Transmission device, path setting method, and computer program

Abstract

A transmission device that is provided between user devices and transmits, via an optical transmission network, client signals sent by a user device. The transmission device comprises: a setting unit that sets a path having a range that accommodates client signals obtained from monitoring results for control signals sent and received during negotiation between user devices; and a transfer unit that uses the path set by the setting unit and transfers client signals.　

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transmission device, a path setting method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an optical transmission standard called OTN (Optical Transport Network) has been proposed to realize long-distance and large-capacity optical communication (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). In general, the optical paths (ODU (Optical Data Unit) paths) between transmission devices constituting an optical transmission network need to have a unique transmission capacity set in advance. On the other hand, there are types of USB (Universal Serial Bus) and video signals (e.g., HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) / DisplayPort, etc.) (HDMI is a registered trademark, the same applies below) in which the transmission rate is determined based on the result of negotiation between a source device and a sink device. For example, when a personal computer is connected to a display device, the resolution (≒ transmission rate) supported by both the personal computer and the display device is determined based on the negotiation. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kengo Shintaku, et al, “Trends in Standardization of Mapping and Multiplexing Technologies for Optical Transport Networks,” NTT Technical Review, Vol. 18 No. 12, Dec. 2020, <url: https: www.ntt-review.jp archive ntttechnical.php?contents="ntr202012gls.html"> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the above-mentioned signals are accommodated in an ODU path, the transmission capacity of the ODU path between the transmission devices may not be appropriate, and may be excessive or insufficient. If the transmission capacity is insufficient, for example in the case of a video signal, the image may not be displayed on the sink device (e.g., a display device). As a result, the communication carrier is required to change the settings of the ODU path of the transmission device, which causes a problem of impeding rapid signal communication. This type of problem occurs with signal types in which the transmission rate is determined based on the results of negotiation between the source device and the sink device.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that reduces the effort required for communication carriers to change the settings of transmission devices, thereby enabling prompt signal communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a transmission device that is provided between user devices and transmits client signals sent by the user devices over an optical transmission network, the transmission device comprising: a setting unit that sets a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signals obtained by monitoring results of control signals transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; and a transfer unit that transfers the client signals using the path set by the setting unit.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a path setting method in a transmission device that is provided between user devices and transmits client signals sent by the user devices over an optical transmission network, the path setting method setting a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signals obtained by monitoring results of control signals transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices, and forwarding the client signals using the set path.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a computer program that is provided between user devices and causes a computer to function as a transmission device that transmits client signals sent by the user devices over an optical transmission network, the computer program executing a setting step of setting a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signals obtained by monitoring results of control signals transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices, and a transfer step of transferring the client signals using the path set by the setting step. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The present invention reduces the effort required for communication carriers to change the settings of transmission devices, enabling prompt signal communication. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission system in a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a NW monitoring and control device in a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of an arrangement of setting values ​​and the like contained in an ODU frame of ITU-T Recommendation G.709. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of the arrangement of setting values ​​etc. accommodated in an ODU frame of ITU-T Recommendation G.709. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the processing of a mapping method (1.1). [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the mapping method (1.2). [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the mapping method (1.2). [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the mapping method (1.3). [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the process of the mapping method (2.1). [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the mapping method (2.2). [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of the transmission system in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram (part 1) illustrating a process flow of the transmission system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram (part 2) illustrating a process flow of the transmission system in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of a transmission system in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of a transmission system in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (overview) In the transmission system of the present invention, a control signal transmitted for negotiation between client devices is monitored by some or all of two or more transmission devices provided between the client devices. Then, the two or more transmission devices provided between the client devices set the transmission rate of the ODU path obtained based on the monitoring result. In other words, the two or more transmission devices provided between the client devices set a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal. In this way, when a client device is connected to a transmission device, the bandwidth of the ODU path appropriate for signal communication can be automatically set. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary for the communication carrier to change the setting of the ODU path of the transmission device, and quick signal communication becomes possible. A specific configuration for implementing the above processing will now be described.

[0012] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a transmission system 100 in the first embodiment. The transmission system 100 includes a user device 10, a user device 20, a transmission device 30, a transmission device 40, a transmission device 50, and a NW monitoring control device 60. A plurality of transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 are provided between the user device 10 and the user device 20. The transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 constitute an OTN. The transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 are connected by optical fibers.

[0013] Although FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the transmission system 100 includes three transmission devices 30, 40, and 50, the transmission system 100 only needs to include at least two transmission devices, and may include four or more transmission devices.

[0014] 1, a solid line 71 indicates the flow of a control signal transmitted from the user device 10 to the user device 20. A dotted line in Fig. 1 indicates the flow of a control signal transmitted from the user device 20 to the user device 10. The control signal is a signal used for negotiation between the user device 10 and the user device 20.

[0015] The interface between the user device 10 and the user device 20 may be either USB or HDMI, or may be another interface. In the following description, a signal transmitted by USB or HDMI will be described as an example of a client signal, but the client signal is not limited to these, and may be any signal type whose transmission rate is determined based on the result of negotiation between the user device 10 and the user device 20.

[0016] In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the user device 10 is a personal computer and the user device 20 is a display device. In this case, the user device 10 transmits a video signal as a client signal.

[0017] The user device 10 includes a signal generating unit 11 and a signal receiving unit 12. The signal generating unit 11 generates a client signal and a control signal. The signal receiving unit 12 receives a signal (e.g., a client signal or a control signal) transmitted from the user device 20 via the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50.

[0018] The user device 20 includes a signal generating unit 21 and a signal receiving unit 22. The signal generating unit 21 generates a client signal. The signal receiving unit 22 receives a signal (e.g., a client signal or a control signal) transmitted from the user device 10 via the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50.

[0019] The transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 transmit signals transmitted between the user device 10 and the user device 20. The transmission device 30 is directly connected to the user device 10 via a physical line. The transmission device 50 is directly connected to the user device 20 via a physical line. The transmission devices 30 and 50 monitor control signals transmitted from the user device 10 or 20, respectively, and notify the NW monitoring control device 60 of the monitoring results. The transmission device 40 is provided, for example, between the transmission device 30 and the transmission device 50, and transmits signals transmitted from the transmission device 30 or the transmission device 50 to another transmission device.

[0020] The NW monitoring control device 60 controls the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50. For example, the NW monitoring control device 60 transmits a path setting request to the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 to set paths in the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50. For example, the NW monitoring control device 60 determines the transmission rates and transmission methods of the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 based on the monitoring results transmitted from the transmission devices 30 and 50. The NW monitoring control device 60 controls the transmission rates of the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 by transmitting a change request to the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 to change the determined transmission rates and transmission methods.

[0021] The transmission device 30 includes a client signal receiving unit 301, an ODUflexMap unit 302, a Mux unit 303, a line signal transmitting unit 304, a line signal receiving unit 305, a De-Mux unit 306, an ODUflexDe-Map unit 307, a client signal transmitting unit 308, and an device monitoring and controlling unit 309.

[0022] The client signal receiving unit 301 receives a signal transmitted from the user device 10 (for example, a control signal or a client signal).

[0023] The ODUflexMap unit 302 accommodates the signal received by the client signal receiving unit 301 in an ODUflex defined in G.709.

[0024] The Mux unit 303 time-division multiplexes one or more ODUflex into a higher-speed ODU. The processing performed by the Mux unit 303 is defined in G.709.

[0025] The line signal transmitting unit 304 converts the ODU time-division multiplexed by the Mux unit 303 into an optical signal and transmits it.

[0026] The line signal receiving unit 305 receives an ODU transmitted from another transmission device (for example, the transmission device 40).

[0027] The De-Mux unit 306 separates one or more ODUflex from the ODU received by the line signal receiving unit 305 .

[0028] The ODUflex De-Map unit 307 extracts a signal (a control signal or a client signal) from the ODUflex separated by the De-Mux unit 306 .

[0029] The client signal transmitting unit 308 transmits the client signal extracted by the ODUflex De-Map unit 307 or the control signal output from the device monitoring and control unit 309 to the user device 10 .

[0030] The equipment monitoring control unit 309 handles commands from the NW monitoring control device 60 and controls the transmission device 30. The equipment monitoring control unit 309 manages and monitors the status of each function in the transmission device 30, and notifies the NW monitoring control device 60 if an abnormality occurs.

[0031] The device monitoring control unit 309 includes a control signal monitor unit 310 and a setting unit 311. The control signal monitor unit 310 monitors a control signal transmitted within the transmission device 30. For example, the control signal monitor unit 310 monitors a signal received by the client signal receiving unit 301 and acquires a control signal. For example, the control signal monitor unit 310 monitors a signal extracted by the ODUflex De-Map unit 307 and acquires a control signal.

[0032] The setting unit 311 sets parameters of the client signal receiving unit 301, the ODUflexMap unit 302, the Mux unit 303, the De-Mux unit 306, the ODUflexDe-Map unit 307, and the client signal transmitting unit 308 in response to an instruction from the NW monitoring and control device 60. For example, after the transmission rate of the client signal is determined by the NW monitoring and control device 60, the setting unit 311 adjusts the ODU bandwidth by one of the following methods. The items to be adjusted here are the coding method of the client signal, the bandwidth of the client signal, the bandwidth of the ODUflex accommodating the client signal, and the number of tributary slots (TSs) used when time division multiplexing into a high-speed ODU frame. The number of TSs is calculated based on information on the bandwidth of the ODUflex and the transmission speed of the line signal. An existing method described in ITU-T G.709 is used to calculate the number of TSs.

[0033] There are two methods for adjusting the ODU bandwidth: Method 1) Delete the ODUflex and number of TS settings in the transmission equipment and then reconfigure them. Method 2) Use Hitless adjustment of ODUflex (GFP) defined in ITU-T G.7044.

[0034] Using any of the above methods, the setting unit 311 sets the coding method and band of the client signal for the client signal receiving unit 301 and the client signal transmitting unit 308, and sets the ODUflex rate for the ODUflexMap unit 302 and the ODUflexDe-Map unit 307. The setting unit 311 also sets the number of TSs for the Mux unit 303 and the De-Mux unit 306.

[0035] The transmission device 40 includes a line signal receiving unit 401, a De-Mux unit 402, an ODU-XC unit 403, a Mux unit 404, a line signal transmitting unit 405, a line signal receiving unit 406, a De-Mux unit 407, an ODU-XC unit 408, a Mux unit 409, a line signal transmitting unit 410, and an device monitoring and control unit 411.

[0036] The line signal receiving unit 401 receives an ODU transmitted from another transmission device (for example, the transmission device 30).

[0037] The De-Mux unit 402 separates one or more ODUflex from the ODU received by the line signal receiving unit 401 .

[0038] The ODU-XC unit 403 performs cross-connect (switching) of one or more ODUflex separated by the De-Mux unit 402 .

[0039] The Mux unit 404 time-division multiplexes one or more ODUflex into a higher-speed ODU. The process performed by the Mux unit 404 is defined in G.709.

[0040] The line signal transmitting unit 405 transmits the ODU time-division multiplexed by the Mux unit 404 to the transmission device 50 .

[0041] The line signal receiving unit 406 receives an ODU transmitted from another transmission device (for example, the transmission device 50).

[0042] The De-Mux unit 407 separates one or more ODUflex from the ODU received by the line signal receiving unit 406 .

[0043] The ODU-XC unit 408 performs cross-connect (switching) of the ODUs of one or more ODUflex separated by the De-Mux unit 407.

[0044] The Mux unit 409 time-division multiplexes one or more ODUflex into a higher-speed ODU. The processing performed by the Mux unit 409 is defined in G.709.

[0045] The line signal transmitting unit 410 transmits the ODU time-division multiplexed by the Mux unit 409 to the transmission device 30 .

[0046] The equipment monitoring control unit 411 handles commands from the NW monitoring control device 60 and controls the transmission device 40. The equipment monitoring control unit 411 manages and monitors the status of each function in the transmission device 40, and notifies the NW monitoring control device 60 if an abnormality occurs.

[0047] The device monitoring and control unit 411 includes a setting unit 412. The setting unit 412 sets parameters of the De-Mux unit 402, the ODU-XC unit 403, the Mux unit 404, the De-Mux unit 407, the ODU-XC unit 408, and the Mux unit 409 in response to an instruction from the NW monitoring and control device 60. For example, after the transmission rate of the client signal is determined by the NW monitoring and control device 60, the setting unit 412 adjusts the bandwidth of the ODU by the above-described method 1 or 2.

[0048] By the above-described method 1 or 2, the setting unit 412 sets the ODUflex rate for the ODU-XC unit 403 and the ODU-XC unit 408. For example, the setting unit 412 sets the number of TSs for the De-Mux unit 402, the Mux unit 404, the De-Mux unit 407, and the Mux unit 409.

[0049] The transmission device 50 includes a line signal receiving unit 501, a De-Mux unit 502, an ODUflex De-Map unit 503, a Client signal transmitting unit 504, a Client signal receiving unit 505, an ODUflex Map unit 506, a Mux unit 507, a line signal transmitting unit 508, and an device monitoring and control unit 509.

[0050] The line signal receiving unit 501 receives an ODU transmitted from another transmission device (for example, the transmission device 40).

[0051] The De-Mux unit 502 separates one or more ODUflex from the ODU received by the line signal receiving unit 501 .

[0052] The ODUflex De-Map unit 503 extracts a signal (a control signal or a client signal) from the ODUflex separated by the De-Mux unit 502 .

[0053] The client signal transmitting unit 504 transmits the client signal extracted by the ODUflex De-Map unit 503 or the control signal output from the device monitoring control unit 509 to the user device 20 .

[0054] The client signal receiving unit 505 receives a signal transmitted from the user device 20 (for example, a control signal or a client signal).

[0055] The ODUflexMap unit 506 accommodates the signal received by the client signal receiving unit 505 in an ODUflex defined in G.709.

[0056] The Mux unit 507 time-division multiplexes one or more ODUflex into a higher-speed ODU. The process performed by the Mux unit 507 is defined in G.709.

[0057] The line signal transmitting unit 508 converts the ODU time-division multiplexed by the Mux unit 507 into an optical signal and transmits it.

[0058] The equipment monitoring control unit 509 handles commands from the NW monitoring control device 60 and controls the transmission device 50. The equipment monitoring control unit 509 manages and monitors the status of each function in the transmission device 50, and notifies the NW monitoring control device 60 if an abnormality occurs.

[0059] The device monitoring control unit 509 includes a control signal monitor unit 510 and a setting unit 511. The control signal monitor unit 510 monitors a control signal transmitted within the transmission device 50. For example, the control signal monitor unit 510 monitors a signal received by the client signal receiving unit 505 and acquires a control signal. For example, the control signal monitor unit 510 monitors a signal extracted by the ODUflex De-Map unit 503 and acquires a control signal.

[0060] The setting unit 511 sets parameters of the De-Mux unit 502, the ODUflexDe-Map unit 503, the Client signal transmitting unit 504, the Client signal receiving unit 505, the ODUflexMap unit 506, and the Mux unit 507 in response to an instruction from the NW monitoring and control device 60. For example, after the transmission rate of the client signal is determined by the NW monitoring and control device 60, the setting unit 511 adjusts the bandwidth of the ODU by the above method 1 or 2.

[0061] By the above method 1 or 2, the setting unit 511 sets the coding method of the client signal and the band of the client signal for the client signal transmitting unit 504 and the client signal receiving unit 505, and sets the ODUflex rate for the ODUflex De-Map unit 503 and the ODUflex Map unit 506. For example, the setting unit 511 sets the number of TSs for the De-Mux unit 502 and the Mux unit 507.

[0062] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the NW monitoring and control device 60 in the first embodiment. The NW monitoring and control device 60 includes a communication unit 61, a control unit 62, and a storage unit 63.

[0063] The communication unit 61 includes a communication interface for connecting the NW monitoring control device 60 to an external device. The communication unit 61 communicates with the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 via wires. For example, the communication unit 61 receives monitoring results from the transmission devices 30 and 50.

[0064] The control unit 62 controls the entire NW monitoring and control device 60. The control unit 62 is configured using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The control unit 62 realizes the functions of a setting request unit 621 and a determination unit 622 by executing a program.

[0065] The setting request unit 621 requests the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 to set up a path.

[0066] Based on the monitoring results received by the communication unit 61, the determination unit 622 determines the transmission rates and transmission methods to be set for the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50.

[0067] The storage unit 63 is configured using a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. A control table is stored in the storage unit 63. The control table associates the monitoring results with the transmission rates and transmission methods.

[0068] Next, a method for transferring a control signal will be described. A control signal may be multiplexed after being encapsulated in an IP (Internet Protocol) packet (RFC2460), a MAC (Media Access Control) frame (IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.3), or a GFP (Generic Framing Procedure) frame (ITU-T G.7041) of a PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) (RFC (Request For Comments) 1661). The transmission devices 30 and 50 transfer the control signal by any of the following methods 1 to 3. When transferring a control signal by method 3, the transmission devices 30 and 50 may directly bit map the control signal into the relevant area.

[0069] (Control signal transfer method 1) A temporary ODU path is established in advance and accommodated in the ODU frame. Here, the tentative ODU path is a path set among the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 before negotiation is performed between the user device 10 and the user device 20. The bandwidth of the tentative ODU path is set as one parameter in the request from the NW monitoring control device 60, but any bandwidth may be used as long as the same bandwidth is set for all the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50. As an example, the bandwidth is set assuming the signal type, such as setting a 48 Gbps path to transmit an HDMI 2.1 video signal.

[0070] When accommodating in an ODU frame, the transmission devices 30 and 50 accommodate and transfer the control signal in the hatched area in Fig. 3 or 4. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of the arrangement of setting values ​​and the like accommodated in an ODU frame of ITU-T Recommendation G.709 (OTUk (Optical Transport Unit k), OTUc (Optical Transport Unit c)). For example, setting values ​​and the like are accommodated in a bit area indicated by a mesh in the definition of the ODU frame. Here, "Payload" represents the payload area.

[0071] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of the arrangement of setting values ​​and the like contained in the ODU frame of ITU-T Recommendation G.709.1 (FlexO). For example, setting values ​​and the like are contained in the bit area shown by the mesh in the definition of the ODU frame shown in Fig. 3. Here, "OH" represents the overhead area, and "FS" represents the "Fixed Stuff" area (fixed stuffing area).

[0072] (Control signal transfer method 2) Via monitoring and control network 1, the transmission devices 30 and 50 are connected to another network (monitoring and control network), and the transmission devices 30 and 50 transfer control signals via the other network. In this case, the transmission device 30 transfers the control signal to the transmission device 50 via the other network, and the transmission device 50 transfers the control signal to the transmission device 30 via the other network.

[0073] (Control signal transfer method 3) ·Transmission using a signal of a different wavelength such as OSC (Optical Supervisory Channel) specified in G.709

[0074] Next, a description will be given of a method for mapping client signals in the transmission devices 30 and 50. When mapping client signals to ODUflex, the following must be taken into consideration. · The client signal is typically line coded. In some cases, multi-lane transmission is used, which transmits data using multiple physical signal lines in parallel. When storing serial signals in ODUflex, the signals must be serialized at the transmitting end and converted to multi-lanes at the receiving end.

[0075] In order to deal with the above, one of the following methods is used to accommodate client signals. Note that all methods other than (1.2) below are implemented to accommodate OTN signals such as Ethernet signals. 1. The client signal is regarded as a CBR (Constant Bit Rate) signal described in G.709, and is accommodated in ODUflex using GMP (General Mapping Procedure) or BMP (Bit-synchronous Mapping Procedure). In this case, there are three methods: (1.1) to (1.3). (1.1): Serialization while adding lane identifiers (transcoding) (1.2): The lane identifier is embedded in the line code. (1.3): Do not assign lane identifiers and try lane re-ordering all patterns (check whether they can be decoded by brute force)

[0076] 2. Encapsulate as a non-CBR signal. In this case, there are two methods: (2.1) and (2.2). (2.1): Decode the line code and encapsulate it. (2.2): Encapsulation without decoding the line code Encapsulation methods include GFP-f, MAC frames, and IP packets.

[0077] The above-mentioned technique will be specifically described with reference to Figures 5 to 10. Although Figures 5 to 10 show a multi-lane configuration, the technique can also be applied to a single lane.

[0078] (Mapping Method (1.1)) Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the process of the mapping method (1.1). In the example shown in Fig. 5, a case where USB3.2 (128b / 132b, 10G x 2 lanes) is transcoded is shown as an example. As shown in Fig. 5, by serializing the data by adding an identifier for identifying the lane, the data can be easily parallelized by the transmission device at the receiving end.

[0079] (Mapping method (1.2)) Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the processing of mapping method (1.2). Figure 6 shows an example in which the block header in the 132b code of USB3.2 (128b / 132b, 10G x 2 lanes) is used. For 128b / 132b encoding, a 4-bit block header is added to 8-bit x 16 symbols. The block header identifies whether it is a data block or a control block. It has 1-bit error tolerance, so even if a block header of "0100" is received, it is processed as "1100 (data block)" at the receiving end.

[0080] Figure 7 shows an example of using the block header in the 132b code of USB3.2 (128b / 132b, 10G x 2 lanes). In this method, a 4-bit block header is used for lane identification. The sending end replaces the block header. For example, "0001" is replaced as the control block of Lane 0, "1011" as the control block of Lane 1, "0100" as the data block of Lane 0, and "1110" as the data block of Lane 1.

[0081] (Mapping Method (1.3)) Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the process of the mapping method (1.3). In the example shown in Fig. 8, unlike the mapping method (1.1), serialization is performed without adding an identifier for identifying lanes. Then, the transmission device at the receiving end performs a round-robin multi-lane trial until the signal can be transmitted.

[0082] (Mapping Method (2.1)) Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the process of the mapping method (2.1). In the example shown in Fig. 9, the transmission device at the transmitting end decodes the line code once and then encapsulates it. For encapsulation, IP packets (RFC2460), MAC frames (IEEE802.3), GFP frames (ITU-T G.7041), etc. can be used. In this way, the transmission device at the transmitting end maps and transmits the client signal.

[0083] (Mapping Method (2.2)) Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the process of the mapping method (2.2). In the example shown in Fig. 10, the transmission device at the transmitting end encapsulates the signal without decoding the line code. For encapsulation, IP packets (RFC2460), MAC frames (IEEE802.3), GFP frames (ITU-T G.7041), etc. can be used. In this way, the transmission device at the transmitting end maps and transmits the client signal.

[0084] 11 and 12 are sequence diagrams (part 1) showing a process flow of the transmission system 100 in the first embodiment. In FIG. 11 and 12, a configuration is described in which the user equipments 10 and 20 are connected to the transmission equipments 30 and 50 after virtual ODU paths are set in the transmission equipments 30, 40, and 50.

[0085] The setting request unit 621 of the NW monitoring control device 60 transmits a setting request for a temporary ODU path to the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 (step S101). The setting request for the temporary ODU path includes information on the ODUflex bandwidth. The transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 receive the setting request transmitted from the NW monitoring control device 60. The transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 set the temporary ODU path in accordance with the received setting request (steps S102, S103, S104).

[0086] The setting units 311, 412, and 511 of the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 set the transmission rate of ODUflex based on the information on the bandwidth of ODUflex included in the setting request of the temporary ODU path. Furthermore, the setting units 311, 412, and 511 calculate the number of TSs based on the information on the bandwidth of ODUflex included in the setting request of the temporary ODU path and the transmission speed of the line signal. The setting units 311, 412, and 511 set the value of the calculated number of TSs.

[0087] Thereafter, it is assumed that the user device 10 is physically connected to the transmission device 30 by wiring (step S105), and the user device 20 is physically connected to the transmission device 50 by wiring (step S106). The signal generator 11 of the user device 10 generates a control signal. The signal generator 11 transmits the generated control signal to the transmission device 30 (step S107).

[0088] The client signal receiving unit 301 of the transmission device 30 receives the control signal transmitted from the user device 10. The control signal monitoring unit 310 monitors the control signal received by the client signal receiving unit 301 (step S108).

[0089] The control signal monitor unit 310 outputs the control signal obtained from the client signal receiving unit 301 to the ODUflexMap unit 302. Thereafter, the transmission device 30 transfers the control signal by any one of the transfer methods 1 to 3 described above (step S109). In the example shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, since a temporary ODU path is set, the transmission device 30 transfers the control signal to the transmission device 40 by (control signal transfer method 1). The control signal is transferred to the transmission device 50 via the transmission device 40.

[0090] If there is no request to set a tentative ODU path as shown in the process of step S101, a tentative ODU path is not set between the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50. In such a case, the transmission device 30 may transfer a control signal by either the control signal transfer method 2 or the control signal transfer method 3, or, after a tentative ODU path is set as shown in Fig. 13, the transmission devices 30 and 50 may prompt the start of negotiation by making a request to the user devices 10 and 20 to transmit a control signal. In this case, the process shown in Fig. 13 is executed instead of Fig. 11. The process shown in Fig. 13 will be described later.

[0091] The line signal receiving unit 501 of the transmission device 50 receives a control signal transmitted from the transmission device 40. The ODUflex De-Map unit 503 of the transmission device 50 extracts the control signal. The control signal monitor unit 510 monitors the control signal extracted by the ODUflex De-Map unit 503 (step S110). The control signal monitor unit 510 outputs the control signal obtained from the ODUflex De-Map unit 503 to the client signal transmitting unit 504. The client signal transmitting unit 504 transmits the control signal to the user device 20 (step S111).

[0092] The signal generating unit 21 of the user device 20 generates a control signal. The signal generating unit 21 transmits the generated control signal to the transmission device 50 (step S112). The Client signal receiving unit 505 of the transmission device 50 receives the control signal transmitted from the user device 20. The control signal monitoring unit 510 monitors the control signal received by the Client signal receiving unit 505 (step S113).

[0093] The control signal monitor unit 510 outputs the control signal obtained from the client signal receiver unit 505 to the ODUflexMap unit 506. The transmission device 50 performs a transfer process of the control signal (step S114). In the example shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, since a temporary ODU path is set, the transmission device 50 transfers the control signal by (control signal transfer method 1).

[0094] The line signal receiving unit 305 of the transmission device 30 receives the signal transmitted from the transmission device 40. The ODUflex De-Map unit 307 of the transmission device 30 extracts a control signal. The control signal monitor unit 310 monitors the control signal extracted by the ODUflex De-Map unit 307 (step S115). The control signal monitor unit 310 outputs the control signal obtained from the ODUflex De-Map unit 307 to the Client signal transmitting unit 308. The Client signal transmitting unit 308 transmits the control signal to the user device 10 (step S116).

[0095] The control signal monitor 310 of the transmission device 30 notifies the NW monitoring control device 60 of the monitoring result (step S117). Specifically, the control signal monitor 310 notifies the NW monitoring control device 60 of the monitoring result, which is a result of a handshake between the control signal transmitted from the user device 10 and the control signal transmitted from the user device 20.

[0096] The control signal monitor 510 of the transmission device 50 notifies the NW monitoring control device 60 of the monitoring result (step S118). Specifically, the control signal monitor 510 notifies the NW monitoring control device 60 of the monitoring result, which is a result of a handshake between the control signal transmitted from the user device 10 and the control signal transmitted from the user device 20.

[0097] Through the processes of steps S117 and S118, the communication unit 61 of the NW monitoring control device 60 receives the monitoring results from each of the two transmission devices 30, 50. The determination unit 622 determines the transmission rate and transmission method using the received monitoring results and the control table stored in the storage unit 63 (step S119). The communication unit 61 transmits a change request including information on the determined transmission rate and transmission method to each of the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 (step S120).

[0098] The transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 receive the change request transmitted from the NW monitoring control device 60. The setting units 311, 412, and 511 of the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 set the ODU paths in accordance with the change request (steps S121, S122, and S123). After that, the client signal is transmitted and received between the user device 10 and the user device 20.

[0099] Next, a configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 13 in which the transmission devices 30 and 50 request the user devices 10 and 20 to transmit a control signal after a virtual ODU path is set, thereby initiating negotiation. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 2) showing a flow of processing in the transmission system 100 in the first embodiment. Note that in Fig. 13, the same processes as those in Fig. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 11, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] Assume that the user equipment 10 is physically connected to the transmission equipment 30 by wiring (step S150), and the user equipment 20 is physically connected to the transmission equipment 50 by wiring (step S151). After that, the setting request unit 621 of the NW monitoring control device 60 transmits a setting request for a tentative ODU path to the transmission equipment 30, 40, and 50 (step S152). The transmission equipment 30, 40, and 50 receive the setting request transmitted from the NW monitoring control device 60. The transmission equipment 30, 40, and 50 set up a tentative ODU path in accordance with the received setting request (steps S153, S154, S155).

[0101] After the tentative ODU path is established, the transmission device 30 transmits a transmission request for a control signal to the user device 10 (step S156). The user device 10 receives the transmission request for a control signal transmitted from the transmission device 30. After the tentative ODU path is established, the transmission device 50 transmits a transmission request for a control signal to the user device 20 (step S157). The user device 20 receives the transmission request for a control signal transmitted from the transmission device 50.

[0102] The signal generator 11 of the user device 10 generates a control signal in response to receiving a request to transmit the control signal transmitted from the transmission device 30. The signal generator 11 transmits the generated control signal to the transmission device 30 (step S158). After that, the processes from step S108 to step S111 are executed.

[0103] The signal generating unit 21 of the user device 20 generates a control signal in response to receiving a request to transmit a control signal transmitted from the transmission device 50. The signal generating unit 21 transmits the generated control signal to the transmission device 50 (step S159). For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 13, the timing at which the user device 20 transmits the control signal is after receiving the control signal transmitted from the user device 10 and after receiving the request to transmit a control signal transmitted from the transmission device 50. However, the user device 20 may transmit the control signal at any timing after receiving the request to transmit a control signal transmitted from the transmission device 50. For example, the user device 20 may transmit the control signal before the process of step S108 after receiving the request to transmit a control signal transmitted from the transmission device 50.

[0104] According to the transmission system 100 configured as above, the transmission devices 30 and 50 monitor the control signals transmitted for negotiation between the user equipment 10 and the user equipment 20. Then, the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 set the transmission rate of the ODU path obtained based on the monitoring result. As a result, it is possible to automatically set the bandwidth of the ODU path appropriate for signal communication simply by connecting the user equipment 10 and the user equipment 20 to the transmission device. Therefore, it is not necessary for the communication carrier to change the setting of the ODU path of the transmission device, and it is possible to quickly communicate signals.

[0105] For convenience of explanation, only one round trip of control signals is exchanged between the user equipment 10 and the user equipment 20 in Fig. 12, but negotiation may be performed by multiple round trips of control signals. In such a configuration, the NW monitoring control device 60 may determine the transmission rate and transmission method of the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50 based on multiple control signals. Also, instead of sequentially sending control signals between the user equipment 10 and the user equipment 20 as in Fig. 12, a control signal from the user equipment 10 to the user equipment 20 and a control signal from the user equipment 20 to the user equipment 10 may be sent and received simultaneously.

[0106] (Modification of the first embodiment) 12, the communication unit 61 of the NW monitoring control device 60 transmits a change request including information on the determined transmission rate and transmission method to all the transmission devices 30, 40, and 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication unit 61 may transmit the change request to the transmission devices 30 and 50, and either the transmission device 30 or 50 may notify the transmission device 40.

[0107] Second embodiment In the first embodiment, a configuration in which some transmission devices monitor control signals and a NW monitoring and control device determines the transmission rates and transmission methods of all transmission devices is described. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which all transmission devices monitor control signals and each transmission device determines the transmission rate and transmission method is described.

[0108] 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a transmission system 100a in the second embodiment. The transmission system 100a includes a user device 10, a user device 20, a transmission device 30a, a transmission device 40a, a transmission device 50a, and a NW monitoring and controlling device 60a. The transmission system 100a differs from the transmission system 100 in that the configurations of the transmission devices 30a, 40a, 50a, and the NW monitoring and controlling device 60a are different. The differences will be described below.

[0109] Unlike the NW monitoring control device 60 in the first embodiment, the NW monitoring control device 60a does not determine a transmission rate based on a monitoring result. That is, the NW monitoring control device 60a does not include a determination unit 622 and a storage unit 63. As for the other components, the NW monitoring control device 60a performs the same processes as the NW monitoring control device 60.

[0110] In the transmission system 100a in the second embodiment, all the transmission devices 30a, 40a, and 50a include a control signal monitor unit for monitoring a control signal. The control signal monitor units 310, 413, and 510 included in the transmission devices 30a, 40a, and 50a do not transmit the monitoring results to the NW monitoring control device 60a.

[0111] Furthermore, the setting units 311a, 412a, and 511a included in the transmission devices 30a, 40a, and 50a have the function of a determination unit 622 in addition to the processing in the first embodiment. That is, the setting units 311a, 412a, and 511a determine a transmission rate and a transmission method based on the monitoring result. The setting units 311a, 412a, and 511a set the determined transmission rate and the number of TSs based on the transmission rate.

[0112] 15 and 16 are sequence diagrams showing the flow of processing in the transmission system 100a in the second embodiment. In Figs. 15 and 16, the same processes as those in Figs. 11 and 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in Figs. 11 and 12, and the description thereof will be omitted. After the processes from step S101 to step S107 are performed, the client signal receiving unit 301 of the transmission device 30a receives a control signal transmitted from the user device 10. The control signal monitoring unit 310 monitors the control signal received by the client signal receiving unit 301 (step S201). The control signal monitoring unit 310 outputs the monitoring result to the setting unit 311a.

[0113] The control signal monitor unit 310 outputs the control signal obtained from the client signal receiver unit 301 to the ODUflexMap unit 302. After that, the transmission device 30a transfers the control signal by any one of the transfer methods 1 to 3 described above (step S202). In the example shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, since a temporary ODU path is set, the transmission device 30a transfers the control signal to the transmission device 40a by (control signal transfer method 1).

[0114] The line signal receiving unit 401 of the transmission device 40a receives the control signal transmitted from the transmission device 30a. The De-Mux unit 402 separates one or more ODUflex from the ODU received by the line signal receiving unit 401. This separates the control signal. The control signal monitor unit 413 monitors the control signal separated by the De-Mux unit 402 (step S203). The control signal monitor unit 413 outputs the monitoring result to the setting unit 412a. Thereafter, the transmission device 40a transfers the control signal to the transmission device 50a by any one of the transfer methods 1 to 3 shown above (step S204).

[0115] The line signal receiving unit 501 of the transmission device 50a receives the control signal transmitted from the transmission device 40a. The ODUflex De-Map unit 503 of the transmission device 50a extracts the control signal. The control signal monitor unit 510 monitors the control signal extracted by the ODUflex De-Map unit 503 (step S205). The control signal monitor unit 510 outputs the monitoring result to the setting unit 511a. The control signal monitor unit 510 outputs the control signal obtained from the ODUflex De-Map unit 503 to the Client signal transmitting unit 504. The Client signal transmitting unit 504 transmits the control signal to the user device 20 (step S111).

[0116] The signal generating unit 21 of the user device 20 generates a control signal. The signal generating unit 21 transmits the generated control signal to the transmission device 50a (step S112). The Client signal receiving unit 505 of the transmission device 50a receives the control signal transmitted from the user device 20. The control signal monitoring unit 510 monitors the control signal received by the Client signal receiving unit 505 (step S206). The control signal monitoring unit 510 outputs the monitoring result to the setting unit 511a.

[0117] The control signal monitor unit 510 outputs the control signal obtained from the client signal receiver unit 505 to the ODUflexMap unit 506. The transmission device 50a performs a transfer process of the control signal (step S207). In the example shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, since a temporary ODU path is set, the transmission device 50a transfers the control signal to the transmission device 40a by (control signal transfer method 1).

[0118] The line signal receiving unit 406 of the transmission device 40a receives the control signal transmitted from the transmission device 50a. The De-Mux unit 407 separates one or more ODUflex from the ODU received by the line signal receiving unit 406. This separates the control signal. The control signal monitor unit 413 monitors the control signal separated by the De-Mux unit 407 (step S208). The control signal monitor unit 413 outputs the monitoring result to the setting unit 412a. Thereafter, the transmission device 40a transfers the control signal to the transmission device 30a by any one of the transfer methods 1 to 3 shown above (step S209).

[0119] The line signal receiving unit 305 of the transmission device 30a receives the control signal transmitted from the transmission device 40a. The ODUflex De-Map unit 307 of the transmission device 30a extracts the control signal. The control signal monitor unit 310 monitors the control signal extracted by the ODUflex De-Map unit 307 (step S210). The control signal monitor unit 310 outputs the monitoring result to the setting unit 311a. The control signal monitor unit 310 outputs the control signal obtained from the ODUflex De-Map unit 307 to the Client signal transmitting unit 308. The Client signal transmitting unit 308 transmits the control signal to the user device 10 (step S116).

[0120] The setting unit 311a of the transmission device 30a determines the transmission rate and the transmission method using the obtained multiple monitoring results and the control table (step S211). The setting unit 412a of the transmission device 40a determines the transmission rate and the transmission method using the obtained multiple monitoring results and the control table (step S212). The setting unit 511a of the transmission device 50a determines the transmission rate and the transmission method using the obtained multiple monitoring results and the control table (step S213).

[0121] The setting units 311a, 412a, and 511a set the ODU paths based on the determined transmission rates (steps S214, S215, and S216). After that, the client signals are transmitted and received between the user equipment 10 and the user equipment 20.

[0122] According to the transmission system 100a configured as above, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0123] In the transmission system 100a, only the initial tentative ODU path setting is performed by the NW monitoring and control device 60a, and the subsequent settings of each transmission device 30a, 40a, and 50a are performed autonomously. This makes it possible to automatically set the ODU path bandwidth appropriate for signal communication by simply connecting the user device 10 and the user device 20 to the transmission device. This eliminates the need for the communication carrier to change the setting of the ODU path of the transmission device, enabling quick signal communication.

[0124] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the transmission system 100a, similarly to the first embodiment, after the tentative ODU path is set, the transmission devices 30a and 50a may be configured to prompt the start of negotiation by requesting the user devices 10 and 20 to transmit a control signal.

[0125] For convenience of explanation, in Fig. 16, only one round trip of control signals is exchanged between the user equipment 10 and the user equipment 20, but negotiation may be performed by multiple round trips of control signals. In such a configuration, each of the transmission equipment 30a, 40a, and 50a may determine the transmission rate and transmission method of the transmission equipment 30a, 40a, and 50a based on multiple control signals. Also, instead of sequentially sending control signals between the user equipment 10 and the user equipment 20 as shown in Fig. 16, a control signal from the user equipment 10 to the user equipment 20 and a control signal from the user equipment 20 to the user equipment 10 may be simultaneously sent and received.

[0126] Some of the functional units of the transmission devices 30, 30a, 40, 40a, 50, and 50a in the above-described embodiments may be realized by a computer. In this case, a program for realizing the functions may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0127] In addition, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client in such a case. Furthermore, the above program may be one that realizes part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be one that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or may be one that is realized using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA.

[0128] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included. [Industrial Applicability]

[0129] The present invention can be applied to multiplexing and accommodating techniques in optical transmission networks. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10, 20...user device, 11, 21...signal generation unit, 12, 22...signal reception unit, 30, 30a, 40, 40a, 50, 50a...transmission device, 60, 60a...network monitoring and control device, 61...communication unit, 62...control unit, 63...storage unit, 301, 505...client signal reception unit, 302, 506...ODUflexMap unit, 303, 404, 409, 507...Mux unit, 304, 405, 410, 508...line signal transmission unit, 305, 401, 406, 501...line signal reception unit, 306, 402, 407, 502...De-Mux unit, 307, 503...ODUflexDe-Map unit, 308, 504...client signal transmission unit, 309, 411, 509...equipment monitoring control section, 310, 510...control signal monitor section, 311, 312a, 412, 412a, 511, 511a...setting section, 403, 408...ODU-XC section, 621...setting request section, 62...control section< / url:>

Claims

1. A transmission device provided between user devices and configured to transmit a client signal transmitted by the user devices through an optical transmission network, comprising: a setting unit that sets a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained by monitoring a control signal transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; a transfer unit that transfers the client signal using the path set by the setting unit; Equipped with A control signal monitor unit monitors the control signal transmitted from each user device, The control signal monitor unit notifies a monitor control device that controls the transmission device of a monitor result; the setting unit sets a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal determined by the monitoring and control device. Transmission equipment.

2. A transmission device provided between user devices and transmitting a client signal transmitted by the user devices through an optical transmission network, comprising: a setting unit that sets a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained by monitoring a control signal transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; a transfer unit that transfers the client signal using the path set by the setting unit; Equipped with A control signal monitor unit monitors the control signal transmitted from each user device, the setting unit determines a band for accommodating the client signal using a monitoring result obtained by the control signal monitoring unit, and sets a path having the determined band. Transmission equipment.

3. A transmission device provided between user devices and transmitting a client signal transmitted by the user devices through an optical transmission network, comprising: a setting unit that sets a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained by monitoring a control signal transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; a transfer unit that transfers the client signal using the path set by the setting unit; Equipped with the setting unit sets a tentative path for the negotiation, and re-establishes a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained based on a result of monitoring the control signal; Transmission equipment.

4. A transmission device provided between user devices and transmitting a client signal transmitted by the user devices through an optical transmission network, comprising: a setting unit that sets a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained by monitoring a control signal transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; a transfer unit that transfers the client signal using the path set by the setting unit; Equipped with The transfer unit maps and transfers the client signal by superimposing a lane identifier on a line code. Transmission equipment.

5. A transmission device provided between user devices and transmitting a client signal transmitted by the user devices through an optical transmission network, comprising: a setting unit that sets a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained by monitoring a control signal transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; a transfer unit that transfers the client signal using the path set by the setting unit; Equipped with The setting unit sets the number of ODUflex and tributary slots (TS) according to the speed of the client signal to be accommodated. Transmission equipment.

6. A setting method in a transmission device provided between user devices and transmitting a client signal transmitted by the user devices through an optical transmission network, comprising: setting a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained by monitoring a control signal transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; Transferring the client signal using the established path; monitoring the control signals transmitted from each user device; notifying a monitor control device that controls the transmission device of the monitoring result; setting a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal determined by the monitoring and control device; How to set the path.

7. A setting method in a transmission device provided between user devices and transmitting a client signal transmitted by the user devices through an optical transmission network, comprising: setting a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained by monitoring a control signal transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; Transferring the client signal using the established path; monitoring the control signals transmitted from each user device; determining a band for accommodating the client signal using a monitoring result, and setting a path having the determined band; How to set the path.

8. A setting method in a transmission device provided between user devices and transmitting a client signal transmitted by the user devices through an optical transmission network, comprising: setting a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained by monitoring a control signal transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; Transferring the client signal using the established path; setting a tentative path for the negotiation, and re-setting a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained based on a result of monitoring the control signal; How to set the path.

9. A setting method in a transmission device provided between user devices and transmitting a client signal transmitted by the user devices through an optical transmission network, comprising: setting a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained by monitoring a control signal transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; Transferring the client signal using the established path; Mapping and transmitting the client signal by superimposing the lane identifier in the line code; How to set the path.

10. A setting method in a transmission device provided between user devices and transmitting a client signal transmitted by the user devices through an optical transmission network, comprising: setting a path having a bandwidth for accommodating the client signal obtained by monitoring a control signal transmitted and received during negotiation between the user devices; Transferring the client signal using the established path; Setting the number of ODUflex and tributary slots (TS) according to the speed of the client signal to be accommodated; How to set the path.

11. A computer program for causing a computer to function as a transmission device described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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