Monitoring system, monitored device, monitoring method, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a monitoring system, a monitored device, a monitoring method, and a computer readable storage medium capable of efficiently setting an output condition of information related to a connection state. A monitoring system is provided with: a monitoring device that monitors network devices included in an IP network on the basis of an SNMP that is a protocol for managing the IP network; and the monitored device is a monitoring object of the monitoring device in the network equipment. The monitoring device transmits, to the device to be monitored, an output request for information relating to the connection state of the device to be monitored. When the destination information of the monitoring device which has transmitted the output request is not registered, the monitored device stores the destination information of the monitoring device in a storage unit. When a change in the connection state of the device to be monitored is detected, the device to be monitored transmits information relating to the connection state of the device to be monitored to the monitoring device identified by the stored destination information of the monitoring device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system, a monitored device, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program. Background Art

[0002] The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a protocol used for monitoring the status of network devices such as switching hubs in an Internet Protocol (IP) network related to buildings such as large buildings. In SNMP-based monitoring, an information processing device that performs monitoring (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "monitoring device") issues an instruction to a communication device to be monitored (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "monitored device") to output information related to the status of the monitored device or the connection status between the monitored device and other devices, and collects such information.

[0003] In addition, the following SNMP traps are also known: Even when a request for information related to the connection status from the monitoring device is not made, the monitored device itself detects a change in the status within the device and outputs information related to the connection status to the monitoring device itself. However, in order to use the function of the SNMP trap, it is necessary to preset the destination for sending information related to the connection status and the output conditions for information related to the connection status in the monitored device.

[0004] Therefore, prior arts for automatically setting the output destination of information related to the connection status and the like for a monitored device (a device to be managed) are known. For example, as a prior art, when setting information on the trap transmission destination for a device to be managed, the management device sends a response confirmation packet in response to a broadcast trap for response confirmation sent by the device to be managed to the management device. Also known is a technique in which a device to be managed sets the device to be managed as the transmission destination of a trap sent when an event occurs based on trap transmission destination setting information extracted from the sent response confirmation packet (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0005] [Prior Art Documents]

[0006] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-003069 Summary of the Invention

[0008] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0009] However, in the above prior art, it is sometimes difficult to efficiently set the output conditions of information related to the connection state. For example, although the prior art does not require setting the trap sending destination, it cannot automatically perform settings such as what information to send under what conditions. In addition, in the prior art, in the case where a large-scale network system using multiple monitored devices recovers from a power outage, etc., broadcast traps are sent simultaneously, which may cause network bandwidth congestion or malfunction of connected devices.

[0010] [Technical Means for Solving the Problem]

[0011] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the monitoring system of the present invention includes: a monitoring device that monitors network devices included in the IP network based on SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), which is a protocol for managing IP networks; and a monitored device that is an object to be monitored by the monitoring device among the network devices. The monitoring system is characterized in that the monitoring device has a sending unit that sends an output request for information related to the connection state of the monitored device to the monitored device, and the monitored device has: a storage unit that stores the destination information of the monitoring device in a storage unit when the destination information of the monitoring device that sent the output request is not registered; and a sending unit that, when a change in the connection state of the monitored device is detected, sends information related to the connection state of the monitored device to the monitoring device identified by the destination information of the monitoring device stored by the storage unit.

[0012] [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] By the present invention, an effect is achieved that the output conditions of information related to the connection state can be efficiently set. Description of the Drawings

[0014] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the overall processing of the monitoring system based on the present embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the monitoring system of the present embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a table diagram showing an example of the management information of the present embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a table diagram showing an example of the device information of the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a table diagram showing an example of the output conditions of the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the registration process for the output conditions of this embodiment and the output process of device information.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the registration process for the output conditions of this embodiment and the output process of device information.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the monitoring system based on this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a hardware structure diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of various devices constituting the monitoring system of this embodiment.

[0023] [Description of Symbols]

[0024] 1: Monitoring system

[0025] 100: Monitoring device

[0026] 101: SNMP manager

[0027] 110, 210: Communication section

[0028] 120, 220: Storage section

[0029] 121: Management information storage section

[0030] 130, 230: Control section

[0031] 131: Sending section

[0032] 132: Receiving section

[0033] 133: Output section

[0034] 200: Device to be monitored

[0035] 201, 302, 303: SNMP agent

[0036] 221: Device information storage section

[0037] 222: Output condition storage section

[0038] 231: Receiving section

[0039] 232: Saving section

[0040] 233: Detection section

[0041] 234: Sending section

[0042] 300: Device

[0043] 301: PC Detailed implementation mode

[0044] Next, the implementation mode (hereinafter referred to as "implementation mode") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to common constituent elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, the description of the implementation mode described below does not limit the monitoring system, monitored device, monitoring method, and monitoring program of the present invention.

[0045] <Preamble>

[0046] First, the preamble regarding this implementation mode will be described. Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the overall processing of the monitoring system 1 based on this implementation mode. Figure 1 The illustrated monitoring system 1 is an example of a computer that provides a technology for automatically setting the SNMP trap function for a monitored device 200 that is the monitoring object of the monitoring device 100.

[0047] (Background)

[0048] In the monitoring using SNMP, which is a protocol for managing an IP network, the following structure is used: A monitoring device that monitors network devices included in the IP network based on the SNMP requests information related to the connection state of the monitored device that is the monitoring object of the monitoring device from the monitored device, and obtains a response.

[0049] In addition, also through functions such as SNMP traps that can output the device information of the monitored device without a request from the monitoring device output, the monitored device itself automatically sends device information to the monitoring device based on changes in the state within the device. However, in order to utilize the above function, it is necessary to preset the output destination of the information and the category of the information to be output, etc. for the monitored device.

[0050] (Reference technology)

[0051] Therefore, the following reference technology is known: When setting the trap sending function for the monitored device, the monitored device sends a broadcast trap to the monitoring device, and based on the trap sending destination setting information extracted from the packet sent from the monitoring device corresponding to the broadcast trap, the monitoring device is set as the sending destination of the trap when a specified event occurs.

[0052] However, the reference technology only needs to set the trap sending destination, and output conditions such as what kind of device information to send must be set separately. In addition, in the reference technology, there is also a problem that when multiple monitored devices send traps together, the frame flows in the entire network, which may cause bandwidth compression or abnormalities in connected devices.

[0053] (Overall outline of the processing based on Monitoring System 1)

[0054] Therefore, to solve the above problems, when the monitored device 200 of the monitoring system 1 in the present embodiment receives an SNMP packet (output request for device information) sent from the monitoring device 100 destined for itself, it saves the "category of device information such as the status of the link to be output or the status of the blocked port" and the "destination information such as the IP address of the monitoring device 100 that sent the SNMP packet" in a corresponding manner to the storage unit. Moreover, when the connection state changes, the monitored device 200 sends the device information of the monitored device 200 to the target monitoring device 100 based on the automatically set destination information.

[0055] Here, return Figure 1 , and a series of processes of the processing of the monitoring system 1 will be described. As Figure 1 shown, the monitoring system 1 includes a monitoring device 100, a monitored device 200 that is the monitoring target of the monitoring device 100, and a specified device 300 connected to the monitored device 200.

[0056] As Figure 1 shown in (1) of

[0057] As Figure 1 shown in (2) of Figure 1 , when the monitored device 200 has not registered the destination information of the monitoring device 100 that sent the output request (

[0058] As Figure 1 shown in (2-1) of Figure 1 ), it saves the destination information of the monitoring device 100 in the storage unit. Figure 1 As shown in (3) of

[0059] Thus, when the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment first receives a packet related to an output request from the monitoring device 100, it determines whether the destination information of the monitoring device 100 is set in the monitored device 200 itself. If not, it sets the destination information of the monitoring device 100. Thus, the monitoring system 1 has the effect of being able to set the output conditions of device information for the monitored device 200 without prior setting.

[0060] <Description of the monitoring system>

[0061] (Monitoring system 1)

[0062] Next, a structural example of the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment. As Figure 2 shown, the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment includes a monitoring device 100 and a monitored device 200. In addition, Figure 2 only one monitored device 200 is shown, but the monitoring system 1 may include multiple monitored devices 200.

[0063] (Monitoring device 100)

[0064] First, a structural example of the monitoring device 100 included in the monitoring system 1 will be described. The monitoring device 100 is a device that monitors the operating state or connection state of devices to be monitored, such as communication devices, within an IP network. As Figure 2 shown, the monitoring device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0065] In addition, the monitoring device 100 has an input unit (not shown), such as a keyboard or a touch screen, for receiving input from a user or the like, or a display unit (not shown), such as a display or a printer, for displaying the result of information processing based on the monitoring device 100 to a user or the like.

[0066] (Communication unit 110)

[0067] The communication unit 110 performs data communication for sending an output request for device information to the monitored device 200 and receiving the input of device information sent from the monitored device 200. The communication unit 110 is implemented by a network interface card (NIC) or the like. Moreover, the communication unit 110 can be connected to the network by wire or wirelessly as needed to perform two-way information transmission and reception. For example, the communication unit 110 realizes communication with the monitored device 200.

[0068] (Storage unit 120)

[0069] The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory, or storage devices such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 120 stores data and programs used in various processes performed by the control unit 130. Additionally, as Figure 2 shown, the storage unit 120 has a management information storage unit 121.

[0070] (Management information storage unit 121)

[0071] The management information storage unit 121 stores information related to the monitored device 200 as management information. Specifically, the management information storage unit 121 stores the information for identifying the monitored device 200 in correspondence with the category of the device information requested to be output from the monitored device 200.

[0072] Here, an example of the management information stored in the management information storage unit 121 will be described. Figure 3 is a table diagram showing an example of the management information of the present embodiment. As Figure 3 shown, the management information storage unit 121 stores the monitored device and the requested device information in correspondence with "No" which is the identification information of the independent management information.

[0073] The monitored device is information for identifying a device such as a switching hub that is the monitoring target of the monitoring device 100. Additionally, the requested device information is the device information of the monitored device 200 requested by the monitoring device 100 for each monitored device 200.

[0074] For example, as Figure 3 shown, the management information storage unit 121 stores the monitored device "communication device #a" and the requested device information "status of the port to which PC #b is connected" in correspondence with No "1".

[0075] (Control unit 130)

[0076] The control unit 130 is implemented by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 120 using a processor, a micro processing unit (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), etc., with the RAM (Random Access Memory) as the working area. In addition, the control unit 130 is implemented by an integrated circuit (IC) such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In addition, as Figure 2 shown, the control unit 130 includes a transmission unit 131, a reception unit 132, and an output unit 133.

[0077] (Transmission unit 131)

[0078] The transmission unit 131 sends an output request for device information to the monitored device 200. For example, based on the management information identified by No. “1” shown by Figure 3 shown, the transmission unit 131 sends an output request for device information to the monitored device “communication device #a”, and the device information includes a command to output the “status of the port connected to PC #b” as device information.

[0079] (Reception unit 132)

[0080] The reception unit 132 receives the device information sent from the monitored device 200. For example, the reception unit 132 receives device information such as the “status of the port connected to PC #b” sent by the transmission unit 131 according to the output request for the monitored device “communication device #a”. In addition, the reception unit 132 can accept device information automatically sent through an SNMP trap function or the like, rather than the transmission of device information corresponding to the output request from the monitoring device 100.

[0081] (Output unit 133)

[0082] The output unit 133 outputs information related to the monitoring status of the device to be monitored to the user via the communication unit 110 or a display unit or the like. For example, the output unit 133 outputs the device information related to the monitored device 200 to an information processing device operated by the user or the like via the communication unit 110. In addition, the output unit 133 outputs (displays) the device information related to the monitored device 200 to the user or the like via the display unit included in the monitoring device 100.

[0083] (Monitored device 200)

[0084] Next, a structural example of the monitored device 200 included in the monitoring system 1 will be described. For example, the monitored device 200 is a device that is the monitoring object of the monitoring device 100 among the devices included in the IP network, and is a device that performs sampling such as relaying communication or analyzing communication status for communication within the IP network. As Figure 2 shown, the monitored device 200 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0085] In addition, the monitored device 200 has an input unit (not shown) such as a keyboard or a touch screen for receiving input from a user or the like, or a display unit (not shown) such as a display or a printer for displaying the result of information processing based on the monitored device 200 to a user or the like.

[0086] (Communication unit 210)

[0087] The communication unit 210 performs input of an output request for device information sent from the monitoring device 100, communication related to output of device information corresponding to the output request for device information from the monitoring device 100, and communication related to exchange of information of a specified device connected to the monitored device 200. The communication unit 210 is implemented by a NIC or the like. Moreover, the communication unit 210 can be connected to a network by wire or wirelessly as needed to perform two-way information transmission and reception. For example, the communication unit 210 realizes communication with the monitoring device 100 or communication with a specified device.

[0088] (Storage unit 220)

[0089] The storage unit 220 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor storage elements such as RAM and flash memories, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. The storage unit 220 stores data and programs used in various processes performed by the control unit 230. In addition, as Figure 2 shown, the storage unit 220 includes a device information storage unit 221 and an output condition storage unit 222.

[0090] (Device information storage unit 221)

[0091] The device information storage unit 221 stores the device information of the monitored device 200. Here, an example of the device information stored in the device information storage unit 221 will be described. Figure 4 It is a table diagram showing an example of the device information of the present embodiment.

[0092] The connection device identifies information on the devices in the IP network that are connected to the monitored device 200. The connection port identifies information on which port of the monitored device 200 the connected device is connected to. The connection form is information indicating the connection form between the monitored device 200 and the device, for example, including "normal" indicating a normal connection or "redundant" indicating a redundant path. The detected change is information indicating the content of the change when a specified change occurs in the connection state between the monitored device 200 and the devices connected to the monitored device 200. The detection date and time is information indicating the date and time when the change is detected.

[0093] Specifically, the device information storage unit 221 stores in correspondence information identifying the devices connected to the monitored device 200, the port numbers to which the devices are connected, the connection form, the content of the change detected by the detection unit 233 described later, the date and time when the change is detected, and so on.

[0094] For example, the device information storage unit 221 stores in correspondence with No. "1" the connection device "PC#b", the connection port "Port 1", the connection form "normal", the detected change "disconnection of the link", and the detection date and time "2023 / 12 / 13 12:00". The device information identified by No. "1" means that "PC#b" is connected to "Port 1" of the monitored device 200 in the "normal" form, and "disconnection of the link (disconnection of the connection between the monitored device 200 and PC#b)" occurs at "2023 / 12 / 13 12:00".

[0095] In addition, for example, the device information storage unit 221 stores in correspondence with No. "2" the connection device "PC#c", the connection port "Port 2", the connection form "redundant", the detected change "the blocked port changes to the transmission state", and the detection date and time "2023 / 12 / 14 12:00". The device information identified by No. "2" means that "PC#c" is connected to "Port 2" of the monitored device 200 in the "redundant" form, and "Port 2 with restricted transmission changes to the connection state" occurs at "2023 / 12 / 14 12:00".

[0096] (Output condition storage unit 222)

[0097] The output condition storage unit 222 stores the output conditions in the output of the device information for the monitoring device 100. Here, an example of the output conditions stored in the output condition storage unit 222 will be described. Figure 5 It is a table diagram showing an example of the output conditions of the present embodiment.

[0098] The output destination monitoring device is for identifying information of the monitoring device 100 that is the output destination object of the device information in the monitoring device 100 that monitors the monitored device 200. The destination of the output destination monitoring device is destination information such as the IP address related to the monitoring device 100 that is the output destination object of the device information. The output device information is the device information of the monitored device 200 output to the monitoring device 100 that is the output object. The output timing is the timing of outputting the device information, for example, including time conditions such as "seconds, minutes, hours, days, months" or output instructions such as "based on the user's instruction".

[0099] Specifically, the output condition storage unit 222 stores in correspondence the information of the monitoring device 100 that identifies the output destination, the destination information of the monitoring device 100 that is the output destination, the output device information, and the timing of outputting the device information.

[0100] For example, as Figure 5 shown, the management information storage unit 121 stores in correspondence with No. "1" the output destination monitoring device "Monitoring Device #A", the destination of the output destination monitoring device "IP address AA", the output device information "Status of the port connected to PC #b", and the output timing "Once / day". The output condition identified by No. "1" refers to the condition of sending the device information "Status of the port connected to PC #b" "once a day" to the "Monitoring Device #A" determined by the destination information "IP address AA".

[0101] (Control Unit 230)

[0102] The control unit 230 is implemented by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 220 using a processor, or MPU, or CPU, etc. with the RAM as the working area. In addition, the control unit 230 is implemented by an IC such as an ASIC or FPGA. As Figure 2 shown, the control unit 230 has: a receiving unit 231, a saving unit 232, a detecting unit 233, and a transmitting unit 234.

[0103] (Receiving Unit 231)

[0104] The receiving unit 231 receives an output request for device information sent from the monitoring device 100. For example, the receiving unit 231 receives an output request for device information, and the output request for device information includes instructions to output the device information "Status of the port connected to PC #b" sent by the monitoring device 100 to the output destination monitoring device "Monitoring Device #A" identified by the destination "IP address AA" of the output destination monitoring device at a frequency of "Once / day".

[0105] (Saving Unit 232)

[0106] When the storage unit 232 has not registered the destination information such as the IP address of the monitoring device 100 that has sent an output request, the storage unit 232 stores the destination information of the monitoring device 100 in the storage unit.

[0107] Specifically, when the storage unit 232 receives an output request for the device information of the monitored device 200 from the monitoring device 100, the storage unit 232 determines whether the destination information of the monitoring device 100 exists in the storage unit 220 (output condition storage unit 222). Then, when it is determined that the destination information of the monitoring device 100 does not exist in the storage unit 220 (output condition storage unit 222), the storage unit 232 stores the destination information of the monitoring device 100 in the storage unit 220 (output condition storage unit 222) in correspondence with the category of the device information of the monitored device 200 requested by the monitoring device 100.

[0108] For example, when the storage unit 232 receives an output request for device information from the monitored device 200 from the "monitoring device #A" identified by the "IP address AA", the storage unit 232 determines whether at least any one of the "IP address AA" and the "monitoring device #A" is stored in the output condition storage unit 222.

[0109] Here, when the storage unit 232 determines that the information is not stored in the output condition storage unit 222, the storage unit 232 stores the output destination monitoring device "monitoring device #A" and the destination "IP address AA" of the output destination monitoring device in the output condition storage unit 222. At this time, the storage unit 232 stores the output conditions such as the "status of the port to which device B is connected" and "once a day" in correspondence with the output destination monitoring device "monitoring device #A" and the destination "IP address AA" of the output destination monitoring device in the output condition storage unit 222.

[0110] (Detection unit 233)

[0111] The detection unit 233 detects a specified state change of the ports included in the monitored device 200. Specifically, the detection unit 233 monitors the connection status of a specified device connected via the ports of the monitored device 200. Moreover, when at least any one of the physical connection or the logical connection with the specified device connected to the ports of the monitored device 200 is severed, the detection unit 233 detects that the connection state has changed.

[0112] In addition, the detection unit 233 monitors the connection status between a specified device connected via a port of the monitored device 200 that forms a redundant path in addition to the normal connection path. Further, when at least one of the physical connection or the logical connection of the redundant path is cut off and the port of the monitored device 200 that forms the redundant path becomes a transmission state, the detection unit 233 detects that the connection state has changed.

[0113] In addition, use Figure 6 and Figure 7 The detection process will be described in detail in the following items.

[0114] (Transmission unit 234)

[0115] The transmission unit 234 transmits specified information to the monitoring device 100. Specifically, when a change in the connection state of the monitored device 200 is detected, the transmission unit 234 transmits the device information of the monitored device 200 to the monitoring device 100 identified by the destination information of the monitoring device 100 stored in the storage unit 232.

[0116] In addition, the transmission unit 234 transmits information indicating at least one of a change from a blocked state to a transmission state, such as a disconnection of the link of the port and a change in packet transmission, as the connection state of the port that mediates the connection between the monitored device 200 and a specified device connected to the monitored device 200.

[0117] In addition, use Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transmission process will be described in detail in the following items.

[0118] (First example: An example of processing in a normal structure)

[0119] Next, an example of the processing in the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with specific examples. Figure 6 and Figure 7 are diagrams showing an example of the registration process of the output conditions and an example of the output process of the device information of the present embodiment.

[0120] First, use Figure 6 to describe "an example of processing in a normal structure" as the first example. In Figure 6 , a monitoring system 1 including an SNMP manager 101 as a monitoring device, an SNMP agent 201 as a monitored device, and a PC 301 as a specified device connected to port 1 of the SNMP agent 201 is shown.

[0121] First, the SNMP manager 101 sends a device information output request (SNMP packet) including its own destination information to the SNMP agent 201 ( Figure 6 Next, the SNMP agent 201 determines the destination information ( Figure 6 (2-1)) exists in the output condition storage unit 222 ( Figure 6 (2)). Furthermore, when the destination information of the SNMP manager 101 does not exist, the SNMP agent 201 stores the destination information of the SNMP manager 101 that has sent the device information output request and the device information output condition in the storage unit 220 (output condition storage unit 222) in correspondence ( Figure 6 (3)).

[0122] Next, the SNMP agent 201 monitors the state change of the target port and the like based on the output condition of the device information, and when the state changes, transmits the device information to the SNMP manager 101 as the target output destination monitoring device.

[0123] For example, the SNMP agent 201 monitors the connection status of "Port 1" which is the target of the change detection determined based on the output condition of the device information ( Figure 6 Here, the SNMP agent 201 detects changes in the connection status of the monitored "port 1", such as disconnection of the link, etc. ( Figure 6 In this case, the SNMP agent 201 stores the change in the connection status in the storage unit 220 (device information storage unit 221) ( Figure 6 (4-3)).

[0124] When the output timing of the device information comes, the SNMP agent 201 sends the device information such as "Port 1 link disconnected" to the SNMP manager 101 ( Figure 6 (5-1))( Figure 6 (5)).

[0125] Thus, the monitoring system 1 can collect device information without setting the destination information of the SNMP manager 101 as the output destination monitoring device of the device information, the device information of the output target, and the output timing and other output conditions in advance in the SNMP agent 201 .

[0126] (Second example: An example of processing in a redundant structure)

[0127] Next, as a second example, use Figure 7 An example of processing in a redundant structure is described below.Figure 7 A monitoring system 1 including an SNMP manager 101 as a monitoring device and an SNMP agent 201 as a device to be monitored, an SNMP agent 302 connected to port 2 of the SNMP agent 201, and an SNMP agent 303 connected to port 3 of the SNMP agent 201 is shown.

[0128] In addition, in Figure 7 the network structure, the SNMP agent 201, the SNMP agent 302, and the SNMP agent 303 are configured redundantly. In the redundant configuration, for example, when the connection between port 4 of the SNMP agent 302 and port 5 of the SNMP agent 303 is cut off, in order to compensate for the connection, the connection between the SNMP agent 201 and the SNMP agent 303 is established by changing port 3 of the SNMP agent 201, which is blocked as a port that does not send frames during normal times, to the transmission state.

[0129] In addition, the SNMP agent 201 in the second example, like the SNMP agent 201 in the first embodiment, performs the process of presetting destination information and the like based on the initial device information output request from the SNMP manager 101.

[0130] The SNMP agent 201 of the second embodiment monitors the state changes of ports and the like of an object based on the output conditions of the stored device information, and when the state changes, it sends device information to the SNMP manager 101, which is the monitoring device as the output destination of the object.

[0131] For example, the SNMP agent 201 monitors the connection state of "port 2 and port 3", which is the detection object of the determined change, based on the output conditions of the device information. In addition, in the second embodiment, since it is a redundant structure, port 3 is blocked.

[0132] Here, when the connection between the SNMP agent 302 and the SNMP agent 303 in the redundant structure is cut off ( Figure 7 in (1-1) of Figure 7 ), in order to maintain the connection between the SNMP agent 201, the SNMP agent 302, and the SNMP agent 303, the connection state of "port 3" changes from the blocked state ( Figure 7 in (1-2) of

[0133] to the transmission state ( Figure 7 Figure 7 Then, the SNMP agent 201 detects the change in the connection state such that port 3, which was blocked as described above, changes to the transmission state.(1 - 4)). Then, the SNMP agent 201 saves the change in the connection state in the device information storage unit 221 included in the storage unit 220( Figure 7 (1 - 5)).

[0134] Based on the output conditions of the device information, when the specified output timing arrives, the SNMP agent 201 sends to the SNMP manager 101 Figure 7 (2) device information such as "Port 3 has changed to the transmission state" Figure 7 (2 - 1)).

[0135] In this way, even when the monitoring system 1 has a redundant structure instead of a normal structure, it does not require prior setting of output conditions such as the destination information of the SNMP manager 101, the device information of the output target, and the output timing, and can collect device information.

[0136] (Processing flow)

[0137] Next, the processing flow of the monitoring system 1 based on this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the monitoring system 1 based on this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 8 It is a flowchart for explaining the following process: When the monitored device 200 receives an output request for device information from the monitoring device 100 for the first time, it automatically registers the destination of the monitoring device 100 as the destination of the device information transmission, and outputs the device information when the output conditions of the device information are met.

[0138] The transmission unit 131 of the monitoring device 100 sends an output request for device information to the monitored device 200 (S101).

[0139] The receiving unit 231 of the monitored device 200 receives the sent output request for device information (S102). Then, the storage unit 232 of the monitored device 200 determines whether there is destination information of the monitoring device (S103).

[0140] Here, when the destination information of the monitoring device 100 that has sent an output request for device information does not exist in the storage unit 220 (device information storage unit 221) of the monitored device 200 (No in S104), the storage unit 232 of the monitored device 200 stores the destination information of the monitoring device 100 in correspondence with the output conditions of the received device information in the storage unit 220 (device information storage unit 221) (S105). On the other hand, when the destination information of the monitoring device 100 that has sent an output request for device information exists in the storage unit 220 (device information storage unit 221) of the monitored device 200 (Yes in S104), the monitored device 200 skips the process of S105.

[0141] When the monitored device 200 does not satisfy the output conditions of the device information (No in S106), it waits for processing. On the other hand, when the monitored device 200 satisfies the output conditions of the device information (Yes in S106), it sends the device information to the output destination monitoring device included in the output conditions (S107). Then, the monitored device 200 ends a series of processes.

[0142] In addition, hereafter, when the monitored device 200 satisfies the output conditions, it can automatically output the device information to the monitoring device 100.

[0143] (Effect)

[0144] Next, the effects achieved by the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. The transmission unit 131 of the monitoring device 100 included in the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment sends an output request for the device information of the monitored device 200 to the monitored device 200. When the storage unit 232 of the monitored device 200 included in the monitoring system 1 has not registered the destination information of the monitoring device 100 that has sent the output request, it stores the destination information of the monitoring device 100 in the storage unit 220. Moreover, the transmission unit 234 of the monitored device 200 included in the monitoring system 1 sends the device information of the monitored device 200 to the monitoring device 100 identified by the destination information of the monitoring device 100 stored by the storage unit 232 when detecting a change in the connection state of the monitored device 200. Therefore, through the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment, the effect of being able to efficiently set the output conditions of the device information is achieved.

[0145] When the storage unit 232 of the monitored device 200 receives an output request for the device information of the monitored device 200 from the monitoring device 100, it determines whether the destination information of the monitoring device 100 exists in the output condition storage unit 222. Then, when it is determined that the destination information of the monitoring device 100 does not exist in the output condition storage unit 222 (that is, when the destination information of the monitoring device 100 is not stored in the storage unit 120), the storage unit 232 stores the destination information of the monitoring device 100 in the output condition storage unit 222 in association with the category of the device information of the monitored device 200 requested by the monitoring device 100.

[0146] In this way, when the monitoring system 1 first receives an SNMP packet such as an output request for device information from an unregistered monitoring device 100, it registers the destination information of the monitoring device 100, the device information to be output, the output conditions, etc. Therefore, the monitoring system 1 has the effect of being able to automatically perform settings for responding to an output request for device information on the monitored device 200.

[0147] The detection unit 233 of the monitored device 200 monitors the connection status between a specified device connected via a port of the monitored device 200 and the monitored device 200. Moreover, when at least any one of the physical connection or the logical connection with the specified device connected to the port of the monitored device 200 is cut off, the detection unit 233 detects that the connection state has changed.

[0148] In addition, the detection unit 233 monitors the connection status between a specified device connected via a port of the monitored device 200 that constitutes a redundant path and the monitored device 200. Then, when at least any one of the physical connection or the logical connection is cut off regarding the redundant path and the port of the monitored device 200 that constitutes the redundant path becomes the transmission state, the detection unit 233 detects that the connection state has changed.

[0149] Moreover, the transmission unit 234 of the monitored device 200 transmits information indicating at least any one of a change in the disconnection of the link of the port and a change from the blocked state to the transmission state of packet transmission as the connection state of the port that mediates the connection between the monitored device 200 and a specified device connected to the monitored device 200.

[0150] For example, when the monitoring system 1 first receives an SNMP packet from the monitoring device 100, it automatically sets the output destination and output conditions of the device information. In the case where the monitored device 200 cuts off the link of the monitored port, the monitoring system 1 can detect the cut-off and output the device information to the monitoring device 100. Additionally, when the monitoring system 1 first receives an SNMP packet from the monitoring device 100 and automatically sets the output destination and output conditions of the device information, in the case where a change occurs in the blocked state of the monitored port of the monitored device 200, the monitoring system 1 can detect the change and output the device information to the monitoring device 100.

[0151] In this way, based on the packet sent from the monitoring device 100, the monitoring system 1 automatically sets the transmission destination and output conditions of the device information, thereby achieving the following effect: even when a specified change occurs in the monitored object based on the monitored device 200, the device information can be automatically collected.

[0152] Furthermore, in the past, the transmission destination and output conditions of the device information were set for each independent device. However, the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the man-hours or processing volume of the setting process or output process by automatically setting the transmission destination and output conditions of the device information.

[0153] <Modification Example>

[0154] Hereinafter, a modification example implemented by the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0155] (Data, etc.)

[0156] The destination information, device information, management information, output conditions, names of the functional parts of the monitoring device 100 and the monitored device 200 included in the monitoring system 1, steps, processes, names of steps or processes, etc. used in the description of the above embodiment are merely examples and can be arbitrarily changed.

[0157] For example, the management information storage unit 121 stores the monitored device and the requested device information in correspondence with "No", which is the identification information of the independent management information, but it is not limited thereto.

[0158] For example, the device information storage unit 221 stores the connected device, connection port, connection form, detected change, and detection date and time in correspondence with "No", which is the identification information of the independent device information, but it is not limited thereto.

[0159] For example, the output condition storage unit 222 stores, corresponding to "No" which is the identification information of an independent output condition, the output destination monitoring device, the destination of the output destination monitoring device, and the device information to be output, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] (Flowcharts, etc.)

[0161] Each step in a flowchart or the like can be implemented by swapping within a non - contradictory range, and there may also be steps that are not implemented. Additionally, conjunctions such as "next", "continue", "furthermore", "at this time", "at this moment", etc. in the description of the flowchart do not limit the implementation order or timing of the processing in the flowchart.

[0162] (Others)

[0163] In each of the processes described in the above - mentioned embodiments and variations, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can also be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being manually performed can also be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, regarding the information including the processing flow, specific names, various data, or parameters shown in the above - mentioned document or drawings, except in cases where specifically noted, it can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0164] In addition, each constituent component of each device shown in the drawings is a functionally conceptual constituent component, and it is not necessarily physically configured as shown in the drawings. That is, the specific form of the dispersion and integration of each device is not limited to the form shown, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically dispersed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0165] The constituent components include constituent components that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, substantially identical constituent components, and constituent components within the so - called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above - mentioned embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined within a range that does not cause contradictions in the processing content.

[0166] In addition, the above - mentioned "section (part, module, unit)" can be replaced with "component" or "circuit", etc. For example, the control section can be replaced with a control component or a control circuit.

[0167] As described above, some embodiments have been described in detail based on the drawings, but these are examples. Starting from the forms described in the disclosure of the invention, this embodiment can be implemented in other forms with various deformations and improvements implemented based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0168] <Hardware Structure>

[0169] Each device constituting the monitoring system 1 of this embodiment is, for example, throughFigure 9 It is implemented by a computer 1000 with a structure as shown. Figure 9 It is a hardware structure diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of various devices constituting the monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment. The computer 1000 has a form in which a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, an auxiliary storage device 1400, a communication interface (I / F) 1500, and an input / output I / F (interface) 1600 are connected via a bus 1800.

[0170] The CPU 1100 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 1300 or the auxiliary storage device 1400, and controls each part. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, or a program dependent on the hardware of the computer 1000, etc.

[0171] The auxiliary storage device 1400 stores a program executed by the CPU 1100 and data used by the program, etc. The communication I / F 1500 receives data from other devices via a prescribed communication network NW (in the present embodiment, including wireless communication based on a closed area) and sends it to the CPU 1100, and sends data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the prescribed communication network NW. The CPU 1100 controls an output device such as a display or a printer, and an input / output device 1700 such as a keyboard or a mouse via the input / output I / F 1600. The CPU 1100 obtains data from the input / output device 1700 via the input / output I / F 1600. In addition, the CPU 1100 outputs the generated data to the input / output device 1700 via the input / output I / F 1600.

[0172] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as various devices of the present embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 realizes the function of the control unit by executing a program loaded onto the RAM 1200.

Claims

1. A monitoring system, comprising: a monitoring device that monitors network devices included in the Internet Protocol network based on the Simple Network Management Protocol which is a protocol for managing the Internet Protocol network; and a monitored device that is an object to be monitored by the monitoring device in the network devices, wherein the monitoring system is characterized in that, the monitoring device has a transmission unit, the transmission unit sends an output request for information related to the connection state of the monitored device to the monitored device, the monitored device includes: a storage unit that, when the destination information of the monitoring device that has sent the output request is not registered, stores the destination information of the monitoring device in a storage part; and a transmission unit that, when a change in the connection state of the monitored device is detected, sends information related to the connection state of the monitored device to the monitoring device identified by the destination information of the monitoring device stored by the storage unit.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, the storage unit of the monitored device when receiving an output request for information related to the connection state of the monitored device from the monitoring device, determines whether the destination information of the monitoring device exists in the storage part, and when it is determined that the destination information of the monitoring device does not exist in the storage part, stores in the storage part the destination information of the monitoring device and the category of the information related to the connection state of the monitored device requested by the monitoring device in a corresponding manner.

3. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, the transmission unit sends information indicating at least any one of a change in the disconnection of the link of the port and a change from a blocked state to a transmission state of packet transmission as the connection state of the port that mediates the connection between the monitored device and a specified device connected to the monitored device.

4. The monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It further has a detection unit, the detection unit monitors the connection status between a specified device connected via a port of the monitored device and the monitored device, and when at least any one of the physical connection or the logical connection with the specified device connected to the port of the monitored device is disconnected, detects that the connection state has changed.

5. The monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that It further has a detection unit, the detection unit monitors the connection status between a specified device connected via a port of the monitored device that constitutes a redundant path and the monitored device, and when at least any one of the physical connection or the logical connection is disconnected with respect to the redundant path and the port of the monitored device that constitutes the redundant path becomes a transmission state, detects that the connection state has changed.

6. A monitored device that is monitored by a monitoring device, wherein the monitoring device monitors network devices included in the Internet Protocol network based on the Simple Network Management Protocol which is a protocol for managing the Internet Protocol network, and the monitored device is characterized in that it has: A storage unit that stores the destination information of the monitoring device in a storage unit when the destination information of the monitoring device is not registered; and A transmission unit that transmits information related to the connection state of the monitored device to the monitoring device identified by the destination information of the monitoring device stored by the storage unit when a change in the connection state of the monitored device is detected.

7. A monitoring method performed by a monitored device monitored by a monitoring device. The monitoring device monitors network devices included in the Internet Protocol network based on the Simple Network Management Protocol, which is a protocol for managing the Internet Protocol network. The monitoring method is characterized by including: A saving process that stores the destination information of the monitoring device in a storage unit when the destination information of the monitoring device is not registered; and A transmission process that transmits information related to the connection state of the monitored device to the monitoring device identified by the destination information of the monitoring device stored by the saving process when a change in the connection state of the monitored device is detected.

8. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a monitoring program performed by a monitored device monitored by a monitoring device. The monitoring device monitors network devices included in the Internet Protocol network based on the Simple Network Management Protocol, which is a protocol for managing the Internet Protocol network. The monitoring program is characterized by including: A saving flow that stores the destination information of the monitoring device in a storage unit when the destination information of the monitoring device is not registered; and A transmission flow that transmits information related to the connection state of the monitored device to the monitoring device identified by the destination information of the monitoring device stored by the saving flow when a change in the connection state of the monitored device is detected.

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