefore, if this parameter is changed, the criteria for determining link connection / disconnection can be changed. Note that this link confirmation can also be made by a one-to-many connection.
The TSG control unit corresponds to a preferable example of a part of the flooding communication unit in the claims.

  The link confirmation request is transmitted not only from the TSG-A control unit 42a but also from the TSG-B control unit 42b as shown in FIG. In response to the link confirmation request 51c sent from the TSG-B control unit 42b, the TSG-A control unit 42a transmits a link confirmation response 51d to the TSG-B control unit 42b.

2-2. FRP notification information transfer method Next, after a link is established between the mesh network constituent nodes (TSGs) 13, each TSG 13 forwards the information that this link has been established to other TSGs 13 by FRP and notifies them. . This FRP notification information transfer method will be described below.

FIG. 4 shows a conceptual diagram of this FRP notification information transfer method. As shown in this figure, when the TSG detects node activation or link change, the TSG notifies the internal FRP Proxy of the information. The FRP Proxy incorporates the information in the FRP packet, and floods all the ports with which the link is established.
In the present embodiment, the TSG control unit 42 performs node activation and link change detection, but a dedicated means for detection may be provided. The TSG control unit 42 corresponds to a preferred example of the control unit in the claims.
The FRP Proxy arrives at a preferred example of the FRP proxy means in the claims.

  In FIG. 4, the TSG-A control unit 42a is activated, and the link notification FRP packet 67a transmitted from the FRP Proxy 60a is transferred to the FRP Proxy 60d included in the NM 54 via the FRP Proxy 60b and 60c. The situation is shown.

  When transferring the notification information, the FRP Proxy that has received the FRP packet stores only the FRP Header information in its own filter table to prevent wraparound (double reception), and immediately executes the packet transfer. Each FRP Proxy is provided with this filter table. This filter table corresponds to a preferred example of the storage means in the claims.

  A conceptual diagram of the frame format of the link notification FRP packet (FRP information) is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the frame format of the FRP information is composed of the MAC address of the destination TSG, the MAC address of the source TSG, E-Type, FRP Header, and FRP Message. Is transmitted based on the MAC address of the TSG. A special code for FRP is assigned to E-Type.

  The FRP Header information includes time information generated by the sender by the notification information. Then, the FRP Proxy of the TSG checks whether the time information of the received FRP information is the same as the time information of the FRP information received before that time. As a result of the inspection, if the time information is the same as the time information of the previously received FRP information, it is determined that the received FRP information has been transmitted twice and discarded. If the time information is not the same as the time information of the previously received FRP information as a result of the inspection, the FRP information is transferred to another FRP Proxy.

  These FRP proxies 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 correspond to a preferable example of a part of the function of the flooding communication means described in the claims. Further, in the present embodiment, the FRP Proxy plays the role of the revision information inspection unit and the link notification information transmission unit described in the claims.

  In FIG. 4, an upper arrow group 67a and a lower arrow group 67b are shown. As described above, the upper arrow group 67a indicates that the FSG packet for link notification 67a transmitted from the FRP Proxy 60a of the TSG-A control unit 42a is flooded, thereby causing the TSG-B control unit 42b and the TSG-C control unit to 42c and NM54 are shown.

  On the other hand, the arrow group 67b in the lower row indicates that the link notification FRP packet 67b transmitted by the TSG-B control unit 42b is sent to the TSG-A control unit 42a and propagates to the NM 54 through the TSG-C control unit 42c. It shows how it is being done.

  The network management node (NM 54) that has received the link notification FRP packet generates network configuration information based on the link information included in the received link notification FRP packet by the mesh network configuration application software 70. The mesh network configuration application software 70 corresponds to a preferred example of the network configuration information creation means described in the claims.

  When the TSG is activated and the FRP Proxy is notified that the TSG has been activated, the FRP Proxy sends the link notification FRP packet until the network configuration information can be received from any one of the adjacent TSGs by the FRP. , And continuously transmit periodically to the adjacent TSG.

  FIG. 1 shows a state where the newly participating TSG 14 transmits a link notification FRP packet (FRP information) 69 to the adjacent TSG 13 e and receives the network configuration information 31 from the TSG 13 e.

2-3. FRP setting information distribution method The mesh network configuration application software 70 on the network management node (NM54) creates network configuration information (FRP information) based on the link information of the link notification FRP packet. This network configuration information (FRP information) is distributed by the NM 54 to all mesh network configuration nodes (TSG) by FRP. Hereinafter, this FRP notification information distribution method will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows a conceptual diagram of the FRP setting information distribution method. As shown in this figure, the network configuration information 73 generated by the mesh network configuration application software 70 is transmitted from the FRP Proxy 60d, and then transferred to the FRP Proxy 60c, 60b, 60a.

  The FRP Proxy that has received the network configuration information 73 performs system settings with reference to the information addressed to itself included in the network configuration information 73. Until the network configuration information 73 is updated by the NM 54, the network configuration information 73 is held in a network configuration information storage unit (not shown).

  FIG. 7 shows how the FRP Proxy holds the network configuration information 73. As shown in this figure, for example, the FRP Proxy 60c receiving the network configuration information 73 transmits the network configuration information 73 to the network setting application 76c. Then, the network setting application 76c refers to the information addressed to itself included in the network configuration information 73 and sets the IP address and VLAN of the TSG-C control unit 42c. Set the VLAN and Port of the unit. As shown in FIG. 7, this operation is similarly performed in the TSG-A control units 42a and 42b.

  If a new link is established with another TSG, the network setting application checks and compares the revisions of the network configuration information held by each other. As a result of the inspection, if it is found that there is a difference in the revision of the network configuration information, newer (later) generated network configuration information is selected and acquired.

  The FRP proxies 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 correspond to a preferable example of a part of the flooding communication means described in the claims.

3. Automatic Management In this embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each mesh network constituent node (TSG) 13 performs automatic management on a route for transmitting data. As will be described below, this automatic management includes two procedures: a procedure for generating “logical route information of an inter-TSG connection data route” and a procedure for performing “route switching”.

3-1. Inter-TSG connection data path logical path information The mesh network configuration application software 70 provided in the network management node (NM) collects link notification FRP packets, and then uses several TSGs as a base point based on the link information. A tree type data path is generated, and VLAN-ID (VID) is assigned to the tree type data path. FIG. 8 shows a tree-type data path with VID = 100 for the mesh network 85.

  As shown in this figure, first, the mesh network 85 includes nine mesh network constituent nodes (TSG-1, TSG-2, TSG-3, TSG-4, TSG-5, TSG-6, TSG-7, TSG-8, TSG-9) 79 group and link 82 group.

  The mesh network configuration application software 70 acquires link information from each TSG 79, grasps the connection status between the TSG 79 group and the link 82 group, and assigns a Link-ID to each path 82. FIG. 8 shows that Link-ID = 1 is assigned to the link 82a. Further, it is shown that Link-ID = 2 is assigned to the link 82b, and Link-ID = 3 is assigned to the link 82c. Similarly, it is shown that Link-ID = 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are assigned to the links 82d to 82k, respectively.

  The mesh network configuration application software 70 selects a link from the group of links 82 by Link-ID, and generates a tree-type data path.

  In the tree-type data path of VID = 100 in FIG. 8, eight links to which Link-ID = 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11 are assigned are selected from the group of links 82. Thus, a tree-type data path is generated.

  FIG. 9 shows a tree-type data path with VID = 101.

  In this tree type data path with VID = 101, by selecting eight links to which Link-ID = 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 are assigned from among the links 82 group. Generating a tree-type data path.

  The mesh network configuration application software 70 further creates connection information between the TSGs. And the connection data path | route identifier between the mesh network structure nodes (TSG) is defined as CID (Connection ID). Further, the mesh network configuration application software 70 creates data path information for each TSG, and distributes the data path information to each TSG by FRP. This data path information means which of the two tree type data paths of VID = 100 and 101 is used when sending predetermined data from one TSG to another TSG. Information that determines whether data is sent. The mesh network configuration application software 70 corresponds to the data path information creation means described in the claims.

  This data path information will be described with a specific example. For example, data to be sent from TSG-1 to TSG-2 is first sent to TSG-3 via link 82c (Link-ID = 3) according to the tree type data path of VID = 100 in FIG. And further sent to TSG-2 via link 82e (Link-ID = 5). That is, links with Link-ID = 3 and 5 are selected and sent. The NM defines this route as CID = 1, and describes logical route information “TSG2: CID = 1 (3,5) VID = 100” in the data route information distributed to TSG-1. Since this route is also a route for sending data from TSG-2 to TSG-1, the data route information distributed to TSG-2 is “TSG1: CID = 1 (5,3) VID = 100”. Describes logical route information.

  Also, for example, data sent from TSG-1 to TSG-3 is sent to TSG-3 via link 82c (Link-ID = 3) according to the tree type data path of VID = 100 in FIG. . The NM defines this route as CID = 2, and describes logical route information “TSG3: CID = 2 (3) VID = 100” in the data route information distributed to TSG-1. Further, since this route is also a route for sending data from TSG-3 to TSG-1, similar logical route information is described in the data route information distributed to TSG-3.

  Further, for example, the data sent from TSG-1 to TSG-4 is sent to TSG-8 via link 82b (Link-ID = 2) according to the tree type data path of VID = 100 in FIG. Further, the link 82g (Link-ID = 7) is sent to TSG-5, the link 82i (Link-ID = 9) is further sent to TSG-7, and finally the link 82k (Link-ID) is sent. = 11) and sent to TSG-4. The NM defines a route composed of links with Link-ID = 2, 7, 9, and 11 as CID = 3.

  On the other hand, the data sent from TSG-1 to TSG-4 is sent to TSG-3 via link 82c (Link-ID = 3) according to the tree type data path of VID = 101 in FIG. Next, it can also be sent via the link 82f (Link-ID = 6) to TSG-7 and finally via the link 82k (Link-ID = 11) to TSG-4. . The NM defines a path composed of links with Link-ID = 3, 6, and 11 as CID = 4.

  The NM describes logical route information representing the two routes of CID = 3 and CID = 4 described above as follows, and distributes the data route information to TSG-1.

TSG4: CID = 3 (2, 7, 9, 11) VID = 100 Pri = 1
CID = 4 (3, 6, 11) VID = 101 Pri = 0
Note that “Pri = 1” and “Pri = 0” in the logical route information described above represent the use priority of the route. A method of determining the usage priority will be described later.

  In the same manner, the NM describes the logical route information representing the route to TSG-5, TSG-7, TSG-8, and TSG-9, and generates data route information. FIG. 10 (1) shows data path information distributed to this TSG-1. This data path information is stored in a data path information storage means (not shown) included in TSG-1.

  Similarly, FIG. 10B shows data path information distributed to TSG-2. FIG. 10 (3) shows data path information distributed to TSG-3. The data path information is similarly distributed to the other mesh network constituent nodes (TSG-4, TSG-5, TSG-6, TSG-7, TSG-8, TSG-9) 79d to 79i.

  By mapping the CID-assigned logical data path to the VLAN data path, when a link failure occurs and a notification by FRP is received, only the CID data path mapped to the failed link is switched to the VLAN path. The network configuration node (TSG) executes independently.

  As a result, the TSG decentralization of the path switching function can enhance the communication guarantee against the link failure and can realize simple device setting management in terms of construction operation.

  In addition, the use of the TSG base point in the generation of the tree-type data path can achieve link band use averaging in the mesh network 85, so that the band use efficiency of the entire network can be improved.

  In addition, since the tree-type VLAN data path is shared by TSGs, it is possible to set a multicast CID for executing simultaneous communication to a plurality of TSGs.

  When multiple CIDs (bypass routes) exist in the destination TSG, the use priority is determined by the number of link hops, and when the number of hops is the same, the route with the smaller value of the data route VID has priority. When there is one CID, the route with the smaller value of the data route VID is assigned. The usage priority determined in this way is described in the data path information as “Pri = 0”, “Pri = 1”, etc. as shown in FIG. 10A, for example.

3-2. Route Switching Method In this section, route switching related to TSG-9 will be described based on FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 shows a state in which a failure has occurred in the link 82b (Link-ID = 2) in the tree-type data path with VID = 100. Similarly, FIG. 12 shows a state in which a failure has occurred in Link-ID = 2 in the tree-type data path with VID = 101. Inter-TSG connection logical paths are mapped on these two tree-type data paths.

  Before a failure occurs in Link-ID = 2, the data path related to TSG-9 is set as follows.

TSG-9 <-> TSG-1, 5, 8 // VID = 100
TSG-9 <-> TSG-2, 3, 4, 6, 7 // VID = 101
According to this data path, for example, when data is sent from TSG-9 to TSG-1, a path based on a tree-type data path with VID = 100 is used. Further, when data is transmitted from TSG-9 to TSG-2, a route based on a tree-type data route of VID = 101 is used.

  When a failure occurs in Link-ID = 2, first, a link change notification FRP indicating that a failure has occurred is transmitted from the two TSG-1 and TSG-8 at both ends of the Link-ID = 2. Is done. The TSG-9 also receives this link change notification FRP.

  Regarding the data path from TSG-9 to another TSG, TSG-9 logically recognizes that the following two inter-TSG connection logical paths have been disconnected. Then, TSG-9 switches from VID = 100 to VID = 101 for the actual tree-type data path.

TSG-9 <-> TSG-5 // VID = 101
TSG-9 <-> TSG-8 // VID = 101
Note that data path switching to TSG-1 does not occur. This is because no failure has occurred in the route from TSG-9 to TSG-1.

  As a result, after the data path switching, the data path related to TSG-9 is set as follows.

TSG-9 <-> TSG-1 // VID = 100
TSG-9 <-> TSG-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 // VID = 101
According to this data path, TSG-9 can transmit data to each TSG 79 while avoiding Link-ID = 2 in which a failure has occurred.

Summary As described above, according to the present embodiment, since link information and the like are transmitted and received using flooding communication at the data link layer level, it is possible to construct a network more easily than in the past.

  In particular, what is characteristic of this embodiment is that flooding is performed at the data link layer level, and such a mechanism is not known in the prior art.

  In addition, since link information etc. was sent and received using flooding communication at the data link layer level, each node can independently switch links against link failures, improving resistance against link failures I was able to.

It is a figure which shows the mesh type | mold network network which uses FRP. It is a conceptual diagram in a data link layer. It is a conceptual diagram of a link confirmation request. It is a conceptual diagram of a FRP notification information transfer system. It is a conceptual diagram of the frame format of the FRP packet for link notification. It is a conceptual diagram of a FRP setting information distribution system. It is explanatory drawing explaining that FRP Proxy hold | maintains network structure information. It is a figure which shows the tree-type data path | route of VID = 100. It is a figure which shows the tree-type data path | route of VID = 101. It is a figure which shows data path | route information. It is a figure which shows that the failure generate | occur | produced in the tree-type data path | route of VID = 100. It is a figure which shows that the failure generate | occur | produced in the tree-type data path | route of VID = 101. It is a figure which shows the example of the conventional system of a network. It is a figure which shows the example of the conventional mesh type | mold network network which uses STP.

Explanation of symbols

10 Mesh network 13a to 13g Mesh network configuration node (TSG)
14 New Participation Mesh Network Configuration Node (TSG)
15a-15i link 18 network management node (NM)
21 link information 24 link confirmation 27 link information 30 network configuration information 31 network configuration information 33 TSG control unit 36 TSG switch unit 39a-39N connection port 42a TSG-A control unit 42b TSG-B control unit 45a, 45b TSG switch unit 48a, 48b Connection port 51a Link confirmation request 51b Link confirmation response 51c Link confirmation request 51d Link confirmation response 54 Network management node (NM)
60a-60d FRP Proxy
63a to 63d Filter tables 67a and 67b FRP packet for link notification 69 FRP packet for link notification 70 Mesh network configuration application software 73 Network configuration information 76a to 76c Network setting application software 79a TSG-1
79b TSG-2
79c TSG-3
79d TSG-4
79e TSG-5
79f TSG-6
79g TSG-7
79h TSG-8
79i TSG-9
82a to 82k link 85 mesh network 90a to 90g network equipment 93 management tool 96 root bridge 99a to 99e node

Claims (12)

A plurality of mesh network nodes,
A group of links connecting the plurality of mesh network constituent nodes;
In a mesh network consisting of
The mesh network constituent node is:
Two or more ports for connecting to other mesh network constituent nodes via the link;
When link information is received at the data link layer level via any one of the ports, the link information is transmitted to all the other mesh network constituent nodes connected to the other ports. Flooding communication means for performing flooding communication to be transmitted at a level;
A network management node connected via a link to any one of the mesh network constituent nodes;
Including
The network management node is
One or more ports,
A communication means for receiving link information at a data link layer level via the port;
Network configuration information creating means for creating network configuration information of a mesh network from the link information received from each mesh network configuration node;
Including
The mesh type network is characterized in that the communication means transmits the network configuration information at a data link layer level through the port. In the mesh network constituting node used in the mesh network according to claim 1,
The mesh network constituent node is:
Two or more ports for connecting to other mesh network constituent nodes via the link;
When predetermined link information is received at the data link layer level via any one of the ports, the link information is transferred to other mesh network constituent nodes connected to other ports at the data link layer level. A flooding communication means for transmitting;
A mesh network constituent node characterized by including: In the mesh network constituent node according to claim 2,
The flooding communication means includes
A mesh network constituent node, wherein a link confirmation request is periodically transmitted to the mesh network constituent nodes connected to all the ports. In the mesh network constituent node according to claim 3,
The flooding communication means includes
When the link confirmation request is received from the mesh network constituent node connected to any one of the ports, a link confirmation response is periodically transmitted to the mesh network constituent node. A mesh network configuration node to perform. In the mesh network constituent node according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The flooding communication means includes
A control unit that notifies the FRP proxy means of link information when a mesh network configuration node is activated or a link change is detected;
FRP proxy means for transmitting the link information notified from the control unit to all the mesh network constituent nodes connected to the port;
A mesh network constituent node characterized by including: In the mesh network constituent node according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
Storage means for storing the link information,
The link information to be transmitted includes time information indicating the created time,
The flooding communication means includes
When the link information is received, the link information in the storage unit is checked, and the time information included in the received link information is included in the link information received in the past in the storage unit. Check whether it is the same as the time information,
As a result of the examination, if the time information included in the received link information and the time information included in the link information received in the past are not the same, the received link information is A mesh network configuration node stored in the storage unit and transmitting the received link information to the mesh network configuration node connected to a port other than the port that received the link information. In the network management node used in the mesh network according to claim 1,
One or more ports,
A communication means for receiving link information at a data link layer level via the port;
Network configuration information creating means for creating network configuration information of a mesh network from the link information received from each mesh network configuration node;
Including
The network management node characterized in that the communication means transmits the network configuration information at a data link layer level via the port. In the network management node according to claim 7,
Data path information creating means for creating one or more data path information, which is data path information based on each mesh network constituent node, based on the link information;
And the communication means transmits the data path information at the data link layer level via the port. In the mesh network constituent node according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The mesh network constituent node is:
Network configuration information storage means for recording the network configuration information of the mesh network,
The flooding communication unit stores the network configuration information in the network configuration information storage unit when the network configuration information is received from any one of the ports at the data link layer level, and the network configuration information is stored in the other network configuration information. The mesh network configuration node transmits to all of the mesh network configuration nodes connected to the port at the data link layer level. In the mesh network constituent node according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The mesh network constituent node is:
Data path information storage means for storing the data path information used by the self in the data path information which is data path information based on each mesh network constituent node;
With
When the data path information is received from any of the ports, the data path information used by itself is taken out of the data path information, and the extracted data path information is stored in the data path information storage means.
The mesh network constituent node, wherein the flooding communication means transmits the received data path information at a data link layer level via a port other than the port that has received the information. In the mesh network constituent node according to claim 6,
The link change includes a link failure ,
When the control unit detects a failure of a link to which the control unit is connected, the control unit notifies link information including the failure to the FRP proxy unit;
The mesh network constituent node, wherein the FRP proxy means transmits the failure link information via a link other than the link where the failure has occurred. In the mesh network constituent node according to claim 10,
The flooding communication means includes
When the link information including a link failure is received from the mesh network constituent node connected to any one of the ports, based on the data path information stored in the data path information storage unit, the A mesh network constituent node characterized by switching from a route passing through a failed link to a route using another link.

Images