Communication apparatus

Abstract

To provide a communication device, a communication method, a program, and a communication system for suppressing the possibility that call connection becomes difficult due to band shortage or the like.SOLUTION: A communication device 500 includes a communication unit for connecting a new voice call by using either communication using MPLS (MultiProtocolLabelSwitching) or communication by IP (InternetProtocol) according to a band amount occupied by use of the MPLS when connecting the new voice call. The communication unit connects the voice call by using the MPLS when the occupied band amount becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value even if the MPLS is newly used, and connects the voice call by communication by the IP when the occupied band amount exceeds the predetermined value if the MPLS is newly used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Techniques for guaranteeing quality when making a voice call using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) are known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the use of MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching: label switching system) as a system for ensuring communication quality in a voice IP (Internet Protocol) network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-274833 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When guaranteeing communication quality using MPLS as described in Patent Document 1, the quality-guaranteed bandwidth is occupied, which can lead to congestion due to a lack of bandwidth when making a call. As a result, there is a problem that it can become difficult to connect a call.

[0006] Therefore, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device, a communication method, and a program that can solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve this purpose, the communication device in the present disclosure comprises: A communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device, comprising: A communication unit is provided which, when connecting a new voice call, connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) or communication using IP (Internet Protocol), depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of MPLS; The communication unit connects the voice call using MPLS when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new MPLS is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connects the voice call by IP communication when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new MPLS exceeds the predetermined value. The structure is as follows.

[0008] Further, the communication method in the present disclosure includes: A communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device, When connecting a new voice call, the system checks the amount of bandwidth occupied by MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) and then connects the new voice call using either MPLS or IP (Internet Protocol) communications. When connecting a new voice call, if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS is below a specified value, the voice call is connected using MPLS, and if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS exceeds the specified value, the voice call is connected using IP communication. The structure is as follows.

[0009] In addition, the program in this disclosure In the information processing device, A communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device, When connecting a new voice call, a communication unit is implemented that connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) or communication using IP (Internet Protocol), depending on the results of checking the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of MPLS, The communication unit connects the voice call using MPLS when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new MPLS is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connects the voice call by IP communication when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new MPLS exceeds the predetermined value. It is a program.

[0010] In addition, the communication system in the present disclosure includes: a communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device; a server device that issues instructions to the communication device in response to a call request received from an external device; Including, The communication device has a communication unit that, when connecting a new voice call in response to an instruction from the server device, connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) or communication using IP (Internet Protocol) depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS, and the communication unit connects the voice call using MPLS if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS newly is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connects the voice call using IP communication if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS newly exceeds the predetermined value. The structure is as follows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above-described configurations, it is possible to reduce the risk of call connection becoming difficult due to a lack of bandwidth or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an LSR (Label Switching Router) which is a communication device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process when a path is created. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing when a path is discarded. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a process performed when a flow is set. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of a communication system when MPLS is used. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of a communication system when MPLS is not used. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a call termination sequence when MPLS is used. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a call termination sequence when MPLS is not used. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of a communication system. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a second communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] [First embodiment] An example configuration of a communication system 100 in the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the communication system 100. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the communication system 100. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an LSR (Label Switching Router) 400, which is a communication device. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example processing when a path is created. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example processing when a path is discarded. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example processing when a flow is set up. Figs. 7 to 10 are sequence diagrams showing an example operation of the communication system 100. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another example configuration of the communication system 100. Note that in the present disclosure, the drawings may be associated with one or more embodiments.

[0014] This disclosure describes a communication system 100 that is capable of performing call control using an MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) path and also performs call control using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) depending on conditions. As described below, the communication system 100 has a rule for allocating maximum bandwidth usage to real-time communication using MPLS and best-effort communication using standard IP. As a result, the communication system 100 creates an MPLS path to connect a voice call when traffic is below the bandwidth allocated for real-time communication. On the other hand, when traffic exceeds the bandwidth for real-time communication at the time of call origination, the communication system 100 switches to best-effort communication and performs call control using SIP to connect the voice call. In this way, the communication system 100 is configured to connect a new voice call using either communication using MPLS or communication using IP, depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of MPLS.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows an example of control performed by communication system 100. Referring to FIG. 1, the traffic for voice calls 1 to 3 is below the bandwidth allocated for real-time communication. Therefore, communication system 100 connects voice calls 1 to 3 by creating an MPLS path. On the other hand, for voice call 4, connecting a new call using an MPLS path would exceed the bandwidth for real-time communication. Therefore, communication system 100 switches to best-effort communication for voice call 4 and performs call control using SIP to connect the voice call. In this way, communication system 100 can determine whether to perform real-time communication using MPLS or best-effort communication using normal IP, depending on the bandwidth in use.

[0016] The communication system 100 in the present disclosure can be realized by replacing a router included in a system that mainly performs communication using MPLS with an LSR (Label Switching Router) 400 (described later). The communication system 100 may also be realized by modifying a router so that it has the functions of the LSR 400. The communication system 100 described in the present disclosure may also be realized by replacing at least some of the routers included in the system with the LSR 400. For example, the scope of application of this function may be selected on a router-by-router basis, such as by applying the method described in the present disclosure only to edge routers that accommodate SIP telephone terminals in areas within the network where congestion is likely to occur.

[0017] The communication system 100 includes at least a configuration for performing real-time communication using MPLS. FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the communication system 100. Referring to FIG. 2, the communication system 100 includes SIP terminals 200 (200-1, 200-2), SIP servers 300 (300-1, 300-2), and LSRs 400 (400-1, 400-2, 400-3, 400-4). As shown in FIG. 2, the SIP terminals 200 and the LSRs 400 can be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The SIP servers 300 and the LSRs 400 can be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The LSRs 400 can be connected to other LSRs 400 so that they can communicate with each other. The number of components included in the communication system 100 and the connection relationships between them may be different from those shown in FIG. 2.

[0018] For example, in the present disclosure, the SIP terminal 200-1 in FIG. 2 functions as a source SIP terminal. Furthermore, the SIP server 300-1 functions as a sending edge SIP server accommodating the SIP terminal 200-1, which is the source SIP terminal. Furthermore, the LSR (edge ​​LSR) 400-1 functions as a sending edge router. Similarly, the LSR (edge ​​LSR) 400-2 is a receiving edge router, and the SIP terminal 200-2 is a receiving SIP terminal. Furthermore, the SIP 300-2 functions as a receiving edge SIP server accommodating the SIP terminal 200-2, which is the receiving SIP terminal. Furthermore, the communication system 100 includes LSRs 400-3 and 400-4 (core LSRs) as multiple relay routers. Note that each device included in the communication system 100 may perform functions other than those exemplified above, such as the SIP terminal 200-2 functioning as a source SIP terminal.

[0019] The LSR 400 is a communication device (router) having an MPLS path creation function. The LSR 400 in this disclosure supports bandwidth control policy settings according to the MPLS and IP protocols. FIG. 3 shows an example of a characteristic configuration of the LSR 400 (LSRs 400-1, 400-2, 400-3, and 400-4) in this disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, the LSR 400 has, as an example, functions as a confirmation unit 410 and communication units such as a path control unit 420, a flow setting unit 430, and a forwarding unit 440.

[0020] For example, the LSR 400 includes a calculation device such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device. The LSR 400 reads and executes a program from the storage device, thereby enabling the hardware and the program to work together to realize the various processing units described above. Note that the calculation device may include, instead of the CPU, a graphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination of these.

[0021] The confirmation unit 410 confirms whether the bandwidth for real-time communication, which is a predetermined value set in advance, is exceeded when a call is made. For example, the confirmation unit 410 has a rule for allocating the maximum bandwidth for real-time communication using MPLS and best-effort communication using normal IP. Then, in response to receiving a path creation message (described later) or the like, the confirmation unit 410 confirms the bandwidth in use and the bandwidth to be occupied by using new MPLS, thereby determining whether to perform real-time communication using MPLS or best-effort communication using normal IP.

[0022] 1, if the confirmation unit 410 confirms that the traffic volume will be less than the bandwidth allocated for real-time communication, it decides to create an MPLS path. On the other hand, if it confirms that the newly occupied bandwidth will exceed the bandwidth for real-time communication, it decides to perform best-effort communication using IP.

[0023] The bandwidth may be allocated arbitrarily to real-time communication using MPLS and best-effort communication using normal IP.

[0024] The communication unit connects a new voice call using either real-time communication using MPLS or best-effort communication using normal IP, depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of MPLS. For example, the communication unit can control path creation, flow setting, etc., depending on the results of bandwidth confirmation by the confirmation unit 410. As shown in Fig. 3, the communication unit can include a path control unit 420, a flow setting unit 430, a transfer unit 440, etc.

[0025] The path control unit 420 performs path setting processing such as path creation, path release, etc. The path control unit 420 can perform processing according to the result of the confirmation by the confirmation unit 410 and whether or not an MPLS path has been created.

[0026] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by the path control unit 420 when creating a path. Referring to FIG. 4, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-2 receives a path creation request from the SIP server 300-2, which is the receiving SIP server that has received the call request (INVITE). In response to this, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-2 transmits a path creation message to the LSR 400-1, instructing the creation of an MLPS path. In this way, the path control unit 420 is configured to transmit a path creation message to another LSR 400 in response to receiving a path creation request.

[0027] Furthermore, LSR 400-1 receives the path creation message sent by LSR 400-2 via a relay router, etc. Then, confirmation unit 410 included in LSR 400-1 performs the above-mentioned confirmation. Furthermore, path control unit 420 included in LSR 400-1 performs processing according to the confirmation result by confirmation unit 410.

[0028] For example, if the confirmation unit 410 determines that an MPLS path should be created, the path control unit 420 creates the MPLS path. Then, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-1 transmits to the LSR 400-2 a creation response (success) message indicating that the MPLS path has been successfully created, the creation response (success) message including a path ID corresponding to the created MPLS path. Thereafter, the LSR 400-2 receives the creation response (success) message. In response to this, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-2 transmits the creation response (success) message received from the LSR 400-1 to the SIP server 300-2.

[0029] On the other hand, if the confirmation unit 410 determines to perform best-effort communication without creating an MPLS path, the path control unit 420 transmits a creation response (failure) message to the LSR 400-2, indicating that the MPLS path was not created and failed. Thereafter, the LSR 400-2 receives the creation response (failure) message. In response to this, the path control unit 420 included in the LSR 400-2 transmits a creation response (success) message to the SIP server 300-2, instead of the creation response (failure) message received from the LSR 400-1. In this way, the path control unit 420 is configured to transmit a creation response (success) message in response to receiving the creation response (failure) message. Note that the path control unit 420 included in the LSR 400-2 may transmit a creation response (success) message including an arbitrary dummy path ID in response to receiving the creation response (failure) message.

[0030] In this way, the path control unit 420 is configured to transmit a creation response (success) message or a creation response (failure) message in accordance with the result of the confirmation by the confirmation unit 410. Furthermore, in response to receiving the creation response (success) message or the creation response (failure) message, the path control unit 420 is configured to transmit a creation response (success) message to the SIP server 300.

[0031] 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the path control unit 420 when a call is ended. Referring to Fig. 5, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-2 receives a path discard request from the SIP server 300-2, which is the receiving-side SIP server that received the disconnection request (BYE). In response to this, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-2 performs processing depending on whether or not a corresponding MPLS path has been created.

[0032] For example, if an MPLS path has been created, the path control unit 420 in LSR 400-2 transmits a path discard message to LSR 400-1 indicating that the path should be discarded. Furthermore, LSR 400-1 receives the path discard message transmitted by LSR 400-2 via a relay router or the like. In response, the path control unit 420 in LSR 400-1 discards the MPLS path corresponding to the path discard message. The path control unit 420 then transmits a response (ACK) message to LSR 400-2. Thereafter, LSR 400-2 receives the response (ACK) message. In response to this, the path control unit 420 in LSR 400-2 transmits a path discard response to SIP server 300-2.

[0033] On the other hand, if an MPLS path has not been created, there is no path to discard. Therefore, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-2 sends a path discard response to the SIP server 300-2 without sending a path discard message to the LSR 400-1. In this way, if an MPLS path has not been created, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-2 sends a path discard response without waiting for the reception of an ACK message.

[0034] In this way, the path control unit 420 determines whether to send a path discard message depending on whether an MPLS path has been created. Also, depending on whether an MPLS path has been created, the path control unit 420 determines whether to send a path discard response without waiting for the receipt of an ACK message, or to wait for the receipt of an ACK message before sending the path discard response.

[0035] The flow setting unit 430 performs flow setting processing to associate the MPLS path set by the path control unit 420 with the voice packet.

[0036] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by the flow setting unit 430 when setting up a flow. Referring to Fig. 6, the flow setting unit 430 in the LSR 400-2 receives a flow setting request including a path ID from the SIP server 300-2. In response to this, the flow setting unit 430 in the LSR 400-2 performs processing depending on whether or not a corresponding MPLS path has been created.

[0037] For example, if an MPLS path has been created, the flow setup unit 430 transmits a flow setup message to LSR 400-1. Furthermore, LSR 400-1 receives the flow setup message transmitted by LSR 400-2 via a relay router or the like. In response to this, the flow setup unit 430 included in LSR 400-1 performs flow setup. Then, the flow setup unit 430 included in LSR 400-1 transmits a setup response message to LSR 400-2. Thereafter, LSR 400-2 receives the setup response message. In response to this, the flow setup unit 430 included in LSR 400-2 transmits the setup response message received from LSR 400-1 to SIP server 300-2.

[0038] On the other hand, if an MPLS path has not been created, the flow setup unit 430 of the LSR 400-2 receives a flow setup request based on the dummy path ID from the SIP server 300-2. In this case, the flow setup unit 430 does not send a flow setup message to the LSR 400-1, but sends a setup response message to the SIP server 300-2.

[0039] In this way, the flow setup unit 430 determines whether to send a flow setup message depending on whether an MPLS path has been created. Also, depending on whether an MPLS path has been created, the flow setup unit 430 determines whether to send a setup response message to the SIP server 300 without waiting for reception of a setup response message from another LSR 400, or to wait for reception of a setup response message before sending a setup response message to the SIP server 300.

[0040] The forwarding unit 440 forwards the voice data to another LSR 400 or the like in a manner according to the result of the confirmation by the confirmation unit 410. For example, if the confirmation unit 410 determines to create an MPLS path, the forwarding unit 440 assigns a label and forwards the voice data (packets) to which the label has been assigned. On the other hand, if the confirmation unit 410 determines to perform best-effort communication without creating an MPLS path, the forwarding unit 440 forwards the voice data as IP packets.

[0041] The above is an example of the configuration of the LSR 400.

[0042] Next, an example of the operation of the communication system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 10. First, an example of the operation of the communication system 100 when MPLS is used will be described with reference to Fig. 7.

[0043] 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system 100 when MPLS is used. Referring to Fig. 7, a call is made from SIP terminal 200-1, which is a calling SIP terminal, to SIP terminal 200-2, which is a called SIP terminal. For example, a call request is sent from SIP terminal 200-1 to SIP server 300-1, which is a SIP server at the sending edge to which the terminal is subscribed (step S101).

[0044] The SIP server 300-1 on the calling side transmits a call request (INVITE) to the SIP server 300-2, which is the edge SIP server to which the SIP terminal 200-2 subscribes (step S102). In addition, the SIP server 300-1 transmits 100Trying as a call response to the SIP terminal 200-1 (step S103).

[0045] Upon receiving the call request (INVITE), SIP server 300-2 transmits a path creation request to LSR 400-2, which will be the Egress (the side that removes the label) (step S104). LSR 400-2, which has received the path creation request, transmits a path creation message to LSR 400-1, which will be the Ingress (the side that assigns the label), via LSR 400-3, which will be a relay device (step S105).

[0046] Upon receiving the path creation message, the confirmation unit 410 in LSR 400-1 confirms the bandwidth. In the case of FIG. 7, the confirmation unit 410 determines to create an MPLS path. In this case, the path control unit 420 in LSR 400-1 transmits a creation response (success) message including a path ID corresponding to the created MPLS path to LSR 400-2 via LSR 400-3, which serves as a relay device (step S106). Thereafter, LSR 400-2 receives the creation response (success) message. In response to this, the path control unit 420 in LSR 400-2 transmits the creation response (success) message received from LSR 400-1 to SIP server 300-2 (step S107).

[0047] The SIP server 300-2 makes a call request to the SIP terminal 200-2, which is the SIP terminal on the called side (step S108). As a result, a ring tone sounds from the SIP terminal 200-2. The SIP server 300-2 also receives an incoming call notification (180Ringing) from the SIP terminal 200-2 (step S109). Then, the SIP server 300-2 uses the path ID included in the received creation response (success) message to send a flow setting request to the LSR 400-2 (step S110).

[0048] The flow setting unit 430 in LSR 400-2 transmits a flow setting message to LSR 400-1 via LSR 400-3, which will be a relay device (step S111). In response to this, the flow setting unit 430 in LSR 400-1 performs flow setting. Then, the flow setting unit 430 in LSR 400-1 transmits a setting response message to LSR 400-2 via LSR 400-3, which will be a relay device (step S112). Thereafter, the flow setting unit 430 in LSR 400-2 transmits the setting response message received from LSR 400-1 to SIP server 300-2 (step S113).

[0049] Upon receiving the setting response message, the SIP server 300-2 transmits an incoming call notification (180Ringing) to the SIP server 300-1, which is the edge SIP server on the calling side (step S114).

[0050] The SIP server 300-1, which is the calling-side SIP server, transmits an incoming call notification (180Ringing) to the SIP terminal 200-1 (step S115). In response to this, the SIP terminal 200-1 outputs a ringback tone (ringing call sound).

[0051] When the operator of the SIP terminal 200-2, which is the SIP terminal on the receiving side, performs a response operation, the SIP terminal 200-2 transmits a response notification (200OK) to the SIP server 300-2 (step S116). Thereafter, the response notification (200OK) is relayed by the SIP servers 300-2 and 300-1, and is received by the SIP terminal 200-1, which is the SIP terminal on the calling side (step S117). In response to this, a call using the MPLS path is started.

[0052] The above is an example of the operation of the communication system 100 when MPLS is used. Note that the operation of the communication system 100 when MPLS is used is almost the same as when the LSR 400 is not used, except for the confirmation process by the confirmation unit 410. Next, an example of the operation of the communication system 100 when best-effort communication is performed using normal IP (when MPLS is not used) will be described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0053] Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation of the communication system 100 when MPLS is not used. Referring to Fig. 7, up to the processing of step S105, the operation is the same as when MPLS is used, which has been described with reference to Fig. 7.

[0054] When the path creation message is received by the process of step S105, the confirmation unit 410 of the LSR 400-1 confirms the bandwidth amount. In the case of FIG. 8, the confirmation unit 410 determines to perform best-effort communication by IP. In this case, the path control unit 420 of the LSR 400-1 transmits a creation response (NG) message to the LSR 400-2 via the LSR 400-3, which serves as a relay device (step S201). Thereafter, the LSR 400-2 receives the creation response (NG) message. In response to this, the path control unit 420 of the LSR 400-2 transmits a creation response (success) message to the SIP server 300-2 instead of the creation response (NG) message (step S202). Note that the path control unit 420 may transmit a creation response (success) message including a dummy path ID.

[0055] The processes from step S108 to step S110 may be the same as the operations when using MPLS described with reference to Fig. 7. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the SIP server 300-2 transmits a flow setup request using the dummy path ID included in the creation response (success) message to the LSR 400-2 in the process of step S110.

[0056] Upon receiving the flow setup request from the SIP server 300-2 through the process of step S110, the LSR 400-2 transmits a setup response message to the SIP server 300-2 without transmitting a flow setup message to the LSR 400-1 (step S203). Thereafter, the same process can be performed up to step S117. In response to this, a call using best-effort communication via IP is initiated.

[0057] The above is an example of the operation of the communication system 100 when MPLS is not used. Next, an example of the processing sequence when terminating a call will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. First, an example of the processing sequence when terminating a call when MPLS is used will be described with reference to Figure 9.

[0058] 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when terminating a call when MPLS is used. Referring to FIG. 9, for example, SIP terminal 200-1 performs a call termination operation. In response, SIP terminal 200-1 transmits a disconnection request (BYE) message to SIP server 300-1 (step S301).

[0059] The SIP server 300-1 transfers a disconnection request (BYE) message to the SIP server 300-2 that accommodates the SIP terminal 200-2, which is the other party of the call connection (step S302).

[0060] Upon receiving the disconnection request (BYE) message, SIP server 300-2 transmits a path discard request to LSR 400-2, which is an edge LSR (step S303). In response to this, path control unit 420 included in LSR 400-2 transmits a path discard message to LSR 400-1 via LSR 400-3, which is a relay device (step S304).

[0061] The path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-1 discards the MPLS path corresponding to the path discard message. Then, the path control unit 420 transmits a response (ACK) message to the LSR 400-2 via the LSR 400-3, which serves as a relay device (step S305). Thereafter, the LSR 400-2 receives the response (ACK) message. In response to this, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-2 transmits a path discard response to the SIP server 300-2 (step S306).

[0062] The SIP server 300-2 that has received the path discard response transmits a disconnection request (BYE) message to the SIP terminal 200-2 (step S307).

[0063] The SIP terminal 200-2 transmits a disconnection response (200OK) to the SIP server 300-2 in response to the disconnection request (step S308). Also, the SIP terminal 200-2 sounds a busy tone.

[0064] The SIP server 300-2 transmits a disconnection response (200OK) to the SIP server 300-1, which is the SIP server accommodating the opposite terminal, and to the SIP terminal 200-1, thereby realizing the end of the call.

[0065] The above is an example of the processing sequence when terminating a call when MPLS is used. Next, an example of the processing sequence when terminating a call when MPLS is not used will be described with reference to FIG.

[0066] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation when terminating a call when MPLS is not used. Referring to FIG. 10, the operation up to the process of step S303 is the same as the operation when MPLS is used, which has been described with reference to FIG.

[0067] By the process of step S303, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-2 receives the path discard request. In the example shown in Fig. 10, since no MPLS paths have been created, there are no paths to discard. Therefore, the path control unit 420 in the LSR 400-2 transmits a path discard response to the SIP server 300-2 without transmitting a path discard message to the LSR 400-1 (step S401).

[0068] Upon receiving the path discard response, the SIP server 300-2 transmits a disconnection request (BYE) message to the SIP terminal 200-2 (step S307). The subsequent processing is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

[0069] As described above, the LSR 400 has a communication unit including a path control unit 420 and a flow setting unit 430. With this configuration, the communication unit can control path creation, flow setting, and the like so as to perform either real-time communication using MPLS or best-effort communication using normal IP, depending on the bandwidth used. As a result, the communication system 100 including the LSR 400 can establish a best-effort connection without interrupting the call connection even when an MPLS path cannot be created. This allows a best-effort connection even in cases such as a bandwidth shortage, thereby reducing the risk of call connection becoming difficult.

[0070] Furthermore, the path control unit 420 is configured to send a creation response (success) message including a dummy path ID to the SIP server 300 even when an MPLS path is not created. With this configuration, a creation response (success) message is always sent to the SIP server 300, eliminating the need to change processing depending on whether an MPLS path is created or not on the SIP server 300 side. As a result, by using the LSR 400 including the path control unit 420 and the like, the above-mentioned advantageous effects can be achieved without modifying the SIP server 300.

[0071] Furthermore, as described above, according to the method described in the present disclosure, the method described in the present disclosure can be realized by configuring at least some of the routers included in the communication system 100 as LSRs 400. As a result, the scope of application of this function can be freely selected on a router-by-router basis, for example, by applying the method described in the present disclosure only to edge routers that accommodate SIP telephone terminals in areas where congestion is likely to occur within the network.

[0072] The method described in the present disclosure can be applied, for example, when employing quality assurance using MPLS in a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service in an outdoor ad hoc communication system. In such cases, unlike permanent infrastructure, there may be limited communication bandwidth. As a result, congestion due to insufficient bandwidth may occur frequently depending on the operational situation. By using the method described in the present disclosure, VoIP communication can basically be realized with quality assurance, but when there is no available line capacity, voice calls can be connected on a best-effort basis without quality assurance. The control based on the confirmation results by the confirmation unit 410 described in the present disclosure may be switched ON / OFF in response to an arbitrary operation. For example, in situations where congestion frequently occurs throughout the network, causing stress during use, the method described in the present disclosure may be configured to be used by turning on the LSR 400 setting. The method described in the present disclosure may be used in any situations other than the above-mentioned examples.

[0073] Also, in the present disclosure, a case has been described in which the communication system 100 includes an LSR 400. However, the configuration of the communication system 100 is not limited to that described in the present disclosure. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the communication system 100 may have a modified SIP server 300. As illustrated in Fig. 11, the SIP server 300 can function as a recognition unit 310 by having a computing device such as a CPU execute a program stored in a storage device.

[0074] The recognition unit 310 recognizes a dummy path ID. In other words, the recognition unit 310 recognizes whether the path ID included in the creation response (success) message is a dummy path ID. The recognition unit 310 may recognize whether the path ID is a dummy using any method, such as by referring to preset information or rules.

[0075] Furthermore, when the recognition unit 310 recognizes that the path ID is a dummy path ID, the SIP server 300 can instruct the SIP terminal 200 to play a predetermined special voice guidance before starting a call. For example, the SIP server 300 instructs the SIP terminal 200 to play a voice guidance indicating that no quality assurance path has been attached. By listening to the voice guidance, the user can recognize that no quality assurance path has been attached.

[0076] Furthermore, the forwarding unit 440 of the LSR 400 may be configured to assign a DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) value to a packet with a higher priority when forwarding voice data as an IP packet. In other words, the forwarding unit 440 may be configured to assign information indicating that the priority is higher than a predetermined value when forwarding voice data as an IP packet. With this configuration, although the bandwidth is not completely secured as when creating an MPLS path, voice data can be given priority over other communications.

[0077] [Second embodiment] Next, a configuration example of a communication device 500 which is a modified example of the LSR 400 described in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device 500. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication device 500.

[0078] The communication device 500 is a device such as a router that can forward labeled voice packets to an external device. For example, the communication device 500 may be an LSR. Fig. 12 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device 500. Referring to Fig. 12, the communication device 500 has, as an example, the following hardware configuration. ·CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501 (computing unit) ROM (Read Only Memory) 502 (storage device) RAM (Random Access Memory) 503 (storage device) A storage device 504 for storing programs loaded into the RAM 530 A communication module 505 used when communicating with other communication devices 500 or external devices such as external servers

[0079] 13 by the CPU 501 acquiring a program stored in the storage device 504 and executing it. The program is stored in the storage device 504 or the ROM 502 in advance, for example, and is loaded into the RAM 503 or the like by the CPU 501 for execution as needed. The program may be supplied to the CPU 501 via the communication module 505 or the like.

[0080] 12 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device 500. The hardware configuration of the communication device 500 is not limited to the above-described case. For example, the communication device 500 may be configured with a part of the above-described configuration. Furthermore, the CPU 501 may be a GPU or the like exemplified in the first embodiment.

[0081] When connecting a new voice call, the communication unit 521 connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS or communication using IP, depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS. For example, the communication unit 521 connects the voice call using MPLS if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS is less than a predetermined value. On the other hand, if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS exceeds the predetermined value, the communication unit 521 connects the voice call using IP communication.

[0082] As described above, the communication device 500 includes a communication unit 521. With this configuration, the communication unit 521 can connect a new voice call using either communication using MPLS or communication using IP, depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of MPLS. As a result, it becomes possible to connect a voice call using communication using IP when it is difficult to communicate using MPLS. This can reduce the risk of it becoming difficult to connect a call even when there is a bandwidth shortage when making a new connection.

[0083] The communication device 500 described above can be realized by incorporating a predetermined program into an information processing device such as the communication device 500. Specifically, a program according to another embodiment of the present disclosure causes an information processing device such as the communication device 500 to realize a communication unit that, when connecting a new voice call, connects the new voice call using either communication using Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) or communication using IP (Internet Protocol) depending on a confirmation result of the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS, and the communication unit is a program that, when connecting the new voice call, connects the voice call using MPLS if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS newly is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connects the voice call using IP communication if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS newly exceeds the predetermined value.

[0084] Furthermore, a communication method executed by an information processing device such as the communication device 500 described above is a method in which, when connecting a new voice call, the communication device 500 connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS or communication via IP depending on the confirmation result of the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of MPLS, and when connecting the new voice call, if the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new use of MPLS is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the voice call is connected using MPLS, and if the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new use of MPLS exceeds the predetermined value, the voice call is connected using IP communication.

[0085] A program having the above-described configuration, a computer-readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon, or a communication method, etc., can achieve the same functions and effects as the above-described communication device 500, and therefore can achieve the above-described objective of the present disclosure.

[0086] A communication system is another example of a variation of the communication device 500. For example, the communication system includes a communication device capable of forwarding labeled voice packets to an external device and a server device that issues instructions to the communication device in response to a call request received from the outside. The communication device also includes a communication unit that, when connecting a new voice call in response to an instruction from the server device, connects the new voice call using either communication using Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) or communication using Internet Protocol (IP), depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS. For example, the communication unit can connect the voice call using MPLS when the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS is below a predetermined value, and can connect the voice call using IP when the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS exceeds the predetermined value. For example, a communication system having the above configuration can achieve the same functions and effects as the communication device 500, thereby achieving the above-described objective of the present disclosure.

[0087] <Additional Notes> A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: The following provides an overview of the communication device and the like in the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following configuration.

[0088] (Appendix 1) A communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device, comprising: A communication unit is provided which, when connecting a new voice call, connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) or communication using IP (Internet Protocol), depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of MPLS; The communication unit connects the voice call using MPLS when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new MPLS is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connects the voice call by IP communication when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new MPLS exceeds the predetermined value. Communication equipment. (Appendix 2) the communication unit includes a path control unit that creates an MPLS path by communicating with an external device in response to a path creation request received from an external server; When the path control unit receives a creation response message from the external device indicating that creation of the MPLS path has failed, the path control unit transmits a creation response message to the external server indicating that creation of the MPLS path has succeeded. 2. The communication device of claim 1. (Appendix 3) the communication unit includes a flow setting unit that performs flow setting by communicating with an external device in response to a flow setting request received from an external server, When connecting a voice call through IP communication, the flow setting unit transmits a setting response message indicating that flow setting has been completed to the external server in response to the flow setting request without transmitting a path creation message to the external device. 10. The communication device of claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The path control unit, in response to a path discard request received from the external server, transmits a path discard response indicating that the path has been discarded to the external server without transmitting a path discard message indicating that the path has been discarded to the external device. 3. The communications device of claim 2. (Appendix 5) When the path control unit receives a creation response message from the external device indicating that the creation of the MPLS path has failed, the path control unit transmits to the external server a creation response message including a dummy path ID indicating that the creation of the MPLS path has been successful. 5. The communication device of claim 2 or 4. (Appendix 6) A confirmation unit is provided for confirming whether the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of a new MPLS is equal to or less than a predetermined value in response to receiving a path creation message instructing the creation of an MPLS path transmitted from an external device. 6. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) When connecting a voice call via IP communication, the communication unit assigns information to the voice packet indicating that the priority is higher than a predetermined value. 10. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second communication devices are connected to each other via a first communication line. (Appendix 8) A communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device, When connecting a new voice call, the system checks the amount of bandwidth occupied by MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) and then connects the new voice call using either MPLS or IP (Internet Protocol) communications. When connecting a new voice call, if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS is below a specified value, the voice call is connected using MPLS, and if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS exceeds the specified value, the voice call is connected using IP communication. Communication method. (Appendix 9) A communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device, When connecting a new voice call, a communication unit is implemented that connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) or communication using IP (Internet Protocol), depending on the results of checking the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of MPLS, The communication unit connects the voice call using MPLS when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new MPLS is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connects the voice call by IP communication when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new MPLS exceeds the predetermined value. program. (Appendix 10) a communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device; a server device that issues instructions to the communication device in response to a call request received from an external device; Including, The communication device has a communication unit that, when connecting a new voice call in response to an instruction from the server device, connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) or communication using IP (Internet Protocol) depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS, and the communication unit connects the voice call using MPLS if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS newly is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connects the voice call using IP communication if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS newly exceeds the predetermined value. Communication system. (Appendix 11) the communication unit includes a path control unit that creates an MPLS path by communicating with an external device in response to the path creation request received from the server device, and when the path control unit receives a creation response message from the external device indicating that creation of the MPLS path has failed, it sends to the external server a creation response message including a dummy path ID indicating that creation of the MPLS path has been successful; When the server device acquires an MPLS path including a dummy path ID from the communication device, the server device instructs the terminal device for communication to transmit voice data indicating that quality is not guaranteed. 11. The communication system of claim 10.

[0089] Note that some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 7 that are dependent on the communication device described as Supplementary Note 1 may also be dependent in a similar dependent relationship on the communication method described in Supplementary Note 8, the program described in Supplementary Note 9, and the communication systems described in Supplementary Note 10 and Supplementary Note 11. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 8 to 11, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may also be dependent on various hardware, software, and various recording means, methods, or systems for recording software, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0090] The programs described in the above embodiments and appendices can be stored in various types of non-transitory computer-readable media and supplied to a computer. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The programs may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable media can supply the programs to a computer via wired communication paths such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication paths.

[0091] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 100 Communication Systems 200 SIP terminal 300 SIP Server 310 Recognition part 400 LSR 410 Verification Department 420 Path control section 430 Flow setting section 440 Transfer Department 500 Communication Equipment 501 CPU 502 ROM 503 RAM 504 Storage device 505 communication module 521 Communications Department

Claims

1. A communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device, comprising: a communication unit that, when connecting a new voice call, connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) or communication using IP (Internet Protocol), depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS; The communication unit connects the voice call using MPLS when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new use of MPLS is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connects the voice call by communication using IP when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new use of MPLS exceeds the predetermined value. Communication equipment.

2. the communication unit includes a path control unit that creates an MPLS path by communicating with an external device in response to a path creation request received from an external server; When the path control unit receives a creation response message from the external device indicating that creation of the MPLS path has failed, the path control unit transmits a creation response message to the external server indicating that creation of the MPLS path has succeeded. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the communication unit includes a flow setting unit that performs flow setting by communicating with an external device in response to a flow setting request received from an external server, When connecting a voice call through IP communication, the flow setting unit transmits a setting response message indicating that flow setting has been completed to the external server in response to the flow setting request without transmitting a path creation message to the external device. The communication device according to claim 1 .

4. The path control unit, in response to a path discard request received from the external server, transmits a path discard response indicating that the path has been discarded to the external server without transmitting a path discard message indicating that the path has been discarded to the external device. The communication device according to claim 2 .

5. When the path control unit receives a creation response message from the external device indicating that creation of the MPLS path has failed, the path control unit transmits to the external server a creation response message including a dummy path ID indicating that creation of the MPLS path has been successful. The communication device according to claim 2 .

6. The device has a confirmation unit that, in response to receiving a path creation message instructing the creation of an MPLS path transmitted from an external device, confirms whether the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of a new MPLS is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The communication device according to claim 1 .

7. When connecting a voice call via IP communication, the communication unit assigns information to the voice packet indicating that the priority is higher than a predetermined value. The communication device according to claim 1 .

8. A communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device, When connecting a new voice call, the new voice call is connected using either communication using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) or communication using IP (Internet Protocol), depending on the results of checking the amount of bandwidth occupied by the use of MPLS, When connecting a new voice call, if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS is below a predetermined value, the voice call is connected using MPLS, and if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS exceeds the predetermined value, the voice call is connected using IP communication. Communication method.

9. A communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device, When connecting a new voice call, a communication unit is realized that connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) or communication using IP (Internet Protocol) depending on the confirmation result of the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS, The communication unit connects the voice call using MPLS when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new use of MPLS is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connects the voice call by communication using IP when the amount of bandwidth occupied by the new use of MPLS exceeds the predetermined value. program.

10. a communication device capable of transferring labeled voice packets to an external device; a server device that issues instructions to the communication device in response to a call request received from an external device; Including, The communication device has a communication unit that, when connecting a new voice call in response to an instruction from the server device, connects the new voice call using either communication using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) or communication by IP (Internet Protocol) depending on the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS, and the communication unit connects the voice call using MPLS if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS newly becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connects the voice call by communication by IP if the amount of bandwidth occupied by using MPLS newly exceeds the predetermined value. Communication system.

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