Monitoring system, monitored device, monitoring method, and monitoring program

Abstract

To enable efficient setting of output conditions for information relating to connection status.SOLUTION: A monitoring system 1 includes a monitoring device 100 that monitors network devices included in an IP network on the basis of SNMP, a protocol for managing IP networks, and a monitored device 200 that is one of the network devices and is a target of monitoring by the monitoring device 100. The monitoring device 100 transmits an output request for information regarding the connection status of the monitored device 200 to the monitored device 200. When the destination information of the monitoring device 100 that transmitted the output request is not registered, the monitored device 200 stores the destination information of the monitoring device 100 in a storage unit 220. When a change in the connection status of the monitored device 200 is detected, the monitored device 200 transmits information regarding the connection status of the monitored device 200 to the monitoring device 100 identified by the stored destination information of the monitoring device 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol used to monitor the status of network devices such as switching hubs in IP (Internet Protocol) networks for buildings and other structures. In monitoring based on SNMP, the information processing device that performs the monitoring (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "monitoring device") issues commands to the communication device to be monitored (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "monitored device") to output information about the status of the monitored device and the connection status between the monitored device and other devices, and collects this information.

[0003] Other known methods include SNMP traps, which allow the monitored device to detect internal status changes and output connection status information to the monitoring device even when the monitoring device does not request connection status information. However, to use the above-mentioned SNMP trap function, it is necessary to set the destination of the connection status information and the output conditions for the connection status information in the monitored device in advance.

[0004] Therefore, there is a known prior art technique for automatically setting the output destination of information related to connection status, etc., for a monitored device (a device to be managed). For example, in a prior art technique, when setting trap destination information for a managed device, the management device responds to a broadcast trap for response confirmation sent from the managed device to the management device by sending a response confirmation packet. Then, based on the trap destination setting information extracted from the transmitted response confirmation packet, the managed device sets the managed device as the destination of a trap to be sent when an event occurs (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-003069 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, it can be difficult to efficiently set output conditions for connection status information. For example, while the conventional technology eliminates the need to set trap destinations, it cannot automatically set the type of information to send and under what circumstances. Furthermore, with the conventional technology, when a large-scale network system using many monitored devices recovers from a power outage, broadcast traps are sent simultaneously, which can cause network bandwidth congestion and malfunctions in connected devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the monitoring system of the present invention is a monitoring system having a monitoring device that monitors network devices included in an IP network based on SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), which is a protocol for managing IP networks, and a monitored device among the network devices that is the target of monitoring by the monitoring device, wherein the monitoring device has a transmitting unit that sends an output request for information regarding the connection status 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 memory unit when the destination information of the monitoring device that sent the output request is not registered, and a transmitting unit that sends information regarding the connection status 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 status of the monitored device is detected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention has the effect of enabling efficient setting of output conditions for information relating to connection states. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall picture of processing by a monitoring system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a table diagram showing an example of management information according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a table diagram showing an example of device information according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of the output conditions according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the registration process of the output condition and the output process of the device information according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the registration process of the output condition and the output process of the device information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the monitoring system according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of various devices that make up the monitoring system according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, common components are given the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. Furthermore, the description of the embodiment described below does not limit the monitoring system, monitored device, monitoring method, and monitoring program according to the present invention.

[0011] <Introduction> First, an introduction to this embodiment will be given. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of processing by a monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment. The monitoring system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an example of a computer that provides technology for automatically setting an SNMP trap function for a monitored device 200, which is a monitoring target of a monitoring device 100.

[0012] (background) In monitoring using SNMP, a protocol for managing IP networks, a monitoring device that monitors network devices included in the IP network based on the SNMP requests information about the connection status of the monitored device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "device information") from the network device, which is the target of monitoring by the monitoring device, and receives a response.

[0013] In addition, other functions such as SNMP traps enable the output of device information from monitored devices without an output request from the monitoring device, allowing the monitored device itself to automatically send device information to the monitoring device based on changes in the device's internal status. However, in order to use this function, it is necessary to set the output destination of the information and the type of information to be output in advance for the monitored device.

[0014] (Reference technology) Therefore, when setting up a trap sending function for a monitored device, a reference technology is known in which the monitored device sends a broadcast trap to a monitoring device, and based on trap destination setting information extracted from a packet sent from the monitoring device corresponding to the broadcast trap, the monitoring device is set as the trap destination when a specified event occurs.

[0015] However, the above-mentioned reference technology only eliminates the need to set the trap destination, but requires separate setting of output conditions such as the type of device information to send. Also, the reference technology has the problem that when many monitored devices send traps simultaneously, frames are sent across the entire network, which can constrict bandwidth and cause abnormalities in connected devices.

[0016] (Overview of processing by monitoring system 1) Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, when the monitored device 200 of the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment receives an SNMP packet (a request to output device information) addressed to itself from the monitoring device 100, it associates "type of device information, such as the status of the link to be output or the state of the blocking port" with "destination information, such as the IP address of the monitoring device 100 that output the SNMP packet," and stores this in a storage unit. Then, when there is a change in the connection status, the monitored device 200 transmits the device information to the target monitoring device 100 based on the automatically set destination information.

[0017] 1, we will now explain the processing flow of the monitoring system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the monitoring system 1 is made up of a monitoring device 100, a monitored device 200 that is an object of monitoring by the monitoring device 100, and a predetermined device 300 connected to the monitored device 200.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1( a ), the monitoring device 100 transmits an output request for device information of the monitored device 200 to the monitored device 200 .

[0019] As shown in (2) of Figure 1, if the destination information ((2-1) of Figure 1) of the monitoring device 100 that sent the output request is not registered, the monitored device 200 stores the destination information of the monitoring device 100 in a memory unit.

[0020] As shown in (3) of Fig. 1, the monitored device 200 monitors the connection status ((3-1) of Fig. 1) between the monitored device 200 and the equipment 300. Then, as shown in (4) of Fig. 1, when a change in the connection status of the monitored device 200 is detected, the monitored device 200 transmits the equipment information of the monitored device 200 to the monitoring device 100 identified by the stored destination information of the monitoring device 100.

[0021] In this way, when the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment receives a packet related to an output request from the monitoring device 100 for the first time, it determines whether the monitored device 200 has destination information of the monitoring device 100 set therein, and if not, sets the destination information of the monitoring device 100. This allows the monitoring system 1 to advantageously set output conditions for device information for the monitored device 200 without any prior setting.

[0022] <Explanation of the monitoring system> (Monitoring System 1) Next, an example of the configuration of the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment has a monitoring device 100 and a monitored device 200. Note that although Fig. 2 shows only one monitored device 200, the monitoring system 1 may include multiple monitored devices 200.

[0023] (Monitoring device 100) First, we will explain a configuration example of the monitoring device 100 included in the monitoring system 1. The monitoring device 100 is a device that monitors the operating status and connection status of monitoring target devices among communication devices and the like included in an IP network. As shown in Fig. 2, the monitoring device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0024] The monitoring device 100 also has an input unit (not shown) such as a keyboard or touch panel for receiving input from a user, etc., and a display unit (not shown) such as a display or printer for displaying the results of information processing by the monitoring device 100 to a user, etc.

[0025] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 transmits a request to output device information to the monitored device 200 and performs data communication related to input of device information transmitted from the monitored device 200. The communication unit 110 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network via wired or wireless connection as necessary, and can transmit and receive information bidirectionally. For example, the communication unit 110 realizes communication with the monitored device 200.

[0026] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 120 stores data and programs used for various processes by the control unit 130. As shown in FIG. 2 , the storage unit 120 also has a management information storage unit 121.

[0027] (Management information storage unit 121) The management information storage unit 121 stores, as management information, information related to the monitored device 200. Specifically, the management information storage unit 121 stores information for identifying the monitored device 200 in association with the type of device information that is requested to be output from the monitored device 200.

[0028] Here, an example of management information stored in the management information storage unit 121 will be described. Fig. 3 is a table diagram showing an example of management information according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the management information storage unit 121 stores the monitored device and the requested device information in association with "No.", which is identification information for each piece of management information.

[0029] The monitored device described above is information for identifying a device such as a switching hub that is a target of monitoring by the monitoring device 100. The requested device information is the device information of the monitored device 200 that is requested by the monitoring device 100 for each monitored device 200.

[0030] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, 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 association with No. "1."

[0031] (control unit 130) The control unit 130 is realized by a processor, a micro processing unit (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), or the like executing various programs stored in the storage unit 120 using a random access memory (RAM) as a work area. The control unit 130 is also realized by an integrated circuit (IC) such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 130 includes a transmitter 131, a receiver 132, and an output unit 133.

[0032] (Transmitter 131) The transmitter 131 transmits a request to output device information to the monitored device 200. For example, based on the management information identified by No. "1" shown in Fig. 3, the transmitter 131 transmits a request to output device information including a command to output "the state of the port to which PC #b is connected" as device information to the monitored device "communication device #a."

[0033] (Receiving unit 132) The receiving unit 132 receives device information transmitted from the monitored device 200. For example, the receiving unit 132 receives device information such as "the status of the port to which PC #b is connected" transmitted by the transmitting unit 131 in response to an output request to the monitored device "communication device #a." Furthermore, the receiving unit 132 can also receive device information that is automatically transmitted by an SNMP trap function or the like, rather than being transmitted in response to an output request from the monitoring device 100.

[0034] (output unit 133) The output unit 133 outputs information relating to the monitoring status of the monitored device to the user via the communication unit 110, the display unit, etc. For example, the output unit 133 outputs device information relating to the monitored device 200 to an information processing device operated by the user via the communication unit 110. Furthermore, the output unit 133 outputs (displays) the device information relating to the monitored device 200 to the user via a display unit included in the monitoring device 100.

[0035] (Monitored device 200) Next, we will explain a configuration example of the monitored device 200 included in the monitoring system 1. For example, the monitored device 200 is a device included in an IP network that is a target of monitoring by the above-mentioned monitoring device 100, and is a device that relays communications within the IP network and performs sampling for analyzing communication conditions, etc. As shown in Fig. 2, the monitored device 200 has a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0036] The monitored device 200 also has an input unit (not shown) such as a keyboard or touch panel for accepting input from a user, etc., and a display unit (not shown) such as a display or printer for displaying the results of information processing by the monitored device 200 to a user, etc.

[0037] (Communication unit 210) The communication unit 210 receives device information output requests sent from the monitoring device 100, performs communication related to outputting device information in response to device information output requests from the monitoring device 100, and performs communication related to exchanging information with a specific device connected to the monitored device 200. The communication unit 210 is implemented by a NIC or the like. The communication unit 210 is connected to a network via a wired or wireless connection as necessary, and can transmit and receive information bidirectionally. For example, the communication unit 210 realizes communication with the monitoring device 100 and communication with a specific device.

[0038] (Storage unit 220) The storage unit 220 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 220 stores data and programs used for various processes by the control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 2 , the storage unit 220 has a device information storage unit 221 and an output condition storage unit 222.

[0039] (Device information storage unit 221) The device information storage unit 221 stores 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. Fig. 4 is a table diagram showing an example of the device information according to this embodiment.

[0040] The above-mentioned connected device is information that identifies a device connected to the monitored device 200 among devices that make up the IP network. The connected port is information that identifies to which port of the monitored device 200 the above-mentioned connected device is connected. The connection type is information that indicates the connection type between the monitored device 200 and the above-mentioned device, and includes, for example, "normal" that indicates a normal connection and "redundant" that indicates a redundant path. The detected change is information that indicates the content of a specified change when a change occurs in the connection status between the monitored device 200 and a device connected to the monitored device 200. The detection date and time is information that indicates the date and time when the above-mentioned change was detected.

[0041] Specifically, the device information storage unit 221 stores information identifying the device connected to the monitored device 200, the port number to which the device is connected, the connection type, the content of the change detected by the detection unit 233 described below, the date and time when the change was detected, and the like, in association with each other.

[0042] For example, the device information storage unit 221 stores, in association with No. "1," a connected device "PC#b," a connection port "Port 1," a connection type "Normal," a detected change "Link Disconnection," and a detection date and time "2023 / 12 / 13 12:00." The device information identified by No. "1" above means that "PC#b" is connected to "Port 1" of the monitored device 200 in the "Normal" type, and that the "Link Disconnection (the connection between the monitored device 200 and PC#b)" occurred at "2023 / 12 / 13 12:00."

[0043] Also, for example, the device information storage unit 221 stores, in association with No. "2," the connected device "PC#c," the connected port "Port 2," the connection type "Redundant," the detected change "Blocking port changed to forwarding state," and the detection date and time "2023 / 12 / 14 12:00." The device information identified by No. "2" above means that "PC#c" is connected to "Port 2" of the monitored device 200 in the "Redundant" type, and that "Port 2, which had been restricted from forwarding, changed to a connected state" at "2023 / 12 / 13 12:00."

[0044] (output condition storage unit 222) The output condition storage unit 222 stores output conditions for outputting device information to the monitoring device 100. Here, we will explain an example of the output conditions stored in the output condition storage unit 222. Fig. 5 is a table diagram showing an example of the output conditions according to this embodiment.

[0045] The above-mentioned output destination monitoring device is information for identifying the monitoring device 100 that is the output destination of the device information, among the monitoring devices 100 that monitor the monitored device 200. The destination of the output destination monitoring device is destination information such as an IP address related to the monitoring device 100 that is the output destination of the above-mentioned device information. The device information to be output is the device information of the monitored device 200 that is output to the monitoring device 100 that is the output destination. The output timing is the timing at which the device information is output, and includes, for example, time conditions such as "seconds, minutes, hours, days, months" and output instructions such as "user instructions".

[0046] Specifically, the output condition storage unit 222 stores information for identifying the monitoring device 100 as the output destination, destination information of the monitoring device 100 as the output destination, device information for outputting, and timing for outputting the device information, in association with each other.

[0047] 5, the management information storage unit 121 stores, in association 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 to which PC #b is connected," and the output timing "once a day." The output condition identified by No. "1" above means that the device information "status of the port to which PC #b is connected" is sent "once a day" to "monitoring device #A" identified by the destination information "IP address AA."

[0048] (control unit 230) The control unit 230 is realized by a processor, MPU, CPU, or the like executing various programs stored in the storage unit 220 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 230 is also realized by an IC such as an ASIC or FPGA. As shown in FIG. 2 , the control unit 230 has a receiving unit 231, a storage unit 232, a detecting unit 233, and a transmitting unit 234.

[0049] (Receiving unit 231) The receiving unit 231 receives a device information output request transmitted from the monitoring device 100. For example, the receiving unit 231 receives a device information output request transmitted by the monitoring device 100, including a command to output device information to be output, "the status of the port to which PC #b is connected," to the output destination monitoring device "monitoring device #A" identified by the destination "IP address AA" of the output destination monitoring device, at an output timing frequency of "once per day."

[0050] (storage section 232) If destination information such as the IP address of the monitoring device 100 that sent the output request is not registered, the storage unit 232 stores the destination information of the monitoring device 100 in the storage unit.

[0051] Specifically, when the storage unit 232 receives a request to output device information of the monitored device 200 from the monitoring device 100, the storage unit 232 determines whether or not the destination information of the monitoring device 100 exists in the memory unit 220 (output condition memory unit 222). If the storage unit 232 determines that the destination information of the monitoring device 100 does not exist in the memory unit 220 (output condition memory unit 222), the storage unit 232 associates the destination information of the monitoring device 100 with the type of device information of the monitored device 200 requested by the monitoring device 100 and stores them in the memory unit 220 (output condition memory unit 222).

[0052] For example, when the monitored device 200 receives a request to output device information from a "monitoring device #A" identified by an "IP address AA," the storage unit 232 determines whether at least one of the "IP address AA" and the "monitoring device #A" is stored in the output condition memory unit 222.

[0053] Here, if the above-mentioned 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 of the output destination monitoring device "IP address AA" in the output condition storage unit 222. At this time, the storage unit 232 associates the output conditions such as "the state of the port to which device B is connected" and "once a day" with the output destination monitoring device "monitoring device #A" and the destination of the output destination monitoring device "IP address AA" and stores them in the output condition storage unit 222.

[0054] (Detection unit 233) The detection unit 233 detects a predetermined state change in a port provided in the monitored device 200. Specifically, the detection unit 233 monitors the connection status between the monitored device 200 and a predetermined device connected via the port of the monitored device 200. Then, the detection unit 233 detects that a change in the connection status has occurred when at least either the physical connection or the logical connection to the predetermined device connected to the port of the monitored device 200 is disconnected.

[0055] In addition to the normal connection path, the detection unit 233 also monitors the connection status between the monitored device 200 and a predetermined device connected via a port of the monitored device 200 that configures a redundant path. The detection unit 233 detects that a change in the connection status has occurred when at least one of the physical connection or logical connection of the redundant path is disconnected and the port of the monitored device 200 that configures the redundant path enters a forwarding state.

[0056] The above-mentioned detection process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

[0057] (Transmitter 234) The transmitting unit 234 transmits predetermined information to the monitoring device 100. Specifically, when a change in the connection state of the monitored device 200 is detected, the transmitting 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.

[0058] In addition, the transmitting unit 234 transmits information indicating that at least one of the following changes has occurred in the connection status of a port that mediates the connection between the monitored device 200 and a specified device connected to the monitored device 200: a link disconnection of the port and a change from a blocking state to a forwarding state in packet forwarding.

[0059] The above-mentioned transmission process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

[0060] (First example: an example of processing in a normal configuration) Next, an example of the processing in the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with a specific example. Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing an example of the output condition registration processing and device information output processing according to this embodiment.

[0061] First, the first example, "an example of processing in a normal configuration," will be explained using Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows a monitoring system 1 including an SNMP manager 101, which is a monitoring device, and an SNMP agent 201, which is a monitored device, and a PC 301, which is a predetermined device connected to port 1 of the SNMP agent 201.

[0062] First, the SNMP manager 101 transmits an output request (SNMP packet) for device information including its own destination information to the SNMP agent 201 ((1) in FIG. 6). Next, the SNMP agent 201 determines whether or not the destination information for the SNMP manager 101 ((2-1) in FIG. 6) included in the received output request for device information exists in the output condition storage unit 222 ((2) in FIG. 6). If the destination information for the SNMP manager 101 does not exist, the SNMP agent 201 associates the destination information of the SNMP manager 101 that transmitted the output request for device information with the output conditions for the device information, and stores them in the storage unit 220 (output condition storage unit 222) ((3) in FIG. 6).

[0063] Next, the SNMP agent 201 monitors changes in the status of the target port etc. based on the output conditions of the device information, and when the status changes, it transmits the device information to the SNMP manager 101, which is the target output destination monitoring device.

[0064] For example, SNMP agent 201 monitors the connection status of "port 1," which is the target of change detection determined based on the device information output conditions ((4-1) in FIG. 6). Here, SNMP agent 201 detects a change in the connection status, such as a link disconnection, for "port 1," which is the target of monitoring ((4-2) in FIG. 6). In this case, SNMP agent 201 stores the change in the connection status in storage unit 220 (device information storage unit 221) ((4-3) in FIG. 6).

[0065] When the time to output device information arrives, the SNMP agent 201 transmits device information ((5-1) in FIG. 6) such as "The link at port 1 has been disconnected" to the SNMP manager 101 ((5) in FIG. 6).

[0066] In this way, the monitoring system 1 enables the collection of device information without having to set in advance in the SNMP agent 201 the destination information of the SNMP manager 101, which is the monitoring device to which the device information is output, the device information to be output, and output conditions such as output timing.

[0067] (Second example: an example of processing in a redundant configuration) Next, as a second example, "an example of processing in a redundant configuration" will be explained using Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows a monitoring system 1 including an SNMP manager 101 which is a monitoring device and an SNMP agent 201 which is a monitored device, 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.

[0068] 7, SNMP agent 201, SNMP agent 302, and SNMP agent 303 are configured to be redundant. In the redundant configuration, for example, if the connection between port 4 of SNMP agent 302 and port 5 of SNMP agent 303 is severed, port 3 of SNMP agent 201, which is normally blocked as a port that does not transmit frames, changes to a forwarding state to compensate for the disconnection, thereby establishing a connection between SNMP agent 201 and SNMP agent 303.

[0069] The SNMP agent 201 in the second example performs presetting processing of destination information and the like based on the initial device information output request from the SNMP manager 101, as in the first embodiment.

[0070] The SNMP agent 201 according to the second embodiment monitors changes in the status of the target port, etc. based on the output conditions of the stored device information, similar to the SNMP agent 201 according to the first embodiment, and when the status changes, transmits the device information to the SNMP manager 101, which is the target output destination monitoring device.

[0071] For example, the SNMP agent 201 monitors the connection status of "ports 2 and 3," which are targets for detecting changes determined based on the output conditions of device information. Note that in the second embodiment, port 3 is blocked due to the redundant configuration.

[0072] Here, if the connection between SNMP agent 302 and SNMP agent 303, which are configured redundantly, is severed ((1-1) in Figure 7), the connection state of "Port 3" changes from a blocking state ((1-2) in Figure 7) to a forwarding state ((1-3) in Figure 7) in order to maintain the connection between SNMP agent 201, SNMP agent 302, and SNMP agent 303.

[0073] Then, the SNMP agent 201 detects a change in the connection state, such as when the blocked port 3 changes to a forwarding state as described above ((1-4) in FIG. 7). Then, the SNMP agent 201 stores the change in the connection state in the device information storage unit 221 included in the storage unit 220 ((1-5) in FIG. 7).

[0074] Based on the output conditions of the device information, when a specified output timing arrives, the SNMP agent 201 sends device information ((2-1) in Figure 7) such as "Port 3 has changed to forwarding state" to the SNMP manager 101 ((2) in Figure 7).

[0075] In this way, the monitoring system 1 makes it possible to collect device information without the need to pre-configure the destination information of the SNMP manager 101, the device information to be output, and output conditions such as output timing, even in the case of a redundant configuration rather than a normal configuration.

[0076] (Processing Procedure) Next, the processing procedure by the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure by the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 8 is a flowchart explaining the flow of automatically registering the destination of the monitoring device 100, which is the transmission destination of the device information, when the monitored device 200 receives an output request for device information from the monitoring device 100 for the first time, and outputting the device information when the output conditions for the device information are satisfied.

[0077] The transmitting unit 131 of the monitoring device 100 transmits a request to output device information to the monitored device 200 (S101).

[0078] The receiving unit 231 of the monitored device 200 receives the transmitted output request for device information (S102). Next, the storage unit 232 of the monitored device 200 determines whether or not destination information of the monitoring device exists (S103).

[0079] Here, if the destination information of the monitoring device 100 that sent the device information output request does not exist in the memory unit 220 (device information memory unit 221) of the monitored device 200 (No in S104), the storage unit 232 of the monitored device 200 associates the destination information of the monitoring device 100 with the output condition of the received device information and stores them in the memory unit 220 (device information memory unit 221) (S105). On the other hand, if the destination information of the monitoring device 100 that sent the device information output request exists in the memory unit 220 (device information memory unit 221) of the monitored device 200 (Yes in S104), the monitored device 200 skips the step of S105.

[0080] If the monitored device 200 does not satisfy the output conditions for the device information (No in S106), it waits for processing. On the other hand, if the monitored device 200 satisfies the output conditions for the device information (Yes in S106), it transmits the device information to the output destination monitoring device included in the output conditions (S107). Then, the monitored device 200 ends the series of processes.

[0081] After that, the monitored device 200 can automatically output device information to the monitoring device 100 when the output conditions are met.

[0082] (effect) Next, the effects of the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The transmitter 131 of the monitoring device 100 included in the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment transmits an output request for device information of the monitored device 200 to the monitored device 200. If the destination information of the monitoring device 100 that transmitted the output request is not registered, the storage unit 232 of the monitored device 200 included in the monitoring system 1 stores the destination information of the monitoring device 100 in the memory unit 220. Then, if a change in the connection status of the monitored device 200 is detected, the transmitter 234 of the monitored device 200 included in the monitoring system 1 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. Therefore, the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment has the effect of enabling efficient setting of output conditions for device information.

[0083] When the storage unit 232 of the monitored device 200 receives a request to output device information of the monitored device 200 from the monitoring device 100, it determines whether or not 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 (i.e., 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 and the type of device information of the monitored device 200 requested by the monitoring device 100 in the output condition storage unit 222 in association with each other.

[0084] In this way, when the monitoring system 1 receives an SNMP packet such as a request to output device information for the first time from an unregistered monitoring device 100, it registers the destination information, device information of the output target, output conditions, etc. of the monitoring device 100. Therefore, the monitoring system 1 has the effect of being able to automatically configure the monitored device 200 to respond to the request to output device information.

[0085] The detection unit 233 of the monitored device 200 monitors the connection status between the monitored device 200 and a predetermined device connected via a port of the monitored device 200. When at least one of the physical connection or logical connection between the monitored device 200 and the predetermined device connected to the port of the monitored device 200 is disconnected, the detection unit 233 detects that a change has occurred in the connection status.

[0086] Furthermore, the detection unit 233 monitors the connection status between the monitored device 200 and a predetermined device connected via a port of the monitored device 200 that constitutes a redundant path. Next, the detection unit 233 detects that a change has occurred in the connection status when at least one of the physical connection or logical connection of the redundant path is disconnected and the port of the monitored device 200 that constitutes the redundant path enters a forwarding state.

[0087] Then, the transmitting unit 234 of the monitored device 200 transmits information indicating that at least one of the following changes has occurred in the connection status of the port that mediates the connection between the monitored device 200 and a specified device connected to the monitored device 200: the port link has been disconnected and the packet transfer has changed from a blocking state to a forwarding state.

[0088] For example, by automatically setting the output destination and output conditions for device information when an SNMP packet is received for the first time from the monitoring device 100, the monitored device 200 can detect a disconnection of the link of the port to be monitored and output device information to the monitoring device 100. Furthermore, by automatically setting the output destination and output conditions for device information when an SNMP packet is received for the first time from the monitoring device 100, the monitored device 200 can detect a change in the blocking status of the port to be monitored and output device information to the monitoring device 100.

[0089] In this way, the monitoring system 1 automatically sets the destination and output conditions of the equipment information based on the packets sent from the monitoring device 100, thereby enabling automatic collection of equipment information even when a predetermined change occurs in the object being monitored by the monitored device 200.

[0090] Furthermore, whereas in the conventional method, the destination and output conditions of device information were set for each individual device, the monitoring system 1 of this embodiment automatically sets the destination and output conditions of the device information, thereby enabling a reduction in the labor and processing volume of setting processes, output processes, etc.

[0091] <Modification> Below, modifications realized by the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0092] (Data, etc.) The destination information, device information, management information, output conditions, names of functional parts of the monitoring device 100 and 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 changed as desired.

[0093] For example, the management information storage unit 121 stores the monitored device and the requested device information in association with "No.", which is the identification information of the individual management information, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] For example, the device information storage unit 221 stores the connected device, connection port, connection type, detected change, and detection date and time in association with "No," which is the identification information of individual device information, but this is not limited to this.

[0095] For example, the output condition storage unit 222 stores, but is not limited to, an output destination monitoring device, a destination of the output destination monitoring device, and output device information in association with "No" which is identification information of an individual output condition.

[0096] (Flowcharts, etc.) The steps in the flowcharts may be interchanged as long as there is no contradiction, and some steps may not be performed. In addition, conjunctions such as "next," "continue," "further," "at this time," and "on this occasion" used in the explanation of the flowcharts do not limit the order or timing of the execution of the processes in the flowcharts.

[0097] (others) Of the processes described in the above embodiments and variations, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information, including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown.

[0098] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0099] The above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of what is called equivalents. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope that does not cause contradictions in the processing content.

[0100] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a control section can be read as control means or a control circuit.

[0101] Although some of the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and it is possible to implement the present embodiments in other forms that have undergone various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the Disclosure of the Invention section.

[0102] <Hardware configuration> Each device constituting the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of each device constituting the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment. The computer 1000 has a configuration in which a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, an auxiliary storage device 1400, a communication I / F (interface) 1500, and an input / output I / F (interface) 1600 are connected by a bus 1800.

[0103] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on a program stored in the ROM 1300 or the auxiliary storage device 1400. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0104] The auxiliary storage device 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by the programs, etc. The communication I / F 1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network NW (including closed-area wireless communication in this embodiment) and sends it to the CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network NW. The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input / output devices 1700 such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output I / F 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input / output devices 1700 via the input / output I / F 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to the input / output devices 1700 via the input / output I / F 1600.

[0105] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as various devices according to the present embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded onto the RAM 1200 to realize the functions of the control unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Surveillance System 100 Monitoring equipment 101 SNMP Manager 110,210 Communications Department 120,220 storage section 121 Management information storage unit 130,230 Control unit 131 Transmitter 132 Receiving unit 133 Output section 200 Monitored device 201, 302, 303 SNMP Agents 221 Device information storage section 222 Output condition memory section 231 Receiving unit 232 Storage area 233 Detection unit 234 Transmitter 300 equipment 301 PC

Claims

1. A monitoring system including a monitoring device that monitors network devices included in an IP network based on SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), which is a protocol for managing the IP network, and a monitored device that is a monitoring target of the monitoring device among the network devices, The monitoring device a transmitting unit that transmits an output request for information regarding the connection status of the monitored device to the monitored device; The monitored device is a storage unit that stores destination information of the monitoring device that transmitted the output request in a storage unit when destination information of the monitoring device is not registered; a transmitting unit that, when a change in the connection state of the monitored device is detected, transmits information about the connection state of the monitored device to the monitoring device identified by the destination information of the monitoring device stored in the storage unit; A monitoring system comprising:

2. The storage unit of the monitored device includes: When receiving a request from the monitoring device to output information relating to the connection status of the monitored device, determining whether destination information of the monitoring device exists in the storage unit; If it is determined that the destination information of the monitoring device does not exist in the storage unit, the destination information of the monitoring device is stored in the storage unit in association with a type of information regarding the connection state of the monitored device requested by the monitoring device.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1.

3. The transmission unit transmit information indicating that at least one of a link disconnection of the port and a change from a blocking state to a forwarding state of packet forwarding has occurred as a connection state of a port that mediates a connection between the monitored device and a predetermined device connected to the monitored device; 2. The monitoring system according to claim 1.

4. monitoring a connection status between a predetermined device connected via a port of the monitored device and the monitored device; The monitored device further includes a detection unit that detects a change in the connection state when at least one of a physical connection and a logical connection with a predetermined device connected to a port of the monitored device is disconnected.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring system comprises: a first detecting means for detecting a first signal;

5. monitoring a connection status between a predetermined device connected via a port of the monitored device that constitutes a redundant path and the monitored device; The monitoring device further includes a detection unit that detects a change in the connection state when at least one of a physical connection and a logical connection of the redundant path is disconnected, causing a port of the monitored device that configures the redundant path to enter a forwarding state.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring system comprises: a first detecting means for detecting a first signal;

6. A monitored device is monitored by a monitoring device that monitors network devices included in an IP network based on SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), which is a protocol for managing the IP network, a storage unit that stores destination information of the monitoring device in a storage unit when the destination information of the monitoring device is not registered; a transmitting unit that, when a change in the connection state of the monitored device is detected, transmits information about the connection state of the monitored device to the monitoring device identified by the destination information of the monitoring device stored in the storage unit; A monitored device comprising:

7. A monitoring method is executed by a monitored device that is monitored by a monitoring device that monitors network devices included in an IP network based on SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), which is a protocol for managing the IP network, the monitoring method comprising: a storing step of storing the destination information of the monitoring device in a storage unit when the destination information of the monitoring device is not registered; a transmitting step of transmitting information about the connection status of the monitored device to the monitoring device identified by the destination information of the monitoring device stored in the storing step when a change in the connection status of the monitored device is detected; A monitoring method comprising:

8. A monitoring program to be executed by a monitored device that is monitored by a monitoring device that monitors network devices included in an IP network based on SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), which is a protocol for managing the IP network, comprising: a storage procedure for storing destination information of the monitoring device in a storage unit when the destination information of the monitoring device is not registered; a transmission step of transmitting information about the connection status of the monitored device to the monitoring device identified by the destination information of the monitoring device stored in the storage step when a change in the connection status of the monitored device is detected; A surveillance program that features:

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