Management server, management method, and management program

Abstract

A management server (10) stores communication device information indicating information on communication devices belonging to groups of communication devices and identification information for user communications served by each of the communication devices, and serving rule information indicating serving rules and priority levels for each group, the serving rules indicating rules for performing service switching of user communications among the communication devices within a group. The management server (10), upon accepting input of a group that is to be subject to service switching, executes the service switching of user communications by applying the serving rules of the group subject to service switching in order of the serving rules with high priority levels.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management server, a management method, and a management program for managing each communication device that accommodates user communications. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology that optimizes the resources of each communication device by grouping multiple communication devices within a network and setting the communication device and LAG (or physical port) used for communication by a new user according to the amount of free resources of each communication device within the group.

[0003] In addition, there is a technology in which the management server temporarily redirects a user's communications to another communication device within the same group in order to continue the user's communications when a communication device within the group fails, or to perform maintenance work such as software updates on a communication device within the group. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 044604 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, there is a need to control the communication device to which a user's communication is redirected within a group. For example, in preparation for a severe disaster, communication devices within the same group may be located in different buildings. In such a case, conventional technology selects a communication device to which a user's communication is redirected based on the amount of available resources of the communication devices within the same group, so it is not possible to redirect the user's communication to a communication device in a different building, for example. In other words, the conventional technology has a problem in that it is not possible to flexibly control the communication device to which a user's communication is redirected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is characterized by comprising: a memory unit that stores, for each group of communication devices, communication device information indicating identification information of communication devices belonging to the group; and accommodation rule information that indicates, for each group, accommodation rules that indicate rules for redirecting user communications between communication devices within the group, along with priorities for applying the accommodation rules; a reception unit that receives input of identification information of a communication device that is a target of redirection; a re-accommodation destination selection unit that applies the accommodation rules of the group to which the communication device that is the target of redirection belongs, in order from the accommodation rule with the highest priority, to select a communication device that will be a target of redirection of the user communications in the re-accommodation, from among the communication devices belonging to the group; and a re-accommodation execution unit that changes the accommodation destination of the user communications to the selected communication device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to flexibly control the communication device to which the user's communication is to be redirected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the management server. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of the management server. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information in the communication device information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the management server. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a computer that executes a management program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0010] [overview] An overview of the management server 10 will be explained using Fig. 1. The management server 10 manages a group of communication devices 100. Each communication device 100 controls the communication of the user accommodated by that communication device 100.

[0011] For example, when the management server 10 receives from a higher-level system an order for a service desired by a user and a request for a group of communication devices 100 that the user wants to join when using the service, the management server 10 allocates the user's communications to one of the communication devices 100 belonging to the group. Thereafter, the management server 10 re-accommodates the user's communications accommodated by a communication device 100 in the group as necessary. For example, when the management server 10 detects a failure in a communication device 100 in the group, the management server 10 allocates (re-accommodates) the user's communications allocated to the communication device 100 to another communication device 100 in the group.

[0012] Here, the management server 10 refers to information on the communication devices 100 belonging to each group (see reference numeral 101) and rules regarding the reaccommodation of user communications for each group (accommodation rules; see reference numeral 102) to reaccommodate the user communications.

[0013] The accommodation rules are set for each group of communication devices 100, for example, as indicated by the reference numeral 102, and a priority is set for each accommodation rule when applying the accommodation rule. When the management server 10 performs, for example, a re-accommodation of a user's communication within a group, the management server 10 applies the accommodation rules of the group in descending order of priority (for example, the first priority key and accommodation rule → the second priority key and accommodation rule), and selects a communication device 100 to which the user's communication will be re-accommodated. The accommodation rules are set by an administrator of the management server 10, etc.

[0014] For example, consider a case where the management server 10 detects a failure in the communication device 100 #3 in the communication device group #1 shown in Fig. 1 and therefore redirects the communication of user d. In this case, the management server 10 applies the first priority key and first priority accommodation rule for the communication device group #1, and redirects the communication of user d to the communication device 100 #5, which is a new communication device 100.

[0015] Consider a case where a failure occurs in the #1 communication device 100. In this case, the management server 10 also applies the first priority key and the first priority accommodation rule for the communication device group #1, and selects the #5 communication device 100, which is a new model communication device 100, as the re-accommodation destination for the communication of user a.

[0016] Here, when the management server 10 redirects the communication of user d to the communication device 100 #5, it may not be possible to apply the first priority key and the first priority accommodation rule, for example, because the communication device 100 #5 does not have enough available resources. In such a case, the management server 10 applies the second priority key and the second priority accommodation rule for the communication device group #1. Then, based on the second priority key and the second priority accommodation rule, the management server 10 selects the communication device 100 #2, which is paired with the communication device 100 #1 that accommodates the communication of user a, as the destination for redirecting the communication of user a.

[0017] Furthermore, if the management server 10 determines that reaccommodation is not possible regardless of which priority key and accommodation rule is applied to the communication device group #1, the reaccommodation will be performed, for example, to the communication device 100 with the most available resources within the communication device group #1.

[0018] In this way, the management server 10 redirects the user's communications based on the accommodation rules and the priority of the accommodation rules set by the network administrator for each group of communication devices 100. This allows for flexible control of the communication device 100 to which the user's communications are redirected.

[0019] [Configuration example] An example of the configuration of the management server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The management server 10 includes, for example, a communication unit 11, an input / output unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0020] The communication unit 11 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like, and controls communication with external devices such as the communication device 100 via a network.

[0021] The input / output unit 12 is an interface that controls input and output of various data. For example, the input / output unit 12 receives input of information that is the basis of accommodation rule information (information indicating accommodation rules for each communication device group) in the storage unit 13.

[0022] The storage unit 13 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 13 stores data and programs referenced by the control unit 14 when executing various processes. For example, the storage unit 13 stores communication device information and accommodation rule information.

[0023] The communication device information is information that indicates, for each group of communication devices 100, the identification information of the communication devices 100 belonging to that group, the free resources of each communication device 100, and the identification information of the communications of users accommodated by each communication device 100.

[0024] This communication device information is composed of, for example, (1) group information (see symbol 101 in Figure 1) that indicates the identification information of the communication devices 100 belonging to each group of communication devices 100, and (2) device information that indicates the free resources of each communication device 100, the identification information of the communications of users accommodated by each communication device 100, etc.

[0025] The above device information is, for example, as shown in Figure 3, information indicating the ID of the communication device 100 (communication device ID), the physical port equipped on the communication device 100, the virtual IF (interface) assigned to the physical port, the user's communication accommodated by the virtual IF (accommodated user), the model name of the communication device 100, the installation location, available resources, the upper limit of the user's communication that can be accommodated in the communication device 100, whether the user's communication can be switched back to the communication device 100, etc.

[0026] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 2, the accommodation rule information is information indicating accommodation rules for each group of communication devices 100 together with the priority of the accommodation rules.

[0027] The accommodation rule information is, for example, as shown by reference numeral 102 in FIG. 1, information that indicates, for each group of communication devices 100 (communication device group), the accommodation rule (key + rule) used when reaccommodating the communication devices 100 in that group, along with the priority used when applying the accommodation rule.

[0028] For example, in the accommodation rule information indicated by reference numeral 102 in FIG. 1, the first priority key and the first priority rule are the accommodation rules with the highest priority, and the second priority key and the second priority rule are the accommodation rules with the next highest priority.

[0029] For example, when the control unit 14 re-accommodates a communication of a user of communication device group #1, the control unit 14 first evaluates the first priority key and the first priority accommodation rule for communication device group #1. If the control unit 14 determines that the first priority key and the first priority rule (accommodation rule with priority=1) are not applicable as a result of evaluating the first priority key and the first priority rule, the control unit 14 evaluates the second priority key and the second priority rule (accommodation rule with priority=2).

[0030] For example, the accommodation rule for priority=1 for communication device group #1, shown as reference numeral 102 in Figure 1, is a rule that selects a newer (e.g., newest) communication device 100 from the communication devices 100 in the group as the communication device 100 to which the user's communications accommodated in communication devices 100 #1, #2, #3, and #4 will be transferred.

[0031] If the control unit 14 evaluates the above rule and determines that the rule can be applied, it selects the new communication device 100 as the reaccommodation destination based on the rule. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines that the above rule cannot be applied, it evaluates the accommodation rule with priority=2 for the communication device group #1.

[0032] The accommodation rule for priority=2 for communication device group #1, shown by reference numeral 102 in Figure 1, is a rule that when one of the communication devices 100 constituting a pair becomes the target for reaccommodating a user's communication, the other communication device 100 constituting the pair is selected as the communication device 100 to be reaccommodated.

[0033] For example, the accommodation rule for priority 2 of serial number 1 pairs the #1 communication device 100 and the #2 communication device 100, and when communication of a user of either the #1 communication device 100 or the #2 communication device 100 becomes a target for reaccommodation, the other communication device 100 constituting the pair is selected as the reaccommodation destination. Then, if the control unit 14 evaluates the above rule and determines that the rule can be applied, the control unit 14 selects the paired communication device 100 as the reaccommodation destination based on the rule.

[0034] Furthermore, the accommodation rule may be set to a rule other than the above. For example, the accommodation rule may be set to select, from among the communication devices 100 in the group, a communication device 100 that is installed in a different location from the communication device 100 that is the target of the reaccommodation, as the communication device 100 to which the user's communication is to be reaccommodated.

[0035] In addition, various rules may be set for the accommodation rules, using, for example, the identification information of the communication device 100, the physical port of the communication device 100, the model name of the communication device 100, the installation location of the communication device 100, etc. as parameters for accommodation relocation.

[0036] The control unit 14 controls the entire management server 10. The control unit 14, for example, realizes the functions of an accommodation rule setting unit 141, an information setting unit 142, an information updating unit 143, a reception unit 144, a reaccommodation destination selection unit 145, and a reaccommodation execution unit 146 by having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) execute a program stored in the storage unit 13.

[0037] The accommodation rule setting unit 141 sets an accommodation rule in accommodation rule information (see reference numeral 102 in FIG. 1). For example, the accommodation rule setting unit 141 sets an accommodation rule input by an administrator or the like via the input / output unit 12 in the accommodation rule information.

[0038] The information setting unit 142 sets information about each communication device 100 in the communication device information (see reference numeral 102 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3). For example, the information setting unit 142 sets information about each communication device 100 input by an administrator or the like via the input / output unit 12 in the communication device information.

[0039] The information update unit 143 updates the device information in the communication device information. For example, when the reaccommodation execution unit 146 executes reaccommodation of a user's communication, the information update unit 143 updates information such as information on users accommodated by each communication device 100 and available resources in the device information (see FIG. 3).

[0040] Furthermore, when the information update unit 143 acquires information from an external device or the like that a communication device 100 in the group is undergoing maintenance, construction, or out of order, the information update unit 143 reflects the information in the device information (see FIG. 3) for the communication device 100. For example, the information update unit 143 changes the device information (see FIG. 3) to indicate that the user's communication cannot be switched back to the communication device 100.

[0041] The reception unit 144 receives input of identification information of the communication device 100 that is to be relocated. For example, when the reception unit 144 acquires information that one of the communication devices 100 is undergoing maintenance, construction, or out of order, the reception unit 144 receives the identification information of the communication device 100 as the communication device 100 that is to be relocated.

[0042] When the reception unit 144 receives input of identification information of the communication device 100 to be relocated, the relocation destination selection unit 145 selects a relocation destination communication device 100 from the communication devices 100 in the group to which the communication device 100 belongs.

[0043] The relocation destination selection unit 145 selects the relocation destination communication device 100 by, for example, applying the accommodation rules of the group that is the target of relocation indicated in the accommodation rule information in descending order of priority.

[0044] When the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 selects the communication device 100 to which the user's communication will be reaccommodated based on the accommodation rules, it refers to the device information (see Figure 3) and checks whether the reaccommodation destination communication device 100 actually exists, whether the reaccommodation destination communication device 100 has the model name indicated in the accommodation rules, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, when a user's communications are diverted to a re-accommodation destination communication device 100 based on the accommodation rules, the re-accommodation destination selection unit 145 determines, by referring to the device information (see FIG. 3 ), whether the number of user communications that can be accommodated by the communication device 100 does not exceed the upper limit of the number of user communications that can be accommodated that is assigned to the communication device 100. Then, when the re-accommodation destination selection unit 145 determines that the re-accommodation destination communication device 100 does not exceed the upper limit of the number of user communications that can be accommodated, it selects the communication device 100 as the re-accommodation destination.

[0046] After the user's communication has been redirected, the management server 10 may return (switch back) the user's communication to the original communication device 100 in response to an instruction from an administrator or the like.

[0047] In such a case, the relocation destination selection unit 145 may refer to the device information (see FIG. 3) to check whether the communication device 100 is in a state where reversion is not possible due to maintenance, construction, etc. Furthermore, the relocation destination selection unit 145 may refer to the device information (see FIG. 3) to check whether the communication of the user or the communication device 100 accommodating the communication of the user is in a state where reversion is not possible due to settings by an administrator or the like.

[0048] Furthermore, if the relocation destination selection unit 145 is unable to select a relocation destination communication device 100 even after applying all of the accommodation rules of the group that is the target of relocation in order from the accommodation rule with the highest priority, the relocation destination selection unit 145 may refer to the device information (see FIG. 3) and select the communication device 100 with the largest amount of free resources among the communication devices 100 of the group as the relocation destination communication device 100. Furthermore, the relocation destination selection unit 145 may decide to cancel the relocation.

[0049] The reaccommodation execution unit 146 reassigns the user's communications to the communication device 100 selected by the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145. After the reaccommodation execution unit 146 reassigns the user's communications, the information update unit 143 reflects the reassignment in the device information (see FIG. 3).

[0050] [Processing Procedure] Next, an example of the processing procedure of the management server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. First, the reception unit 144 of the management server 10 receives input of identification information of the communication device 100 that is the target of reaccommodation (S1).

[0051] Next, the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 refers to the group information in the communication device information to identify the group to which the communication device 100 to be reaccommodated belongs. Then, the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 selects an accommodation rule from the accommodation rules of the group to which the communication device 100 belongs, which are indicated in the accommodation rule information, in descending order of priority (S2).

[0052] Then, if the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 is able to select a communication device 100 to which the user's communications will be reaccommodated based on the accommodation rule selected in S2 (Yes in S3), the reaccommodation execution unit 146 reaccommodates the user's communications to the communication device 100 selected by the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 (S7).

[0053] Thereafter, the information update unit 143 reflects the redirection of the user's communication in the device information (see FIG. 3) (S8: update device information). For example, when the communication of user a is redirected from the #1 communication device 100 to the #2 communication device 100, the information update unit 143 changes the redirection destination of the communication of user a in the device information from the #1 communication device 100 to the #2 communication device 100.

[0054] On the other hand, if the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 was unable to select a communication device 100 to which the user's communications should be relocated based on the accommodation rule selected in S2 (No in S3), but was able to select a communication device 100 to which the user's communications should be relocated based on an accommodation rule with the next highest priority (Yes in S4), the reaccommodation execution unit 146 relocates the user's communications to the communication device 100 selected by the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 (S7). Then, the process proceeds to S8.

[0055] Furthermore, in S4, if the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 is unable to select a reaccommodation destination communication device 100 (No in S4) and accommodation rules for all priorities have been selected (Yes in S5), the process proceeds to S6. Then, the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 references the device information (see FIG. 3) and selects the communication device 100 with the most available resources among the communication devices 100 in the group (S6). Then, the reaccommodation execution unit 146 reaccommodates the user's communications to the communication device 100 selected by the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 (S7). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S8.

[0056] On the other hand, in S5, if the reaccommodation destination selection unit 145 finds an accommodation rule with a priority that has not yet been selected among the accommodation rules of the communication device group (No in S5), the process returns to S4.

[0057] By performing the above process, the management server 10 can select the communication device 100 to which the user's communication is to be redirected based on the accommodation rules set by the network administrator.

[0058] [System configuration, etc.] Furthermore, the components of each unit shown in the figure are conceptual functional units and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Furthermore, all or any part of the processing functions performed by each device can be realized by a CPU and a program executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0059] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method.In addition, the information including the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified.

[0060] [program] The management server 10 can be implemented by installing a program (management program) as package software or online software on a desired computer. For example, by executing the program on an information processing device, the information processing device can function as the management server 10. The information processing device referred to here includes mobile communication terminals such as smartphones, mobile phones, and PHS (Personal Handyphone Systems), as well as terminals such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

[0061] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a computer that executes a management program. The computer 1000 includes, for example, a memory 1010 and a CPU 1020. The computer 1000 also includes a hard disk drive interface 1030, a disk drive interface 1040, a serial port interface 1050, a video adapter 1060, and a network interface 1070. These components are connected by a bus 1080.

[0062] The memory 1010 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1011 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1012. The ROM 1011 stores a boot program such as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The hard disk drive interface 1030 is connected to a hard disk drive 1090. The disk drive interface 1040 is connected to a disk drive 1100. A removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or optical disk is inserted into the disk drive 1100. The serial port interface 1050 is connected to a mouse 1110 and a keyboard 1120, for example. The video adapter 1060 is connected to a display 1130, for example.

[0063] The hard disk drive 1090 stores, for example, an OS 1091, an application program 1092, a program module 1093, and program data 1094. That is, the programs that define the processes executed by the management server 10 are implemented as program modules 1093 in which computer-executable code is written. The program modules 1093 are stored, for example, in the hard disk drive 1090. For example, a program module 1093 for executing processes similar to those of the functional configuration of the management server 10 is stored in the hard disk drive 1090. The hard disk drive 1090 may be replaced by an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0064] Data used in the processing of the above-described embodiment is stored as program data 1094 in, for example, the memory 1010 or the hard disk drive 1090. The CPU 1020 then reads the program module 1093 or the program data 1094 stored in the memory 1010 or the hard disk drive 1090 into the RAM 1012 as needed and executes them.

[0065] The program module 1093 and program data 1094 are not limited to being stored in the hard disk drive 1090, but may also be stored in, for example, a removable storage medium and read by the CPU 1020 via the disk drive 1100 or the like. Alternatively, the program module 1093 and program data 1094 may be stored in another computer connected via a network (such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network)). The program module 1093 and program data 1094 may then be read by the CPU 1020 from the other computer via the network interface 1070. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10 Management Server 11 Communications Department 12 Input / output section 13 Storage section 14 Control Unit 100 Communication equipment 141 Accommodation Rule Setting Section 142 Information setting section 143 Information Update Department 144 Reception Department 145 Relocation destination selection section

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores, for each group of communication devices, communication device information indicating identification information of communication devices belonging to the group, and accommodation rule information that indicates, for each group, accommodation rules that indicate rules for reaccommodating user communications between communication devices within the group, along with priorities for applying the accommodation rules; a reception unit that receives input of identification information of a communication device that is a target of relocation; a re-accommodation destination selection unit that selects a communication device to which the user's communication is to be re-accommodated from among the communication devices belonging to the group by applying accommodation rules of the group to which the re-accommodation target communication device belongs in order of priority, starting with the accommodation rule with the highest priority; a re-accommodation execution unit that changes the accommodation destination of the user's communication to the selected communication device; A management server comprising:

2. The accommodation rules are: The rule includes a rule that, when paired communication devices within the same group are indicated and one of the paired communication devices becomes a target for redirecting a user's communication, the other paired communication device is selected as the target communication device for redirecting the user's communication. The management server according to claim 1 .

3. The communication device information Further comprising information on the type of each of the communication devices; The accommodation rules are: The rule includes a rule that the newest type of communication device among the communication devices in the group to which the communication device to be relocated belongs is selected as the communication device to which the user's communication is to be relocated. The management server according to claim 1 .

4. The communication device information Further, information on a location where the communication device is installed is included; The accommodation rules are: The rule includes a rule that a communication device installed at a location different from the location at which the communication device to be relocated is installed among the communication devices of the group to which the communication device to be relocated belongs is selected as a communication device to which the communication device to be relocated is to be relocated. The management server according to claim 1 .

5. The reaccommodation destination selection unit The accommodation rules are applied in order of priority, and if a communication device to which the user's communication is to be redirected can be selected based on the applied accommodation rule, the communication device to which the user's communication is to be redirected is selected. If a communication device cannot be selected, the accommodation rule with the next highest priority after the applicable accommodation rule is applied.

2. The management server according to claim 1.

6. The reaccommodation destination selection unit If it is determined that a communication device to which the user's communication is to be re-accommodated cannot be selected even if any of the accommodation rules of the group with the same priority is applied, the communication device with the largest amount of available resources is selected from among the communication devices of the group, or the re-accommodation is canceled.

2. The management server according to claim 1.

7. a management server including a storage unit that stores, for each group of communication devices, communication device information indicating identification information of communication devices belonging to the group, and accommodation rule information that indicates, for each group, a rule for reaccommodating user communications between communication devices within the group, together with a priority for applying the accommodation rule; receiving input of identification information of a communication device to be relocated; a step of selecting a communication device to which the user's communication is to be redirected from among the communication devices belonging to the group by applying accommodation rules of the group to which the communication device to be redirected belongs in order of priority, starting with the accommodation rule with the highest priority; redirecting the user's communications to the selected communications device; A management method comprising:

8. a computer including a storage unit that stores, for each group of communication devices, communication device information indicating identification information of communication devices belonging to the group, and accommodation rule information that indicates, for each group, a rule for reaccommodating user communications between communication devices within the group, together with a priority for applying the accommodation rule; receiving input of identification information of a communication device to be relocated; a step of selecting a communication device to which the user's communication is to be redirected from among the communication devices belonging to the group by applying accommodation rules of the group to which the communication device to be redirected belongs in order of priority, starting with the accommodation rule with the highest priority; redirecting the user's communications to the selected communications device; A management program for running the program.

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