Connection work support system and connection work support method

Abstract

To improve efficiency of work of connecting devices.SOLUTION: A connection source device includes a plurality of first ports, and a connection destination device includes a plurality of second ports and a connection destination display unit. The connection destination display unit displays a position of a connection destination port of the plurality of second ports. A support device supports work of connecting a connection source port of the plurality of first ports with the connection destination port using a cable. When the cable is connected to the connection source port, the support device identifies the connection destination port from the plurality of second ports on the basis of identification information showing a communication network to which the connection source port belongs. The support device then transmits, to the connection destination device, a connection destination display instruction for instructing to display a position of the identified connection destination port. The connection destination display unit displays the position of the connection destination port on the basis of the connection destination display instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to connection work support technology.

Background Art

[0002] When delivering a server system to a customer, setup services may be performed at the manufacturer's factory. In the setup service, based on the connection diagram provided by the customer, a connection operation is performed to connect a plurality of devices included in the server system with LAN (Local Area Network) cables.

[0003] In relation to the connection operation, even before connecting the cables, there is known a relay device that visually and easily indicates the correct connection destination, shortens the working time, and improves the working efficiency during environment construction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also known a system for guiding the electronic connection between nodes of a computer system (see, for example, Patent Document 2). There is also known an electronic device having a misconnection prevention function capable of preventing misconnection of an external device to an electronic device (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The connection work in the server system includes software settings, hardware connection, and network inspection. The software setting is the work of setting an IP (Internet Protocol) address and a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) ID for each port of each device.

[0006] The hardware connection is the work of connecting between ports with a LAN cable. The network inspection is the work of confirming whether the connection between ports is correct by executing a communication test program. As an example, the connection work for one to two racks per day is performed.

[0007] However, with the large-scale expansion of the server system, the workload of hardware connection is increasing. Since the hardware connection is mainly performed by visual inspection of workers, the work efficiency decreases as the workload increases.

[0008] Note that such a problem occurs not only in the connection work between devices in the server system but also in the connection work between devices in various systems.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention aims to improve the efficiency of the connection work between devices.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] In one solution, the connection work support system includes a source device, a destination device, and a support device. The source device includes a plurality of first ports, the destination device includes a plurality of second ports and a destination display unit. The destination display unit displays the position of the destination port among the plurality of second ports. The support device supports the work of connecting the source port and the destination port among the plurality of first ports with a cable.

[0011] When a cable is connected to the source port, the support device identifies the destination port from among a plurality of second ports based on the identification information indicating the communication network to which the source port belongs. Then, the support device transmits a destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the identified destination port to the destination device. The destination display unit displays the position of the destination port based on the destination display instruction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to one aspect, the connection work between devices can be made more efficient.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

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Figure 14

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Figure 17

Figure 18

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows an example of the connection work of a comparative example in a server system. In the connection work of FIG. 1, three operations of software setting 101, hardware connection 102, and network inspection 103 are performed. Among these, there is no determined order between the software setting 101 and the hardware connection 102, and either operation may be performed first.

[0016] Therefore, the connection work is performed in the order of software setting 101, hardware connection 102, and network inspection 103, or in the order of hardware connection 102, software setting 101, and network inspection 103.

[0017] When connecting a network switch and a server, the software setting 101 includes the setting of the network switch and the setting of the server. Among these, the setting of the network switch is performed in the following procedure.

[0018] (P1) Start setting.

[0019] (P2) The operator copies the information of each port of the network switch included in the connection diagram information to the work PC (Personal Computer). The information of each port includes port identification information, an IP address, and a VLAN ID. The port identification information is information indicating the physical location of the port, the IP address is the IP address assigned to the port, and the VLAN ID is identification information indicating the VLAN to which the port belongs.

[0020] (P3) The operator connects the work PC to the management port of the network switch.

[0021] (P4) The work PC displays a list of device names of each of the multiple ports included in the network switch on the screen.

[0022] (P5) The operator associates the port identification information of each port with the device name of each port displayed on the screen.

[0023] (P6) Based on the result of associating the port identification information with the device name, the operator inputs commands into the work PC to set the IP address and VLAN ID for each port.

[0024] (P7) The operator inputs commands into the work PC to compare the information of each port copied from the connection diagram information with the setting result, and confirms that the settings of the network switch are correct.

[0025] (P8) The operator removes the work PC from the management port of the network switch.

[0026] (P9) The setting is completed.

[0027] On the other hand, the server settings are performed in the following procedure.

[0028] (P11) The setting starts.

[0029] (P12) The operator disconnects and reconnects the LAN cable for each port of the server, and associates the change in the link-up state with the device name displayed on the screen by the OS (Operating System) to identify the port to be configured.

[0030] (P13) The operator sets the IP address and VLAN ID for the port to be configured according to the information in the connection diagram.

[0031] (P14) The operator compares the setting result displayed on the server screen with the information in the connection diagram and visually confirms that the server settings are correct.

[0032] (P15) Configuration completed.

[0033] Note that there is no fixed order between the configuration of the network switch and the server, and either operation can be performed first.

[0034] The hardware connection 102 is performed in the following procedure.

[0035] (P21) Connection start.

[0036] (P22) The operator connects each port of the network switch and each port of the server with a LAN cable according to the connection diagram.

[0037] (P23) The operator visually confirms that the LAN cable is correctly connected.

[0038] (P24) Connection ended.

[0039] The network inspection 103 is performed in the following procedure.

[0040] (P31) Inspection start.

[0041] (P32) The operator copies the communication test program from the work PC to the server.

[0042] (P33) The operator checks that communication is possible between the server and the network switch by executing a communication test program on the server.

[0043] (P34) The operator deletes the communication test program from the server.

[0044] (P35) Inspection is completed.

[0045] In the connection work of the comparative example, as the server system becomes larger, the workload of the hardware connection 102 increases, and work mistakes are likely to occur in the visual work of the operator. Also, when a misconnection between ports is detected in the network inspection 103, verification work to identify whether the software setting 101 or the hardware connection 102 is the cause of the misconnection, and recovery work are carried out. In this case, a huge workload may occur for the verification work and the recovery work.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration example of the connection work support system of the embodiment. The connection work support system in FIG. 2 includes a source device 201, a destination device 202, and a support device 203.

[0047] The source device 201 includes first ports 211-1 to 211-N (N is an integer of 2 or more). The destination device 202 includes second ports 221-1 to 221-M (M is an integer of 2 or more) and a destination display unit 222. The destination display unit 222 displays the positions of the destination ports among the second ports 221-1 to 221-M. The support device 203 supports the work of connecting the source port and the destination port among the first ports 211-1 to 211-N with a cable.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the connection work support process performed by the connection work support system of FIG. 2. First, when a cable is connected to the source port, the support device 203 identifies the destination port from among the second ports 221-1 to 221-M based on the identification information indicating the communication network to which the source port belongs (step 301). Then, the support device 203 transmits a destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the identified destination port to the destination device 202 (step 302).

[0049] Based on the destination display instruction, the destination display unit 222 of the destination device 202 displays the position of the destination port (step 303).

[0050] According to the connection work support system of FIG. 2, the connection work between devices can be made more efficient.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a hardware configuration example of a specific example of the connection work support system of FIG. 2. The connection work support system of FIG. 4 includes servers 401-1 to 401-P (P is an integer of 1 or more), network switches 402-1 to 402-Q (Q is an integer of 1 or more), and a work PC 403. These components are connected to each other by a management LAN 404.

[0052] The servers 401-1 to 401-P and the network switches 402-1 to 402-Q are server systems and are an example of an information processing system. The server 401-p (p = 1 to P), the network switch 402-q (q = 1 to Q), and the work PC 403 are information processing devices (computers).

[0053] Each of the servers 401-1 to 401-P and the network switches 402-1 to 402-Q corresponds to the source device 201 or the destination device 202 of FIG. 2. The work PC 403 corresponds to the support device 203 of FIG. 2.

[0054] FIG. 5 shows a functional configuration example of the server 401-p in FIG. 4. The server 401-p in FIG. 5 includes a management unit 511, a storage unit 512, a communication unit 513, ports 514-1 to 514-L (L is an integer of 2 or more), and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 515-1 to 515-L. Each LED 515-i (i = 1 to L) is an example of a light emitting unit and is associated with the port 514-i.

[0055] When the server 401-p corresponds to the source device 201 in FIG. 2, the ports 514-1 to 514-L correspond to the first ports 211-1 to 211-N, and the LEDs 515-1 to 515-L operate as an example of a source display unit. By using the LEDs 515-1 to 515-L as the source display unit, the position of the source port can be clearly displayed.

[0056] When the server 401-p corresponds to the destination device 202 in FIG. 2, the ports 514-1 to 514-L correspond to the second ports 221-1 to 221-M, and the LEDs 515-1 to 515-L correspond to the destination display unit 222. By using the LEDs 515-1 to 515-L as the destination display unit 222, the position of the destination port can be clearly displayed.

[0057] The storage unit 512 stores information on the connection diagram of the server system. The information on the connection diagram is provided, for example, by a customer using the server system. The communication unit 513 communicates with the work PC 403 via the management LAN 404. The management unit 511 detects that one connector of the LAN cable is physically connected to each port 514-i and detects the VLAN ID set for each port 514-i. Further, the management unit 511 controls the lighting and extinguishing of each LED 515-i.

[0058] FIG. 6 shows a functional configuration example of the network switch 402-q in FIG. 4. The network switch 402-q in FIG. 6 includes a management unit 611, a storage unit 612, a communication unit 613, ports 614-1 to 614-K (K is an integer of 2 or more), and LEDs 615-1 to 615-K. Each LED 615-j (j = 1 to K) is an example of a light emitting unit and is associated with the port 614-j.

[0059] When the network switch 402-q corresponds to the source device 201 in FIG. 2, the ports 614-1 to 614-K correspond to the first ports 211-1 to 211-N, and the LEDs 615-1 to 615-K operate as an example of a source connection display unit. By using the LEDs 615-1 to 615-K as the source connection display unit, the position of the source port can be clearly displayed.

[0060] When the network switch 402-q corresponds to the destination device 202 in FIG. 2, the ports 614-1 to 614-K correspond to the second ports 221-1 to 221-M, and the LEDs 615-1 to 615-K correspond to the destination connection display unit 222. By using the LEDs 615-1 to 615-K as the destination connection display unit 222, the position of the destination port can be clearly displayed.

[0061] The storage unit 612 stores information used by the management unit 611. The communication unit 613 communicates with the work PC 403 via the management LAN 404. The management unit 611 detects that one connector of the LAN cable is physically connected to each port 614-j and detects the VLAN ID set for each port 614-j. Further, the management unit 611 controls the lighting and extinguishing of each LED 615-j.

[0062] Figure 7 shows a functional configuration example of the work PC 403 in FIG. 4. The work PC 403 in FIG. 7 includes a monitoring unit 711, a control unit 712, a storage unit 713, and a communication unit 714. The storage unit 713 stores information on the connection diagram of the server system. The communication unit 714 communicates with the server 401-p and the network switch 402-q via the management LAN 404.

[0063] The monitoring unit 711 monitors the connection state of port 514-i of the server 401-p based on the information received by the communication unit 714 from the server 401-p. Further, the monitoring unit 711 monitors the connection state of port 614-j of the network switch 402-q based on the information received by the communication unit 714 from the network switch 402-q. The connection state of port 514-i indicates whether a LAN cable is connected to port 514-i, and the connection state of port 614-j indicates whether a LAN cable is connected to port 614-j.

[0064] When a LAN cable is connected to the connection source port of the connection source device, the control unit 712 identifies the connection destination port of the connection destination device based on the connection diagram information stored in the storage unit 713.

[0065] The control unit 712 transmits, via the communication unit 714, a display instruction for instructing the display of the position of any port 514-i to the server 401-p. The management unit 511 of the server 401-p lights the LED 515-i corresponding to the port 514-i according to the received display instruction. The display instruction is either a connection source display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the connection source port or a connection destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the connection destination port.

[0066] Also, the control unit 712 transmits a display cancellation instruction for canceling the display of the position of any port 514-i to the server 401-p via the communication unit 714. The management unit 511 of the server 401-p turns off the LED 515-i corresponding to the port 514-i according to the received display cancellation instruction. The display cancellation instruction is either a source connection display cancellation instruction for canceling the display of the position of the source port or a destination connection display cancellation instruction for canceling the display of the position of the destination port.

[0067] The control unit 712 transmits a display instruction for instructing the display of the position of any port 614-j to the network switch 402-q via the communication unit 714. The management unit 611 of the network switch 402-q turns on the LED 615-j corresponding to the port 614-j according to the received display instruction. The display instruction is either a source connection display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the source port or a destination connection display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the destination port.

[0068] Also, the control unit 712 transmits a display cancellation instruction for canceling the display of the position of any port 614-j to the network switch 402-q via the communication unit 714. The management unit 611 of the network switch 402-q turns off the LED 615-j corresponding to the port 614-j according to the received display cancellation instruction. The display cancellation instruction is either a source connection display cancellation instruction for canceling the display of the position of the source port or a destination connection display cancellation instruction for canceling the display of the position of the destination port.

[0069] The control unit 712 guides the operator to connect the LAN cable to the source port by turning on the LED 515-i or LED 615-j corresponding to the source port. Also, the control unit 712 guides the operator to connect the LAN cable to the destination port by turning on the LED 515-i or LED 615-j corresponding to the destination port. Thereby, the connection work of connecting the source port and the destination port with the LAN cable is supported.

[0070] Figure 8 shows an example of the connection diagram of the server system. The connection diagram of Figure 8 includes a network switch 801-1, a network switch 801-2, a server 802-1, and a server 802-2 as devices. The device number of the network switch 801-1 is SW02, and the device number of the network switch 801-2 is SW03. The device number of the server 802-1 is SV01, and the device number of the server 802-2 is SV02.

[0071] The network switch 801-1 includes ports 811-1 to 811-6, and the network switch 801-2 includes ports 821-1 to 821-5. The server 802-1 includes ports 831-1 to 831-4, and the server 802-2 includes ports 841-1 to 841-3.

[0072] Port 811-1 and port 831-1 are connected by a LAN cable 851, and port 811-2 and port 841-1 are connected by a LAN cable 852. Port 811-3 and port 831-2 are connected by a LAN cable 853, and port 811-4 and port 841-2 are connected by a LAN cable 854.

[0073] Port 811-5 and port 821-4 are connected by a LAN cable 855, and port 811-6 and port 821-5 are connected by a LAN cable 856. Port 821-1 and port 831-3 are connected by a LAN cable 857, and port 821-2 and port 841-3 are connected by a LAN cable 858. Port 821-3 and port 831-4 are connected by a LAN cable 859.

[0074] FIG. 9 shows an example of the connection diagram information in FIG. 8. The connection diagram information in FIG. 9 includes cable ID, source connection information, and destination connection information. The source connection information and the destination connection information include rack name / mounting position (U), device number, device name, marking, IP address, and VLAN ID. The device corresponds to network switch 801-q (q = 1, 2) or server 802-p (p = 1, 2).

[0075] The cable ID is the identification information of LAN cables 851 to 859. The rack name / mounting position (U) represents the name of the rack where the device is mounted and the position within the rack. The device number is the identification information of the device, and the device name is the name of the device.

[0076] The marking is port identification information indicating the physical position of each port within the device. The port identification information of the ports included in network switch 801-1 and network switch 801-2 is, for example, the port number. On the other hand, the port identification information of the ports included in server 802-1 and server 802-2 is a combination of information indicating the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slot and the port number.

[0077] The IP address is the IP address assigned to each port, and the VLAN ID is the identification information indicating the VLAN to which each port belongs. The VLAN ID corresponds to the identification information indicating the communication network.

[0078] Cable IDs "1" to "9" respectively correspond to LAN cables 851 to 859. The LAN cable indicated by each cable ID connects the port of the device indicated by the source connection information corresponding to the cable ID and the port of the device indicated by the destination connection information corresponding to the cable ID.

[0079] The device number "SV01" of the source connection information corresponding to cable ID "1" represents server 802-1, and the engraving "&OCP module.0" represents the combination of information indicating the PCI slot of port 831-1 and the port number. The device number "SW02" of the destination connection information corresponding to cable ID "1" represents network switch 801-1, and the engraving "6" represents the port number of port 811-1. The VLAN ID of the VLAN to which port 831-1 and port 811-1 belong is "10".

[0080] The device number "SV02" of the source connection information corresponding to cable ID "2" represents server 802-2, and the engraving "&OCP Card.0" represents the combination of information indicating the PCI slot of port 841-1 and the port number. The device number "SW02" of the destination connection information corresponding to cable ID "2" represents network switch 801-1, and the engraving "7" represents the port number of port 811-2. The VLAN ID of the VLAN to which port 841-1 and port 811-2 belong is "20".

[0081] The device number "SV01" of the source connection information corresponding to cable ID "3" represents server 802-1, and the engraving "&OCP module.1" represents the combination of information indicating the PCI slot of port 831-2 and the port number. The device number "SW02" of the destination connection information corresponding to cable ID "3" represents network switch 801-1, and the engraving "22" represents the port number of port 811-3. The VLAN ID of the VLAN to which port 831-2 and port 811-3 belong is "30".

[0082] The device number "SV02" of the source connection information corresponding to cable ID "4" represents server 802-2, and the engraving "&OCP Card.1" represents the combination of information indicating the PCI slot of port 841-2 and the port number. The device number "SW02" of the destination connection information corresponding to cable ID "4" represents network switch 801-1, and the engraving "23" represents the port number of port 811-4. The VLAN ID of the VLAN to which port 841-2 and port 811-4 belong is "40".

[0083] The device number "SW03" of the source connection information corresponding to cable ID "5" represents the network switch 801-2, and the engraving "47" represents the port number of port 821-4. The device number "SW02" of the destination connection information corresponding to cable ID "5" represents the network switch 801-1, and the engraving "47" represents the port number of port 811-5. The VLAN ID of the VLAN to which port 821-4 and port 811-5 belong is "50".

[0084] The device number "SW03" of the source connection information corresponding to cable ID "6" represents the network switch 801-2, and the engraving "48" represents the port number of port 821-5. The device number "SW02" of the destination connection information corresponding to cable ID "6" represents the network switch 801-1, and the engraving "48" represents the port number of port 811-6. The VLAN ID of the VLAN to which port 821-5 and port 811-6 belong is "60".

[0085] The device number "SV01" of the source connection information corresponding to cable ID "7" represents the server 802-1, and the engraving "&B1(Slot3).&A1" represents the combination of information indicating the PCI slot of port 831-3 and the port number. The device number "SW03" of the destination connection information corresponding to cable ID "7" represents the network switch 801-2, and the engraving "6" represents the port number of port 821-1. The VLAN ID of the VLAN to which port 831-3 and port 821-1 belong is "70".

[0086] The device number "SV02" of the source connection information corresponding to cable ID "8" represents the server 802-2, and the engraving "&C1(Slot2).&A1" represents the combination of information indicating the PCI slot of port 841-3 and the port number. The device number "SW03" of the destination connection information corresponding to cable ID "8" represents the network switch 801-2, and the engraving "7" represents the port number of port 821-2. The VLAN ID of the VLAN to which port 841-3 and port 821-2 belong is "80".

[0087] The device number "SV01" of the source connection information corresponding to the cable ID "9" represents the server 802-1, and the engraving "&B1(Slot3).&A2" represents the combination of the information indicating the PCI slot of port 831-4 and the port number. The device number "SW03" of the destination connection information corresponding to the cable ID "9" represents the network switch 801-2, and the engraving "22" represents the port number of port 821-3. The VLAN ID of the VLAN to which port 831-4 and port 821-3 belong is "90".

[0088] In the connection operation in the connection operation support system of FIG. 4, two operations, i.e., software setting and hardware connection, are performed. The software setting includes the setting of the network switch and the setting of the server.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting of the network switch. The setting of the network switch in FIG. 10 is performed for each network switch 402-q.

[0090] First, the operator 1000 connects the work PC 403 to the management port of the network switch 402-q (step 1001). As the management port, for example, any one of ports 614-1 to 614-K is used.

[0091] Next, the operator 1000 inputs the information of each port 614-j of the network switch 402-q included in the information of the connection diagram of the server system into the work PC 403 (step 1002). Then, the control unit 712 of the work PC 403 stores the input information in the storage unit 713. The information of each port 614-j includes port identification information, an IP address, and a VLAN ID.

[0092] Next, the control unit 712 identifies the port 614-j to be set by the device name based on the specifications of the network switch 402-q (step 1003). The port 614-j to be set is the port 614-j included in the connection diagram information. Then, the control unit 712 associates the port identification information stored in the storage unit 713 with the device name of the port 614-j to be set based on the specifications of the network switch 402-q (step 1004).

[0093] Next, based on the result of associating the port identification information with the device name, the control unit 712 generates information on the port 614-j to be set (step 1005). The information on the port 614-j to be set includes the device name, IP address, and VLAN ID. Then, the operator 1000 inputs a command to the work PC 403, and the control unit 712 sets the IP address and VLAN ID to the port 614-j to be set according to the input command (step 1006).

[0094] Next, the operator 1000 inputs a command to the work PC 403, and the control unit 712 compares the information on the port 614-j to be set with the setting result according to the input command (step 1007).

[0095] If the information on the port 614-j to be set does not match the setting result (step 1007, NO), the operator 1000 determines that the setting result is incorrect and repeats the operations after step 1006. If the information on the port 614-j to be set matches the setting result (step 1007, YES), the operator 1000 determines that the setting result is correct and removes the work PC 403 from the management port of the network switch 402-q (step 1008).

[0096] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of server settings. The server settings in FIG. 11 are performed for each server 401-p.

[0097] First, the operator 1000 connects the work PC 403 to the management port of the server 401-p (step 1101). As the management port, for example, any one of ports 514-1 to 514-L is used.

[0098] Next, the operator 1000 inputs the information of each port 514-i of the server 401-p included in the information of the connection diagram of the server system into the work PC 403, and the control unit 712 of the work PC 403 stores the input information in the storage unit 713 (step 1102). The information of each port 514-i includes port identification information, an IP address, and a VLAN ID.

[0099] Next, the control unit 712 transmits the information of each port 514-i to the server 401-p via the communication unit 714, and the management unit 511 of the server 401-p stores the received information in the storage unit 512 (step 1103). As a result, the information of each port 514-i is copied from the work PC 403 to the server 401-p.

[0100] Next, based on the information of the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) of the server 401-p, the management unit 511 identifies the port 514-i to be set from the ports 514-i mounted on the server 401-p by the device name (step 1104). The port 514-i to be set is the port 514-i included in the information of the connection diagram.

[0101] Next, the operator 1000 inputs a command to the server 401-p, and the management unit 511 sets the IP address and VLAN ID stored in the storage unit 512 for the port 514-i to be set according to the input command (step 1105).

[0102] Next, the operator 1000 inputs a command to the server 401-p, and the management unit 511 compares the information of the port 514-i to be set with the setting result according to the input command (step 1106).

[0103] If the information of the port 514-i to be set does not match the setting result (step 1106, NO), the operator 1000 determines that the setting result is incorrect and repeats the operations after step 1105. If the information of the port 514-i to be set matches the setting result (step 1106, YES), the operator 1000 determines that the setting result is correct and removes the working PC 403 from the management port of the server 401-p (step 1107).

[0104] Note that there is no fixed order between the setting of the network switch and the setting of the server, and either operation can be performed first.

[0105] When the setting of the network switch and the setting of the server are completed, the operator 1000 performs preparatory work for the hardware connection. The preparatory work includes connecting the network switch and the working PC, connecting the server and the working PC, and determining the LED status.

[0106] The connection between the network switch and the working PC is performed according to the following procedure.

[0107] (P41) Connection start.

[0108] (P42) The operator 1000 connects the management port of the network switch 402-q and the working PC 403 with a LAN cable.

[0109] (P43) The operator 1000 checks that the communication unit 613 of the network switch 402-q and the communication unit 714 of the working PC 403 can communicate with each other.

[0110] (P44) Connection end.

[0111] The connection between the server and the working PC is performed according to the following procedure.

[0112] (P51) Connection start.

[0113] (P52) Operator 1000 connects the management port of server 401-p and the work PC 403 with a LAN cable.

[0114] (P53) Operator 1000 checks that the communication unit 513 of server 401-p and the communication unit 714 of work PC 403 can communicate with each other.

[0115] (P54) Connection completed.

[0116] Note that there is no fixed order between the connection of the network switch and the work PC and the connection of the server and the work PC, and either operation can be performed first.

[0117] When the connection between the network switch and the work PC and the connection between the server and the work PC are completed, the LED status is determined. The determination of the LED status includes information collection of the network switch, information collection of the server, information verification, and status change of the LED of the network switch.

[0118] The information collection of the network switch is performed according to the following procedure.

[0119] (P61) Work starts.

[0120] (P62) The management unit 611 of each network switch 402-q acquires the information of each port 614-j. The information of each port 614-j includes the connection status, VLAN ID, and information for identifying the network switch 402-q. As the information for identifying the network switch 402-q, the IP address of the management port of the network switch 402-q, the serial number of the network switch 402-q, etc. are used.

[0121] (P63) The management unit 611 transmits the information of each port 614-j to the work PC 403.

[0122] (P64) The monitoring unit 711 of the work PC 403 stores the received information in the storage unit 713.

[0123] (P65) Operation completed.

[0124] The information collection of the server is performed according to the following procedure.

[0125] (P71) Operation started.

[0126] (P72) The management unit 511 of each server 401-p acquires the information of each port 514-i. The information of each port 514-i includes the connection state, VLAN ID, and information for identifying the server 401-p. As the information for identifying the server 401-p, the IP address of the management port of the server 401-p, the serial number of the server 401-p, etc. are used.

[0127] (P73) The management unit 511 transmits the information of each port 514-i to the work PC 403.

[0128] (P74) The monitoring unit 711 of the work PC 403 stores the received information in the storage unit 713.

[0129] (P75) Operation completed.

[0130] The information verification is performed according to the following procedure.

[0131] (P81) Operation started.

[0132] (P82) The monitoring unit 711 of the work PC 403 compares the VLAN ID included in the information of each port 614-j of each network switch 402-q stored in the storage unit 713 with the VLAN ID included in the information of each port 514-i of each server 401-p.

[0133] If all VLAN IDs are included in both the information of port 614-j and the information of port 514-i, the monitoring unit 711 determines that the server system is normal and continues the process. Even if any VLAN ID is included only in the information of port 614-j and not in the information of port 514-i, the monitoring unit 711 determines that the server system is normal and continues the process.

[0134] On the other hand, if any VLAN ID is included only in the information of port 514-i and not in the information of port 614-j, the monitoring unit 711 determines that the server system is abnormal, displays a warning on the screen, and stops the process.

[0135] (P83) Work completed.

[0136] The status change of the LED of the network switch is performed according to the following procedure.

[0137] (P91) Work started.

[0138] (P92) The control unit 712 of the work PC 403 instructs each network switch 402-q to turn off all the LEDs 615-j.

[0139] (P93) The management unit 611 of each network switch 402-q turns off all the LEDs 615-j.

[0140] (P94) Work completed.

[0141] Thus, when the preparatory work for the hardware connection is completed, the operator 1000 performs the hardware connection.

[0142] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the connection of the first hardware. First, the control unit 712 of the work PC 403 refers to the information of each port 514-i of each server 401-p, and extracts the port 514-i to be connected as the source port (step 1201). As the port 514-i to be connected, for example, among the ports 514-i having a VLAN ID and having a connection state without connection, the port 514-i having the smallest VLAN ID is selected.

[0143] Then, the control unit 712 transmits, via the communication unit 714, a source display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the source port to all the servers 401-p by broadcast. The source display instruction includes the VLAN ID of the source port, an instruction to turn on the LED 515-i corresponding to the source port, and an instruction to turn off the LED 515-i corresponding to the other ports 514-i.

[0144] The management unit 511 of each server 401-p searches for the port 514-i in which the VLAN ID included in the received source display instruction is set among the ports 514-i in the server 401-p. Then, the management unit 511 of the server 401-p having the port 514-i identifies the searched port 514-i as the source port.

[0145] The management unit 511 of the server 401-p having the identified source port turns on the LED 515-i corresponding to the source port and turns off the LED 515-i corresponding to the other ports 514-i (step 1202). Thereby, the position of the source port is displayed, and the connection of the LAN cable becomes easy. The operator 1000 connects one connector of the LAN cable to the port 514-i corresponding to the lit LED 515-i (step 1203).

[0146] Next, the management unit 511 detects that a LAN cable is connected to any of the ports 514-i (step 1204), and acquires information on the port 514-i to which the LAN cable is connected. Then, the management unit 511 transmits the information on the port 514-i to the work PC 403 via the communication unit 513 (step 1205).

[0147] The information on the port 514-i includes a VLAN ID, a connection state indicating connection, and information specifying the server 401-p. The connection state indicating connection shows that a LAN cable is connected to the port 514-i. The connection state indicating connection is an example of the first connection information.

[0148] The monitoring unit 711 of the work PC 403 stores the received information on the port 514-i in the storage unit 713, and checks whether a LAN cable is connected to the source port based on the information on the port 514-i (step 1206).

[0149] The monitoring unit 711 determines that a LAN cable is connected to the source port when the VLAN ID included in the information on the port 514-i matches the VLAN ID of the source port and the connection state included in the information on the port 514-i indicates connection. On the other hand, the monitoring unit 711 determines that no LAN cable is connected to the source port when the VLAN ID included in the information on the port 514-i does not match the VLAN ID of the source port.

[0150] When no LAN cable is connected to the source port (step 1206, NO), the monitoring unit 711 determines that the work result is abnormal, and the work PC 403 repeats the processing from step 1201 and subsequent steps for the same connection target.

[0151] On one hand, when a LAN cable is connected to the source port (step 1206, YES), the monitoring unit 711 determines that the operation result is normal, and the control unit 712 performs the process of step 1207. In step 1207, the control unit 712 refers to the information of each port 614-j of each network switch 402-q, and extracts the port 614-j having the VLAN ID included in the information of the received port 514-i as the destination port.

[0152] Next, the control unit 712 transmits, via the communication unit 714, a destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the destination port to all network switches 402-q by broadcast. The destination display instruction includes the VLAN ID of the destination port, an instruction to turn on the LED 615-j corresponding to the destination port, and an instruction to turn off the LED 615-j corresponding to the other ports 614-j.

[0153] The management unit 611 of each network switch 402-q searches for the port 614-j in which the VLAN ID included in the received destination display instruction is set among the ports 614-j in the network switch 402-q. Then, the management unit 611 of the network switch 402-q having that port 614-j identifies the searched port 614-j as the destination port.

[0154] The management unit 611 of the network switch 402-q having the identified destination port turns on the LED 615-j corresponding to the destination port and turns off the LED 615-j corresponding to the other ports 614-j (step 1208). Thereby, the position of the destination port is displayed, facilitating the connection of the LAN cable. The operator 1000 connects the other connector of the LAN cable to the port 614-j corresponding to the lit LED 615-j (step 1209).

[0155] Next, the management unit 611 detects that a LAN cable is connected to any of the ports 614-j (step 1210), and acquires information on the port 614-j to which the LAN cable is connected. Then, the management unit 611 transmits the information on the port 614-j to the work PC 403 via the communication unit 613 (step 1211).

[0156] The information on the port 614-j includes a VLAN ID, a connection state indicating connection, and information identifying the network switch 402-q. The connection state indicating connection shows that a LAN cable is connected to the port 614-j. The connection state indicating connection is an example of the second connection information.

[0157] The monitoring unit 711 of the work PC 403 stores the received information on the port 614-j in the storage unit 713, and checks whether a LAN cable is connected to the destination port based on the information on the port 614-j (step 1212).

[0158] The monitoring unit 711 determines that a LAN cable is connected to the destination port when the VLAN ID included in the information on the port 614-j matches the VLAN ID of the destination port and the connection state included in the information on the port 614-j indicates connection. On the other hand, the monitoring unit 711 determines that no LAN cable is connected to the destination port when the VLAN ID included in the information on the port 614-j does not match the VLAN ID of the destination port.

[0159] When no LAN cable is connected to the destination port (step 1212, NO), the monitoring unit 711 determines that the work result is abnormal, and the work PC 403 repeats the processing after step 1207.

[0160] On the one hand, when a LAN cable is connected to the destination port (step 1212, YES), the monitoring unit 711 determines that the operation result is normal, and the control unit 712 performs the process of step 1213. In step 1213, the control unit 712 compares the VLAN ID included in the information of the received port 514-i with the VLAN ID included in the information of the received port 614-j.

[0161] If the VLAN ID included in the information of the received port 514-i does not match the VLAN ID included in the information of the received port 614-j (step 1213, NO), the work PC 403 repeats the processes after step 1207.

[0162] On the other hand, if the VLAN ID included in the information of the received port 514-i matches the VLAN ID included in the information of the received port 614-j (step 1213, YES), the control unit 712 instructs to cancel the display of the positions of the source port and the destination port.

[0163] At this time, the control unit 712 transmits, via the communication unit 714, a source display cancellation instruction for instructing to cancel the display of the position of the source port to the server 401-p including the source port. The source display cancellation instruction includes the VLAN ID of the source port and an instruction to turn off the LED 515-i corresponding to the source port.

[0164] Then, the control unit 712 transmits, via the communication unit 714, a destination display cancellation instruction for instructing to cancel the display of the position of the destination port to the network switch 402-q including the destination port. The destination display cancellation instruction includes the VLAN ID of the destination port and an instruction to turn off the LED 615-j corresponding to the destination port.

[0165] The management unit 511 of the server 401-p identifies the port 514-i with the VLAN ID included in the received connection source display cancellation instruction as the connection source port. Then, the management unit 511 turns off the LED 515-i corresponding to the connection source port (step 1214). Thereby, the display of the position of the connection source port is canceled.

[0166] The management unit 611 of the network switch 402-q identifies the port 614-j with the VLAN ID included in the received connection destination display cancellation instruction as the connection destination port. Then, the management unit 611 turns off the LED 615-j corresponding to the connection destination port (step 1215). Thereby, the display of the position of the connection destination port is canceled.

[0167] By turning off the LEDs corresponding to the connection source port and the connection destination port, when the LEDs corresponding to the next connection source port and the connection destination port are lit, the operator 1000 can connect the LAN cable to those ports without hesitation.

[0168] Next, the control unit 712 checks whether there is an unconnected port 514-i by referring to the information of each port 514-i of each server 401-p (step 1216). The unconnected port 514-i is a port 514-i that has a VLAN ID and has a connection state of no connection.

[0169] If there is an unconnected port 514-i (step 1216, YES), the work PC 403 repeats the processing from step 1201 and subsequent steps for the next port 514-i to be connected. As the next port 514-i to be connected, for example, the port 514-i having the smallest VLAN ID among the unconnected ports 514-i is selected.

[0170] Thereby, all the ports 514-i with the VLAN ID set can be connected to any port 614-j of any network switch 402-q with a LAN cable.

[0171] On the other hand, if there is no unconnected connection target port 514-i (step 1216, NO), the work PC 403 ends the process. Then, the operator 1000 checks that all the LEDs 515-i of all the servers 401-p and all the LEDs 615-j of all the network switches 402-q are turned off, and ends the hardware connection.

[0172] Since it is possible to confirm that the LAN cable is connected to the source port and the destination port by the hardware connection in FIG. 12, it is not necessary to perform the network inspection 103 shown in FIG. 1.

[0173] FIG. 13 shows an example of the connection between the network switch, the server, and the work PC in the preparatory work for the hardware connection. In this example, P = Q = 1. Therefore, the connection work support system in FIG. 13 includes one server 401-1 and one network switch 402-1. The management port of the network switch 402-1 and the management port of the server 401-1 are connected to the work PC 403 by the management LAN 404.

[0174] The port name of port 614-1 of the network switch 402-1 is "A", and the port name of port 614-2 is "B". The port name of port 514-1 of the server 401-1 is "P", and the port name of port 514-2 is "Q".

[0175] FIG. 14 shows an example of the determination of the LED status in the connection work support system of FIG. 13.

[0176] The management unit 611 of the network switch 402-1 acquires the information of port 614-1 and port 614-2. The information of each port 614-j (j = 1, 2) includes the IP address, VLAN ID, and connection status. In the preparation work, the connection status of each port 614-j is set to "not connected". The management unit 611 transmits the information of each port 614-j to the work PC 403, and the monitoring unit 711 of the work PC 403 stores the received information in the storage unit 713.

[0177] The control unit 712 of the work PC 403 instructs the network switch 402-1 to turn off all the LEDs 615-j, and the management unit 611 turns off the LED 615-j corresponding to each port 614-j.

[0178] The management unit 511 of the server 401-1 acquires the information of port 514-1 and port 514-2. The information of each port 514-i (i = 1, 2) includes the IP address, VLAN ID, and connection status. In the preparation work, the connection status of each port 514-i is set to "not connected". The management unit 511 transmits the information of each port 514-i to the work PC 403, and the monitoring unit 711 of the work PC 403 stores the received information in the storage unit 713.

[0179] After that, when the hardware connection is started, the control unit 712 extracts the port 514-1 of the server 401-1 as the first connection source port. Then, the control unit 712 instructs the server 401-1 to turn on the LED 515-1 corresponding to the port 514-1 and turn off the LEDs 515-i corresponding to the other ports 514-i.

[0180] The management unit 511 turns on the LED 515-1. Then, the operator 1000 connects one connector of the LAN cable to the port 514-1 corresponding to the lit LED 515-1.

[0181] FIG. 15 shows an example of hardware connection in the connection work support system of FIG. 13. The management unit 511 detects that a LAN cable is connected to port 514-1, and changes the connection state of port 514-1 from "no connection" to "connected".

[0182] Next, the control unit 712 of the work PC 403 extracts the port 614-1 of the network switch 402-1 that has the same VLAN ID as the VLAN ID of port 514-1 as the destination port. Then, the control unit 712 instructs the network switch 402-1 to turn on the LED 615-1 corresponding to port 614-1 and turn off the LEDs 615-j corresponding to the other ports 614-j.

[0183] The management unit 611 turns on the LED 615-1. Then, the operator 1000 connects the other connector of the LAN cable to the port 614-1 corresponding to the lit LED 615-1. The management unit 611 detects that a LAN cable is connected to port 614-1, and changes the connection state of port 614-1 from "no connection" to "connected".

[0184] Next, the control unit 712 instructs the server 401-1 to turn off the LED 515-1 corresponding to port 514-1, and instructs the network switch 402-1 to turn off the LED 615-1 corresponding to port 614-1. The management unit 511 turns off the LED 515-1, and the management unit 611 turns off the LED 615-1.

[0185] Next, the control unit 712 extracts the port 514-2 of the server 401-1 as the next source port. Then, the control unit 712 instructs the server 401-1 to turn on the LED 515-2 corresponding to port 514-2 and turn off the LEDs 515-i corresponding to the other ports 514-i.

[0186] The management unit 511 turns on the LED 515-2. Then, the operator 1000 connects one connector of the LAN cable to the port 514-2 corresponding to the lit LED 515-2. The management unit 511 detects that the LAN cable is connected to the port 514-2 and changes the connection state of the port 514-2 from "no connection" to "connection exists".

[0187] Next, the control unit 712 extracts the port 614-2 of the network switch 402-1 that has the same VLAN ID as the VLAN ID of the port 514-2 as the destination port. Then, the control unit 712 instructs the network switch 402-1 to turn on the LED 615-2 corresponding to the port 614-2 and turn off the LEDs 615-j corresponding to the other ports 614-j.

[0188] The management unit 611 turns on the LED 615-2. Then, the operator 1000 connects the other connector of the LAN cable to the port 614-2 corresponding to the lit LED 615-2. The management unit 611 detects that the LAN cable is connected to the port 614-2 and changes the connection state of the port 614-2 from "no connection" to "connection exists".

[0189] Next, the control unit 712 instructs the server 401-1 to turn off the LED 515-2 corresponding to the port 514-2, and instructs the network switch 402-1 to turn off the LED 615-2 corresponding to the port 614-2. The management unit 511 turns off the LED 515-2, and the management unit 611 turns off the LED 615-2.

[0190] Figure 16 shows an example of the IP addresses and VLAN IDs set in the connection work support system of Figure 4. In this example, P = Q = 1. Therefore, the connection work support system includes one server 401-1 and one network switch 402-1.

[0191] The port name of port 614-1 of network switch 402-1 is "A", the port name of port 614-2 is "B", the port name of port 614-3 is "C", and the port name of port 614-4 is "D". The port name of port 514-1 of server 401-1 is "P", the port name of port 514-2 is "Q", the port name of port 514-3 is "R", and the port name of port 514-4 is "S".

[0192] Operator 1000 inputs the information of each port 614-j (j = 1 to 4) of network switch 402-1 included in the connection diagram information 1601 into the work PC 403. Then, by inputting a command into the work PC 403, operator 1000 sets an IP address and a VLAN ID for each port 614-j.

[0193] Next, operator 1000 inputs the information of each port 514-i (i = 1 to 4) of server 401-1 included in the connection diagram information 1601 into the work PC 403. Then, by inputting a command into server 401-1, operator 1000 sets an IP address and a VLAN ID for each port 514-i.

[0194] In the example of FIG. 16, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is set as the IP address of port 614-3, port 614-4, port 514-3, and port 514-4. Therefore, the IP addresses of these ports are dynamically assigned.

[0195] Also, the default value "0" is set as the VLAN ID of port 614-3 and port 514-3. In this case, the VLAN IDs of these ports are not set and are excluded from the connection target in the hardware connection.

[0196] According to the connection work support system of FIG. 4, by using the characteristic that the VLAN ID of the source port and the VLAN ID of the destination port correspond one-to-one, the operator 1000 is guided by lighting the LED of the port to which the LAN cable is connected. As a result, the operator 1000 does not need to visually check the connection diagram, the connection work of the LAN cable is streamlined, and incorrect connection is prevented.

[0197] The work PC 403 may associate the source port and the destination port by using identification information indicating another communication network instead of the VLAN ID.

[0198] In the hardware connection shown in FIG. 12, the work PC 403 broadcasts a source connection display instruction to all the servers 401-p and waits until responses are received from all the servers 401-p. However, as the scale of the server system increases, the waiting time of the work PC 403 becomes longer.

[0199] Furthermore, the work PC 403 broadcasts a destination connection display instruction to all the network switches 402-q and waits until responses are received from all the network switches 402-q. However, as the scale of the server system increases, the waiting time of the work PC 403 becomes longer.

[0200] In this case, by using the information for identifying the server 401-p and the network switch 402-q, the waiting time of the work PC 403 can be shortened.

[0201] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the second hardware connection using the information for identifying the server 401-p and the network switch 402-q. First, the control unit 712 of the work PC 403 refers to the information of each port 514-i of each server 401-p and extracts the port 514-i to be connected as the source port (step 1701).

[0202] Next, the control unit 712 identifies the server 401-p having the port 514-i to which the VLAN ID of the source port is set (step 1702). Then, the control unit 712 uses the information identifying the server 401-p to transmit a source display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the source port to the identified server 401-p.

[0203] The management unit 511 of the server 401-p searches for the port 514-i to which the VLAN ID included in the received source display instruction is set among the ports 514-i in the server 401-p. Then, the management unit 511 identifies the searched port 514-i as the source port.

[0204] The processes of steps 1703 to 1707 are the same as the processes of steps 1202 to 1206 in FIG. 12.

[0205] When a LAN cable is connected to the source port (step 1707, YES), the control unit 712 performs the process of step 1708. In step 1708, the control unit 712 refers to the information of each port 614-j of each network switch 402-q and extracts the port 614-j having the VLAN ID included in the information of the received port 514-i as the destination port.

[0206] Next, the control unit 712 identifies the network switch 402-q having the port 614-j to which the VLAN ID of the destination port is set (step 1709). Then, the control unit 712 uses the information identifying the network switch 402-q to transmit a destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the destination port to the identified network switch 402-q.

[0207] The management unit 611 of the network switch 402-q searches for the port 614-j to which the VLAN ID included in the received destination display instruction is set among the ports 614-j in the network switch 402-q. Then, the management unit 611 identifies the searched port 614-j as the destination port.

[0208] The processes from step 1710 to step 1718 are the same as the processes from step 1208 to step 1216 in FIG. 12.

[0209] According to the hardware connection in FIG. 17, since the connection source display instruction is only sent to the server 401-p having the connection source port, the waiting time for waiting for a response from the server 401-p is shortened. Also, since the connection destination display instruction is only sent to the network switch 402-q having the connection destination port, the waiting time for waiting for a response from the network switch 402-q is shortened.

[0210] The configuration of the connection work support system in FIGS. 2 and 4 is only an example, and some components may be omitted or changed according to the use or conditions of the connection work support system. For example, in the connection work support system in FIG. 4, instead of the work PC 403, other information processing devices can also be used as the support device 203.

[0211] The configurations of the server 401-p in FIG. 5, the network switch 402-q in FIG. 6, and the work PC 403 in FIG. 7 are only examples, and some components may be omitted or changed according to the use or conditions of the connection work support system. For example, in the server 401-p in FIG. 5, instead of the LEDs 515-1 to 515-L, a display device such as a digital display can also be used as the connection source display unit. Also, in the network switch 402-q in FIG. 6, instead of the LEDs 615-1 to 615-K, a display device such as a digital display can also be used as the connection destination display unit 222.

[0212] The flowcharts of FIGS. 3, 10 to 12, and 17 are merely examples, and some processes may be omitted or changed according to the configuration or conditions of the connection work support system. For example, in the hardware connection of FIGS. 12 and 17, the work PC 403 may extract the port 614-j of the network switch 402-q as the connection source port instead of the port 514-i of the server 401-p. Also, the work PC 403 may extract the port 514-i of the server 401-p as the connection destination port instead of the port 614-j of the network switch 402-q.

[0213] The connection work shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the connection work changes according to the configuration of the server system. The information of the connection diagrams shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is merely an example, and the connection diagrams and the information of the connection diagrams change according to the configuration of the server system.

[0214] The connection of the network switch, server, and work PC shown in FIG. 13, the determination of the LED status shown in FIG. 14, and the hardware connection shown in FIG. 15 are merely examples, and these operations change according to the configuration of the server system. The IP addresses and VLAN IDs shown in FIG. 16 are merely examples, and the IP addresses and VLAN IDs change according to the configuration of the server system.

[0215] FIG. 18 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus used as the support apparatus 203 in FIG. 2 and the work PC 403 in FIG. 7. The information processing apparatus in FIG. 18 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1801, a memory 1802, an input device 1803, an output device 1804, an auxiliary storage device 1805, a media drive device 1806, and a network connection device 1807. These components are hardware and are connected to each other by a bus 1808.

[0216] The memory 1802 is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores programs and data used for processing. The memory 1802 may operate as the storage unit 713 in FIG. 7.

[0217] The CPU 1801 operates as the monitoring unit 711 and the control unit 712 in FIG. 7, for example, by executing a program using the memory 1802.

[0218] The input device 1803 is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., and is used for inputting instructions or information from the operator 1000. The output device 1804 is, for example, a display device, a printer, etc., and is used for querying or instructing the operator 1000 and outputting the processing results.

[0219] The auxiliary storage device 1805 is, for example, a magnetic disk device, an optical disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, a tape device, etc. The auxiliary storage device 1805 may be a hard disk drive. The information processing apparatus can store programs and data in the auxiliary storage device 1805 and load them into the memory 1802 for use. The auxiliary storage device 1805 may operate as the storage unit 713 in FIG. 7.

[0220] The medium drive device 1806 drives the portable recording medium 1809 and accesses the recorded content. The portable recording medium 1809 is a memory device, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc. The portable recording medium 1809 may be a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. The operator 1000 can store programs and data in the portable recording medium 1809 and load them into the memory 1802 for use.

[0221] Thus, the computer-readable recording medium that stores the programs and data used in the processing is a physical (non-transitory) recording medium such as the memory 1802, the auxiliary storage device 1805, or the portable recording medium 1809.

[0222] The network connection device 1807 is a communication interface circuit that is connected to a communication network such as the management LAN 404 and performs data conversion associated with communication. The information processing device can receive programs and data from an external device via the network connection device 1807 and load them into the memory 1802 for use. The network connection device 1807 may operate as the communication unit 714 in FIG. 7.

[0223] Note that the information processing device does not necessarily need to include all the components in FIG. 18, and it is also possible to omit some components according to the use or conditions of the information processing device. For example, when the portable recording medium 1809 is not used, the medium drive device 1806 may be omitted.

[0224] As the source device 201, the destination device 202 in FIG. 2, the server 401-p in FIG. 5, and the network switch 402-q in FIG. 6, an information processing device similar to that in FIG. 13 can be used.

[0225] When the information processing device is the server 401-p in FIG. 5, the CPU 1801 operates as the management unit 511 by executing a program using the memory 1802. The memory 1802 or the auxiliary storage device 1805 may operate as the storage unit 512, and the network connection device 1807 may operate as the communication unit 513. The ports 514-i and the LEDs 515-i may be connected to the bus 1808.

[0226] When the information processing device is the network switch 402-q in FIG. 6, the information processing device does not include the input device 1803, the output device 1804, and the medium drive device 1806, and includes a switch circuit (not shown).

[0227] In this case, the CPU 1801 operates as the management unit 611 by executing a program using the memory 1802. The memory 1802 or the auxiliary storage device 1805 may operate as the storage unit 612, and the network connection device 1807 may operate as the communication unit 613. The ports 614-j and the LEDs 615-j may be connected to the bus 1808.

[0228] Although the embodiments and their advantages have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will be able to make various changes, additions, and omissions without departing from the scope of the invention clearly described in the claims.

[0229] Regarding the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18, the following additional remarks are disclosed. (Supplementary Note 1) A source device including a plurality of first ports, A destination device including a plurality of second ports and a destination display unit that displays the position of the destination port among the plurality of second ports, A support device for assisting in the operation of connecting the source port and the destination port among the plurality of first ports with a cable, When the cable is connected to the source port, the support device identifies the destination port from among the plurality of second ports based on identification information indicating the communication network to which the source port belongs, and transmits a destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the identified destination port to the destination device. The destination display unit is characterized in that it displays the position of the destination port based on the destination display instruction. A connection operation support system. (Supplementary Note 2) The source device further includes a source display unit that displays the position of the source port, Before the cable is connected to the source port, the support device transmits a source display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the source port to the source device. The source display unit displays the position of the source port based on the source display instruction. When the cable is connected to the connection source port, the connection source device transmits the identification information and first connection information indicating that the cable is connected to the support device. The support device specifies, as the connection destination port, a second port belonging to the communication network indicated by the identification information among the plurality of second ports, in the connection work support system according to appended note 1. (Appended note 3) When the cable is connected to the connection destination port, the connection destination device transmits the identification information and second connection information indicating that the cable is connected to the support device. When the identification information received from the connection source device matches the identification information received from the connection destination device, the support device transmits a connection source display cancellation instruction for instructing cancellation of the display of the position of the connection source port to the connection source device, and transmits a connection destination display cancellation instruction for instructing cancellation of the display of the position of the connection destination port to the connection destination device. Based on the connection source display cancellation instruction, the connection source display unit cancels the display of the position of the connection source port. The connection destination display unit cancels the display of the position of the connection destination port based on the connection destination display cancellation instruction, in the connection work support system according to appended note 2. (Appended note 4) After the display of the position of the connection source port and the display of the position of the connection destination port are cancelled, when a different cable from the cable is connected to a different first port among the plurality of first ports from the connection source port, the support device determines, based on the identification information indicating the communication network to which the different first port belongs, a different second port from the connection destination port among the plurality of second ports, and transmits a different connection destination display instruction for instructing display of the position of the identified different second port to the connection destination device. Based on the different connection destination display instruction, the connection destination display unit displays the position of the different second port, in the connection work support system according to appended note 3. (Appended note 5) The connection destination display unit includes a light emitting unit associated with each of the plurality of second ports. Based on the connection destination display instruction, among the light emitting parts respectively associated with the plurality of second ports, the light emitting part associated with the connection destination port emits light, thereby displaying the position of the connection destination port. The connection source display unit includes light emitting parts respectively associated with the plurality of first ports. Based on the connection source display instruction, among the light emitting parts respectively associated with the plurality of first ports, the light emitting part associated with the connection source port emits light, thereby displaying the position of the connection source port. The connection work support system according to any one of appendices 2 to 4. (Appendix 6) The connection destination device is a specific connection destination device among the plurality of connection destination devices. The connection work support system includes the plurality of connection destination devices. The support device specifies, as the specific connection destination device, a connection destination device including the specified connection destination port from among the plurality of connection destination devices. The connection work support system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) The communication network to which the connection source port belongs is a virtual local area network. The connection work support system according to any one of appendices 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) A computer that supports the operation of connecting, with a cable, a connection source port among a plurality of first ports included in a connection source device and a connection destination port among a plurality of second ports included in a connection destination device. When the cable is connected to the connection source port, based on identification information indicating the communication network to which the connection source port belongs, the connection destination port is specified from among the plurality of second ports. A connection destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the specified connection destination port is transmitted to the connection destination device. Execute the process. The connection destination device displays the position of the connection destination port based on the connection destination display instruction. A connection work support method characterized by the above. (Appendix 9) Before the cable is connected to the source port, the computer further executes a process of transmitting a source display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the source port to the source device, the source device displays the position of the source port based on the source display instruction, when the cable is connected to the source port, the source device transmits the identification information and first connection information indicating that the cable is connected to the Computer to, The process of identifying the destination port includes, among the plurality of second ports, a process of identifying, as the destination port, a second port belonging to the communication network indicated by the identification information, as described in Supplementary Note 8. (Supplementary Note 10) when the cable is connected to the destination port, the destination device transmits the identification information and second connection information indicating that the cable is connected to the Computer to, the computer when the identification information received from the source device matches the identification information received from the destination device, the computer transmits a source display cancellation instruction for instructing the cancellation of the display of the position of the source port to the source device, transmits a destination display cancellation instruction for instructing the cancellation of the display of the position of the destination port to the destination device, and further executes the process, the source device cancels the display of the position of the source port based on the source display cancellation instruction, the destination device cancels the display of the position of the destination port based on the destination display cancellation instruction, as described in Supplementary Note 9. (Supplementary Note 11) the computer After the display of the position of the source port and the display of the position of the destination port are canceled, if another cable different from the cable is connected to another first port different from the source port among the plurality of first ports, based on the identification information indicating the communication network to which the other first port belongs, another second port different from the destination port is specified from among the plurality of second ports, Another connection destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the specified other second port is transmitted to the destination device, The process is further executed, The connection work support method according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the destination device displays the position of the other second port based on the other connection destination display instruction. (Supplementary Note 12) The process of displaying the position of the destination port includes, based on the connection destination display instruction, a process of displaying the position of the destination port by causing the light emitting unit associated with the destination port among the light emitting units associated with each of the plurality of second ports included in the destination device to emit light, The connection work support method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 11, wherein the process of displaying the position of the source port includes, based on the source display instruction, a process of displaying the position of the source port by causing the light emitting unit associated with the source port among the light emitting units associated with each of the plurality of first ports included in the source device to emit light. (Supplementary Note 13) The destination device is a specific destination device among a plurality of destination devices, The connection work support method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 12, wherein the computer further executes a process of specifying, as the specific destination device, the destination device including the specified destination port from among the plurality of destination devices. (Supplementary Note 14) The communication network to which the source port belongs is a virtual local area network, according to the connection work support method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 13.

Explanation of Signs

[0230] 101 Software Settings 102 Hardware Connection 103 Network Inspection 201 Source Device 202 Destination Device 203 Support Device 211-1 to 211-N First Port 221-1 to 221-M Second Port 222 Destination Display Section 401-1 to 401-P, 802-1, 802-2 Servers 402-1 to 402-Q, 801-1, 801-2 Network Switches 403 Work PC 404 Management LAN 511, 611 Management Department 512, 612, 713 Storage Section 513, 613, 714 Communication Section 514-1 to 514-L, 614-1 to 614-K, 811-1 to 811-6, 821-1 to 821-5, 831-1 to 831-4, 841-1 to 841-3 Ports 515-1 to 515-L, 615-1 to 615-K LEDs 711 Monitoring Section 712 Control Section 851 to 859 LAN Cables 1000 Operator 1601 Connection Diagram Information 1801 CPU 1802 Memory 1803 Input Device 1804 Output Device 1805 Auxiliary Storage Device 1806 Media Drive Device 1807 Network Connection Device 1808 Bus 1809 Removable Recording Medium

Claims

1. A source device including a plurality of first ports and a source display unit that displays the position of a source port among the plurality of first ports; A destination device including a plurality of second ports and a destination display unit that displays the position of a destination port among the plurality of second ports; A support device that supports the operation of connecting the source port and the destination port with a cable; Before the cable is connected to the source port, the support device transmits a source display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the source port to the source device; Based on the source display instruction, the source display unit displays the position of the source port; When the cable is connected to the source port, the source device transmits identification information indicating the communication network to which the source port belongs and first connection information indicating that the cable has been connected to the support device; Among the plurality of second ports, the support device identifies, as the destination port, a second port belonging to the communication network indicated by the identification information, and transmits a destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the identified destination port to the destination device; Based on the destination display instruction, the destination display unit displays the position of the destination port; When the cable is connected to the destination port, the destination device transmits the identification information and second connection information indicating that the cable has been connected to the support device; When the identification information received from the source device and the identification information received from the destination device match, the support device transmits a source display cancellation instruction for instructing the cancellation of the display of the position of the source port to the source device, and transmits a destination display cancellation instruction for instructing the cancellation of the display of the position of the destination port to the destination device; Based on the source display cancellation instruction, the source display unit cancels the display of the position of the source port; A connection operation support system, wherein the destination display unit cancels the display of the position of the destination port based on the destination display cancellation instruction.

2. After the display of the position of the source connection port and the display of the position of the destination connection port are canceled, if another cable different from the cable is connected to another first port different from the source connection port among the plurality of first ports, based on the identification information indicating the communication network to which the another first port belongs, another second port different from the destination connection port is specified from among the plurality of second ports, and another connection destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the specified another second port is transmitted to the destination device. The connection work support system according to claim 1, wherein the destination display unit displays the position of the another second port based on the another connection destination display instruction.

3. The destination display unit includes a light emitting unit associated with each of the plurality of second ports. Based on the connection destination display instruction, among the light emitting units associated with each of the plurality of second ports, the light emitting unit associated with the destination connection port emits light to display the position of the destination connection port. The source connection display unit includes a light emitting unit associated with each of the plurality of first ports. The connection work support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein based on the source connection display instruction, among the light emitting units associated with each of the plurality of first ports, the light emitting unit associated with the source connection port emits light to display the position of the source connection port.

4. The destination device is a specific destination device among a plurality of destination devices. The connection work support system includes the plurality of destination devices. The connection work support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support device specifies, as the specific destination device, a destination device including the specified destination connection port from among the plurality of destination devices.

5. A computer that supports the operation of connecting a source connection port among a plurality of first ports included in a source device and a destination connection port among a plurality of second ports included in a destination device with a cable transmits a source connection display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the source connection port to the source device before the cable is connected to the source connection port. The source device displays the position of the source connection port based on the source connection display instruction. When the cable is connected to the connection source port of the connection source device, the connection source device transmits identification information indicating the communication network to which the connection source port belongs and first connection information indicating that the cable is connected to the computer. The computer identifies, as the connection destination port, a second port belonging to the communication network indicated by the identification information among the plurality of second ports. The computer transmits a connection destination display instruction for instructing the display of the position of the identified connection destination port to the connection destination device. The connection destination device displays the position of the connection destination port based on the connection destination display instruction. When the cable is connected to the connection destination port, the connection destination device transmits the identification information and second connection information indicating that the cable is connected to the computer. When the identification information received from the connection source device matches the identification information received from the connection destination device, the computer transmits a connection source display cancellation instruction for instructing the cancellation of the display of the position of the connection source port to the connection source device, and transmits a connection destination display cancellation instruction for instructing the cancellation of the display of the position of the connection destination port to the connection destination device. The connection source device cancels the display of the position of the connection source port based on the connection source display cancellation instruction. A connection work support method, characterized in that the connection destination device cancels the display of the position of the connection destination port based on the connection destination display cancellation instruction.

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