Management device, network system, and network maintenance method

Abstract

To enable necessary setting to be performed from a management device even when setting information on an instrument after replacement is not registered in the management device in the time of replacement of a network instrument.SOLUTION: A management device comprises: a connection information management unit which acquires connection information about connection between a plurality of network instruments via a network; and a setting information management unit which manages setting information about setting of each of the plurality of network instruments. When the connection information management unit determines that the one network instrument of the plurality of network instruments is replaced with a new network instrument installed in the network on the basis of the acquired connection information, the setting information management unit creates the setting information for the new network instrument on the basis of the setting information on the network instrument before replacement being the one network instrument, and sets the new network instrument according to the created setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a network system, and a network maintenance method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, zero-touch provisioning has been provided as a function or service that automates the configuration of devices connected to a network. An example of a system using zero-touch provisioning is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-141291 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Zero-touch provisioning is a technology in which the management server of a network automatically configures a device when the device is started up and connected to the network. The management server pre-registers unique information that identifies the network device (such as the device's MAC (Media Access Control) address or serial number) and information to be input to the network device (settings or scripts). When the network device is turned on, a packet is sent from the device. The management server identifies the network device based on the information contained in the packet and performs the necessary settings on the network device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-141291 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a device is replaced due to a malfunction or other reason, it is obvious that the same settings as the original device should be applied to the replacement device. However, conventional management servers cannot determine whether the settings of the original device can be applied to the new device.

[0006] For this reason, when replacing network equipment due to a malfunction or other reason, zero-touch provisioning requires that the unique information and configuration information of the new (replaced) device be registered in the management server, just as it does when installing new equipment. However, this requires not only the task of replacing the device but also the task of changing the information registered in the management server, which creates the issue of reduced efficiency in the device replacement process. Furthermore, there is the possibility of human error occurring when changing the information registered in the management server. This means that the benefits of automatic configuration cannot be fully utilized.

[0007] Furthermore, if the operating environment of the new device differs from that of the device being replaced, even if the configuration information of the previous device is directly transferred to the new device, there is a possibility that the new device will malfunction. For example, if the new device cannot use the same ports as those used by the previous device, the original configuration information must be changed. This also requires manual work, which can lead to reduced efficiency and the possibility of human error.

[0008] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that enables necessary settings to be made from a management device when replacing a network device, even if the configuration information of the replaced device has not been registered in the management device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The management device disclosed herein is a management device that manages a network composed of multiple network devices, and is equipped with a connection information management unit that acquires connection information regarding connections between the multiple network devices via the network, and a setting information management unit that manages setting information regarding the settings of each of the multiple network devices.When the connection information management unit determines, based on the acquired connection information, that a new network device installed on the network has been replaced with one of the multiple network devices, the setting information management unit creates setting information for the new network device based on the setting information of the one network device before the replacement, and configures the new network device in accordance with the created setting information.

[0010] The network system of the present disclosure includes a network composed of a plurality of network devices, and a management device that acquires connection information regarding the connections between the plurality of network devices via the network and manages setting information regarding the settings of each of the plurality of network devices based on the acquired connection information.When the management device determines based on the acquired connection information that a new network device installed on the network has been replaced with one of the plurality of network devices, it creates setting information for the new network device based on the setting information of the one network device before the replacement, and configures the new network device in accordance with the created setting information.

[0011] A method for maintaining a network made up of multiple network devices, comprising the steps of: a management device that manages configuration information for each of the multiple network devices repeatedly acquiring connection information regarding connections between the multiple network devices via the network; a step of shutting down the previous network device, which is one of the multiple network devices, in order to replace the network device with a new network device; a step of reconnecting the wiring connected to the previous network device to the new network device; a step of starting up the new network device; a step of the management device detecting the replacement of the previous network device with the new network device based on the acquired connection information; a step of the management device creating configuration information for the new network device based on the configuration information of the previous network device; and a step of the management device configuring the new network device in accordance with the configuration information created in the creating step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, when replacing a network device, even if the setting information of the replaced device has not been registered in the management device, the necessary settings can be made from the management device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the management server. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of device registration information stored in the management server in a state where the network is configured as shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting information. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of device connection information stored in the management server in a state where the network is configured as shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a device in a network is replaced in a network system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the setting process executed by the management server when the network device is powered on. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process for detecting a new device and performing initial settings when a network device is replaced with a new device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of device registration information stored in the management server in the state of step S17 shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the device connection information stored in the management server in the state of step S17 shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing after step S10 shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of device connection information updated after a device is replaced. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of setting information created for the replaced device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating, in a simplified manner, the operation of the management server when a network device is replaced while the network system is temporarily unavailable. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of determining whether or not a device has been replaced, which is executed by the device connection information management unit of the management server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0015] (1) A management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a management device that manages a network configured by a plurality of network devices, and includes a connection information management unit that acquires connection information regarding connections between the plurality of network devices via the network, and a setting information management unit that manages setting information regarding the settings of each of the plurality of network devices. When the connection information management unit determines, based on the acquired connection information, that a new network device installed on the network has been replaced with one of the plurality of network devices, the setting information management unit creates setting information for the new network device based on the setting information of the one network device before the replacement, and configures the new network device in accordance with the created setting information.

[0016] When replacing a network device, the settings of the device before replacement can basically be applied to the replaced device. According to the above configuration, even if the setting information of the new network device (the replaced device) is not registered in the management device when replacing the network device, the management device can perform the necessary settings on the new network device. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the work efficiency of the replacement work can be improved.

[0017] (2) In the management device of (1) above, the connection information includes information on ports used by multiple network devices. If the connection information management unit detects, based on the connection information, that the connection port of the new network device is different from the connection port of the network device before replacement, the setting information management unit changes the setting information of the network device before replacement so that the connection port of the new network device is reflected in the setting information created for the new network device.

[0018] According to the above configuration, even if at least some of the ports used in the new network device are different from the ports used in the replaced device, it is possible to create configuration information for the new network device based on the configuration information of the replaced device, thereby allowing the management device to configure the new network device.

[0019] (3) In the management device of (1) or (2) above, while the network is unavailable, the connection information management unit reserves the decision on replacing the network device.

[0020] For example, a network may be temporarily unavailable in order to replace a network device. While the network is unavailable, the management device cannot obtain connection information. If the management device were to configure the replaced device in this state, there is a possibility that the configuration would be incorrect. With the above configuration, while the network is unavailable, the management device suspends judgment regarding the replacement of the network device. This makes it possible to prevent the replaced device from operating with incorrect settings.

[0021] (4) In any of the management devices (1) to (3) above, if the connection information management unit determines, based on the connection information, that the number of wires connected to the new network device matches the number of wires connected to the network device before replacement, and that the combination of the device to which the wires are connected and the port to which the wires are connected in the connection information of the network device before replacement matches the combination of the device to which the wires are connected and the port to which the wires are connected in the connection information of the network device before replacement, it determines that the network device before replacement has been replaced with the new network device.

[0022] When all of the wires connected to the replaced network device have been reconnected to the new network device, the number of wires connected to the new network device will match the number of wires connected to the replaced network device. Furthermore, the information on the destinations of the wires connected to the new network device (combinations of devices and ports) will match the information on the destinations of the wires connected to the replaced network device (combinations of devices and ports). This makes it possible to determine that the wires connected to the replaced network device have been correctly reconnected to the new network device. Therefore, the management device can configure the new network device (i.e., the replaced device) based on the settings of the replaced device.

[0023] (5) In any of the management devices (1) to (3) above, if the connection information management unit determines, based on the connection information, that the number of wires connected to the new network device is one or more wires less than the number of wires connected to the network device before replacement, it detects a connection error, and the setting information management unit determines, in response to the connection error, not to create setting information for the new network device.

[0024] When the number of wires connected to the new network device is one or more less than the number of wires connected to the network device before replacement, this means that one or more unconnected wires remain. According to the above configuration, if unconnected wires remain, the management device does not create configuration information for the new network device, thereby preventing incorrect settings from being made to the new network device.

[0025] (6) A network system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a network configured of a plurality of network devices, and a management device that acquires connection information regarding connections between the plurality of network devices via the network and manages configuration information regarding the settings of each of the plurality of network devices based on the acquired connection information. When the management device determines based on the acquired connection information that a new network device installed on the network has been replaced with one of the plurality of network devices, it creates configuration information for the new network device based on the configuration information of the one network device before the replacement, and configures the new network device in accordance with the created configuration information.

[0026] According to the above configuration, when replacing a network device, even if the setting information of the replaced device has not been registered in the management device, the necessary settings can be made from the management device. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the management device creates the setting information of the new network device, thereby improving the efficiency of the replacement work.

[0027] (7) A network maintenance method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for maintaining a network configured by a plurality of network devices, and includes the steps of: a management device that manages configuration information for each of the plurality of network devices repeatedly acquiring connection information regarding connections between the plurality of network devices via a network; a step of shutting down the network device before replacement, which is one of the plurality of network devices, in order to replace the network device with a new network device; a step of reconnecting the wiring connected to the network device before replacement to the new network device; a step of starting up the new network device; a step of detecting, by the management device, the replacement of the network device before replacement with the new network device based on the acquired connection information; a step of creating, by the management device, configuration information for the new network device based on the configuration information of the network device before replacement; and a step of configuring the new network device by the management device in accordance with the configuration information created in the creating step.

[0028] According to the above configuration, when replacing a network device, even if the setting information of the replaced device has not been registered in the management device, the necessary settings can be made from the management device. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the management device creates the setting information of the new network device, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0029] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0030] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a network system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 1 includes a network 10 configured by a plurality of network devices and a management server 20 that is a management device that manages the network 10.

[0031] The network 10 includes network devices 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E that are interconnected. The network devices 10A to 10E are, for example, devices such as switches and routers. Although five network devices are illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of network devices that make up the network 10 is not limited. In the following description, the network devices 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E may be simply referred to as "device A," "device B," "device C," "device D," and "device E" (see FIG. 1).

[0032] Each of the network devices 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E has multiple ports. For convenience of illustration, five ports (ports p1 to p5) of the multiple ports of each network device are shown in Figure 1. The network devices are connected to each other via wiring connected to the ports.

[0033] The management server 20 configures a network device when the device is powered on. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, when a network device on the network is replaced with a new network device, the management server 20 creates configuration information for the new network device based on the configuration information of the network device before the replacement. The management server 20 configures the new network device based on the created information.

[0034] The network device before replacement and the network device after replacement (new network device) are of the same type and are compatible. Therefore, the new network device can inherit the settings of the network device before replacement. Note that if the new network device can inherit the settings of the network device before replacement, the new network device may be upwardly compatible with the network device before replacement.

[0035] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of management server 20. Management server 20 includes a management unit 21, a storage unit 22, and an interface unit 23. Management unit 21 includes a device registration information management unit 24 and a device connection information management unit 25.

[0036] The device registration information management unit 24 manages device registration information including setting information and unique information of each network device. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device registration information management unit 24 corresponds to a setting information management unit that manages setting information related to the settings of each of multiple network devices. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device connection information management unit 25 corresponds to a connection information management unit that acquires connection information related to connections between multiple network devices via the network. The storage unit 22 stores device registration information 26 and device connection information 27.

[0037] The functions of the device registration information management unit 24 and the device connection information management unit 25 will be described below.

[0038] (1) Functions of the device registration information management unit 24 (a) The device registration information management unit 24 accepts the registration of a network device from the interface unit 23, which functions as a user interface. In this case, the device registration information management unit 24 records unique information and setting information for each network device in the device registration information 26.

[0039] (b) The device registration information management unit 24 manages the management IP addresses assigned to the network devices and the status of assignment of the management IP addresses to the network devices. The device registration information management unit 24 records the management IP addresses and the status of assignment of the management IP addresses in the device registration information 26.

[0040] (c) When the device registration information management unit 24 receives an IP address assignment request from a network device, it assigns an IP address to the network device and notifies the network device of the IP address. Furthermore, the device registration information management unit 24 searches the device registration information 26 based on the unique information and registers the IP address in the device registration information of the network device. For example, a method such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is used to assign the IP address.

[0041] (d) When the device registration information management unit 24 receives a request for setting information from a network device, it searches the device registration information 26 based on the IP address of the network device to check whether setting information for the network device is registered. If setting information is registered in the device registration information 26, it transmits the registered setting information to the network device. As a result, the network device that issued the setting information request is configured by the management server 20. On the other hand, in the case of an unregistered device for which setting information is not registered, the device registration information management unit 24 transmits to the unregistered device information for minimum settings (minimum settings) required for the device to exchange connection information with adjacent devices. The device registration information management unit 24 notifies the device connection information management unit 25 of the information about the unregistered device.

[0042] (e) When a notification of device replacement is received from the device connection information management unit 25, the device registration information management unit 24 searches the device registration information 26 based on the device specific information and sets the corresponding unregistered device to a registered state.

[0043] (f) The device registration information management unit 24 updates the setting information of the device before replacement based on the difference in connection information between the device before replacement and the device after replacement. This creates setting information for the device after replacement. The device registration information management unit 24 transmits the setting information to the device operating in the minimum setting state, making the device available for use.

[0044] (2) Functions of the device connection information management unit 25 (a) The device connection information management unit 25 manages the connection information of the network devices and records the connection information in the device connection information 27.

[0045] (b) The device connection information management unit 25 repeatedly collects device connection information from the network devices and stores the collected connection information. Specifically, the device connection information management unit 25 periodically collects connection information from each network device registered in the device connection information 27 and updates the device connection information 27 based on the collected information. The device connection information 27 is held in the storage unit 22 for a certain period of time (for example, several days or several weeks).

[0046] (c) The device connection information management unit 25 registers an unregistered network device in the device connection information 27. Specifically, when a notification of an unregistered network device is received from the device registration information management unit 24, the device connection information management unit 25 adds information about the unregistered device to the device connection information 27.

[0047] (d) When the device connection information is next collected, the device connection information management unit 25 compares the connection information of the unregistered network device with past device connection information to determine whether the addition of the unregistered network device corresponds to a device replacement. If it is determined that the addition corresponds to a device replacement, the device connection information management unit 25 extracts the difference in connection information between the device before the replacement and the device after the replacement. The device connection information management unit 25 notifies the device registration information management unit 24 of the determination result that it is a device replacement and that the device connection information has been changed.

[0048] 3 is a diagram showing an example of device registration information 26 stored in management server 20 in a state in which network 10 is configured as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, device registration information 26 registers the unique information, setting information, and IP address assignment status of each of devices A to E. In the example of FIG. 3, device registration information 26 registers the unique information, setting information, and IP addresses of all of devices A to E. Since IP addresses have already been assigned to all of devices A to E, the IP addresses assigned to each device are registered in the "IP address assignment status" column of device registration information 26.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting information. In FIG. 4, the setting information of device A is exemplified by the setting of a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) that is closely related to a port. For each of the VLANs "VLAN10," "VLAN20," "VLAN100," and "VLAN300," the corresponding port of device A and the port of the opposing device are registered. In FIG. 4, for example, the notation "B-p3" means port p3 of device B (the same applies to the figures described below).

[0050] The setting information will be explained using the example of a VLAN represented by "VLAN10." The symbol "v" indicates that ports p1 and p2 of device A will be used. Furthermore, the port of the device opposite port p1 of device A (port p3 of device B) and the port of the device opposite port p2 of device A (port p1 of device C) are registered. In this specification, the port that is being used (i.e., the port to which the wiring is connected) is called the "connection port."

[0051] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of device connection information 27 stored in management server 20 when network 10 is configured as shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, device connection information 27 registers the registration status of connection information collected from each of devices A to E, and information on connections between devices. "Information on connections between devices" is, more specifically, information on ports to which ports p1 to p5 of a certain device are connected. A blank column in the table shown in Fig. 5 indicates that the port corresponding to that column is not connected.

[0052] 5, all connection information for devices A to E has been registered. For example, for device A, the device connection information 27 registers that ports p1, p2, p3, and p5 of device A are connected to port p3 of device B, port p1 of device C, port p1 of device D, and port p1 of device E, respectively, and that port p4 of device A is unconnected. Similar connection information for devices B to E is also registered in the device connection information 27.

[0053] 6 is a diagram showing a state in which devices in the network 10 have been replaced in the network system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be understood from a comparison with FIG. 1, the state of the network system 1 shown in FIG. 6 is a state in which device A (network device 10A) has been replaced with device A' (network device 10A1). For ease of understanding, it is assumed that device A' is the same type of device as device A.

[0054] When replacing device A with device A', it is desirable to reconnect the wiring connected to the port of device A to the same port of device A' to ensure a reliable replacement. However, for various reasons, such as restrictions on wiring routing, it may be necessary to reconnect the wiring to different ports on devices A and A'.

[0055] In Figure 6, wiring different from the wiring shown in Figure 1 is indicated by thick solid lines. Device A' and device A have different ports connected to other devices. For example, port p1 of device A is connected to port p3 of device B. In contrast, port p1 of device A' is connected to port p3 of device C. Also, port p4 is an unconnected port in device A, while port p3 is an unconnected port in device A'.

[0056] 6, the management server 20 determines that device A' is a device that has been replaced with device A, and creates configuration information for device A'. The management server 20 then transmits the configuration information to device A'. This enables device A' to operate on the network 10. Such processing by the management server 20 will now be described in more detail.

[0057] Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the setting process executed by the management server when a network device is powered on. Fig. 7 shows the setting sequence when device A shown in Fig. 1 is powered on. The setting information of device A is pre-registered in management server 20. It is also assumed that the other devices on network 10 (devices B to E) are already in operation.

[0058] 7, first, device A is powered on. Device A receives an IP address assignment request from device registration information management unit 24 of management server 20 (step S1). In response to the request, device registration information management unit 24 searches device registration information 26 to check the registration status of device A. Since information about device A is registered in device registration information 26, device registration information management unit 24 assigns the IP address of device A registered in device registration information 26 to device A (step S2).

[0059] Next, device A requests setting information from device registration information management unit 24 (step S3). In response to the request, device registration information management unit 24 searches device registration information 26 to confirm setting information of device A. Setting information of device A is registered in advance in device registration information 26. Therefore, device registration information management unit 24 transmits setting information of device A to device A (step S4). Furthermore, device registration information management unit 24 notifies information of device A to device connection information management unit 25 (step S5).

[0060] Device A exchanges connection information with other devices (devices B to E in the example of FIG. 1) (step S6). The connection information may include, for example, information about the device itself and port connection information. Note that the connection information can be exchanged between devices A to E using a method such as LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol), which is standardized by IEEE802.1AB.

[0061] The device connection information management unit 25 of the management server 20 collects connection information from each of device A to device E (step S7). As a result, the device connection information management unit 25 acquires connection information regarding connections between a plurality of network devices via the network. The device connection information management unit 25 records the collected connection information in device connection information 27 and updates the device connection information 27. Note that connection information is repeatedly exchanged between devices A to E, and the device connection information management unit 25 collects connection information from each of devices A to E. Note that the processes of steps S6 and S7 are repeatedly executed, but in FIG. 9, the repeatedly executed processes are represented as processes of steps S8 and S9.

[0062] 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process for detecting a new network device and performing initial settings when the network device is replaced with a new device. In the example shown in FIG. 8, device A breaks down and is replaced with device A'.

[0063] When a failure occurs in device A, the power to device A is turned off (step S11). This stops device A (the network device before replacement). Next, device A is replaced with device A' (new network device) (step S12). In the replacement work, the wiring connected to the port of device A is reconnected to the port of device A'. Once the wiring to device A' is completed, the power to device A' is turned on.

[0064] Device A' is powered on and starts up. Device A' receives an IP address assignment request from the device registration information management unit 24 of the management server 20 (step S13). In response to the request, the device registration information management unit 24 searches the device registration information 26 to check the registration status of device A'. However, information about device A' is not registered in the device registration information 26. In this case, the device registration information management unit 24 assigns a new IP address to device A' (step S14).

[0065] Device A' requests setting information from the device registration information management unit 24 (step S15). In response to the request, the device registration information management unit 24 searches the device registration information 26 to confirm the setting information of device A'. The setting information of device A' has not been registered in advance in the device registration information 26. Therefore, the device registration information management unit 24 transmits information for minimum setting (minimum setting) to device A', which is an unregistered device, so as to enable the device A' to exchange connection information with adjacent devices (step S16). Furthermore, the device registration information management unit 24 notifies the device connection information management unit 25 of the information of device A' (step S17).

[0066] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the device registration information 26 stored in the management server 20 in the state of step S17 shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 9, although an IP address is assigned to device A', the unique information and setting information of device A' are not registered in the device registration information 26.

[0067] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of device connection information 27 stored in management server 20 in the state of step S17 shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 10, since management server 20 has not been able to acquire connection information from device A', the connection information of device A' is not registered in device connection information 27.

[0068] 8, device A' exchanges connection information with other devices (devices B to E in the example of FIG. 6) using a method such as LLDP (step S18). The device connection information management unit 25 of the management server 20 collects connection information from device A' and the other devices (step S19). The device connection information management unit 25 records the collected connection information in device connection information 27.

[0069] Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing after step S10 shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 11, device A' exchanges connection information with other devices (step S20). The device connection information management unit 25 of the management server 20 collects connection information from devices A' to E (step S21). The device connection information management unit 25 registers the collected connection information in device connection information 27. As a result, the device connection information 27 is updated.

[0070] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of device connection information 27 that has been updated after a device has been replaced. As shown in Fig. 12, the connection information of device A' has already been registered in device connection information 27. Device connection information management unit 25 compares updated device connection information 27 with device connection information 27 before the update to check whether there is a device that has the same device and port combination as newly installed device A'.

[0071] In this case, the device connection information management unit 25 recognizes from the updated device connection information 27 that device A' is connected to port B-p3, port C-p1, port D-p1, and port E-p1. Furthermore, the device connection information management unit 25 compares the information of device A' with the connection information of each of devices A to E. As a result, the device connection information management unit 25 confirms that the combination of the connected device and the connected port is the same between device A and device A'.

[0072] In determining whether a device has been replaced, the device connection information management unit 25 determines that a device has been replaced if the combination of the connected device and port is the same. The connection port of device A' is different from the connection port of device A. However, the device connection information management unit 25 does not take into account the identity of the connection ports when determining whether a device has been replaced. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the connection information between device A and device A' matches. The device connection information management unit 25 detects the replacement of the old network device (device A) with a new network device (device A') based on the acquired connection information (step S22).

[0073] Referring again to FIG. 11, the device connection information management unit 25 notifies the device registration information management unit 24 of the determination result that the device has been replaced, and also notifies that the device connection information has been changed (step S23).

[0074] If there is no device with matching connection information, the device connection information management unit 25 treats device A' as a connection of an unregistered device. Furthermore, the device connection information management unit 25 blocks each communication port of device A' and sets it to an unusable state.

[0075] In response to the notification from the device connection information management unit 25, the device registration information management unit 24 checks whether there is a difference in the connection information between device A and device A'. If there is no difference, the device registration information management unit 24 creates the setting information for device A' by using the setting information of device A as the setting information for device A'. If there is a difference in the connection information, the device registration information management unit 24 changes the connection information of device A based on the difference in the connection information between device A and device A' and creates the setting information for device A'.

[0076] 13 is a diagram showing an example of setting information created for a replaced device. As can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 4 and FIG. 13, in the setting information for device A', for example, the VLAN setting is changed from the setting for device A. Specifically, before the device is replaced, ports p1 and p2 are set to belong to "VLAN10." In contrast, after the device is replaced, ports p1 and p4 are set to belong to "VLAN10" based on the connection information of device A'. As described above, in this embodiment, if it is detected that the connection ports of the new network device are different from the connection ports of the network device before replacement, the setting information for the new network device is created by changing the setting information of the network device before replacement so that the connection ports of the new network device are reflected.

[0077] 11 again, the device registration information management unit 24 transmits the setting information for device A' to device A' (step S24). As a result, device A' is configured according to the setting information for device A', and device A' becomes operable. Note that even after device A' is configured, the device connection information management unit 25 repeatedly collects connection information from device A' and other devices. The device connection information management unit 25 records the collected connection information in device connection information 27 (step S25).

[0078] In the above embodiment, one of the multiple network devices constituting the network 10 is replaced, while the remaining network devices continue to operate. However, it is assumed that the network system may be temporarily unavailable due to reasons such as network system maintenance, and the target device among the multiple network devices may be replaced with a new device.

[0079] 14 is a simplified sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the management server when replacing a network device while temporarily disabling the network system. For example, suppose that the network 10 is temporarily disabled due to a failure of device A shown in FIG. 1, necessitating work to restore the network system. In such a case, device A is also powered off and replaced with device A'. The wiring connected to device A is then reconnected to device A'. Device A' is then powered on to start it up.

[0080] However, while the network 10 is unavailable, the management server 20 (device connection information management unit 25) cannot collect connection information via the network 10. Therefore, while the network 10 is unavailable, the management server 20 (device connection information management unit 25) suspends judgment as to whether a new device has been added to the network 10 or whether a device in the network 10 has been replaced with another device. Although the management server 20 stores device connection information 27, this device connection information 27 is not the latest information. Therefore, by having the management server 20 suspend judgment, it is possible to prevent device A' from operating in a state where it has been incorrectly configured.

[0081] For example, when each of devices B to E is powered on, management server 20 transmits setting information to devices B to E to operate them. This makes network 10 available. When network 10 is available, device connection information management unit 25 resumes determining whether a new device has been added to network 10 or whether a device in network 10 has been replaced with another device. Thereafter, following the same processing flow as that described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, management server 20 creates setting information for device A' and configures device A' according to the setting information.

[0082] In this manner, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the management server 20 changes the setting information of the device A, creates setting information for the device A', and configures the device A' based on the setting information. This allows the settings for the replaced device to be performed automatically without manual intervention.

[0083] As described above, when replacing device A with device A', it is necessary to transfer the wiring connected to device A to device A'. If the number of wirings is large, when the worker transfers the wirings, there is a possibility that the wiring that should be connected to device A' will remain unconnected. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of unconnected wirings may be included as a determining factor in determining whether to configure device A'.

[0084] 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining whether or not a device has been replaced, which is executed by the device connection information management unit of the management server. Referring to FIG. 15, in step S31, device connection information management unit 25 detects, by comparing device connection information 27, that information on the new network device is included in device connection information 27. In step S32, device connection information management unit 25 determines the number of wires that are not connected to the new network device in device connection information 27.

[0085] The device connection information management unit 25 can ascertain the number of ports (referred to as "connection ports") to which wires were connected in the device before replacement by checking which ports of the device before replacement (e.g., device A) are connected to ports of other devices in the device connection information 27. Similarly, the device connection information management unit 25 can ascertain the number of connection ports of the new network device by checking which ports of the new network device (e.g., device A') registered in the device connection information 27 are connected to ports of other devices.

[0086] The difference between the number of connection ports on the device before replacement and the number of connection ports on the new network device corresponds to the number of wires that are not connected to the new network device. If the number of wires connected to the new network device is the same as the number of wires connected to the network device before replacement, the number of unconnected wires is zero. On the other hand, if the number of wires connected to the new network device is one or more fewer than the number of wires connected to the network device before replacement, the number of unconnected wires is one or more.

[0087] If the number of unconnected wires is 0, the device connection information management unit 25 determines whether the information of the connection partner matches based on the device connection information 27 (step S33). The information of the connection partner is a combination of the device to which the wire is connected and the port to which the wire is connected in the device to which the wire is connected (for example, "B-p3").

[0088] The number of unconnected wires being 0 means that all of the wires connected to the network device before replacement have been reconnected to the new network device. The connection destination information matching means that the combination of the device and port to which the wires connected to the new network device are connected matches the combination of the device and port to which the wires connected to the network device before replacement are connected. If the answer is YES in step S33, it can be determined that the wires connected to the network device before replacement have been correctly reconnected to the new network device. Therefore, management server 20 detects that a device has been replaced (step S34).

[0089] 11, the device connection information management unit 25 notifies the device registration information management unit 24 of the device replacement. The device registration information management unit 24 creates setting information for the replaced device and sets up the replaced device using the setting information (step S35).

[0090] On the other hand, if there is one or more unconnected wires, the device connection information management unit 25 detects a connection error and notifies the user of the connection error (step S36). The method of notifying the error is not particularly limited, and for example, an error message may be displayed on a display connected to the management server 20. Connection port information is required when correcting the setting information of the pre-replacement device. However, a state in which there are one or more unconnected wires means that the number of connection ports of the pre-replacement device is one or more short of the number of connection ports of the post-replacement device. In such a case, it is not possible to determine the correspondence between the connection ports of the pre-replacement device and the connection ports of the post-replacement device. Therefore, the device connection information management unit 25 detects a connection error and notifies the user of the error.

[0091] In this case, the device connection information management unit 25 does not notify the device registration information management unit 24 of the device replacement. Therefore, in response to the detection of the connection error, the device registration information management unit 24 determines not to create setting information for the new network device. This makes it possible to prevent incorrect settings from being made in the replaced device.

[0092] If a connection error is detected, the device connection information management unit 25 executes the processes from step S31 onwards again depending on the timing of acquiring the next connection information. If the number of times it is determined that "there is one or more unconnected wires" reaches a predetermined number, the device connection information management unit 25 blocks each port of the new network device and sets it to an unusable state.

[0093] Furthermore, in step S33, if the information of the connection partner does not match (NO in step S33), the device connection information management unit 25 does not notify the device registration information management unit 24 of the device replacement. Therefore, setting information for the new network device is not created, so it is possible to avoid erroneous settings being made to the new network device. Note that, if the information of the connection partner does not match, the device connection information management unit 25 may proceed to the process in step S36 and notify a connection error. In this case as well, setting information for the new network device is not created, so it is possible to avoid erroneous settings being made to the new network device.

[0094] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when a network device is replaced, even if the configuration information of the replaced device is not registered in the management device, the management device can create configuration information for the new device based on the connection information and the configuration information of the device before the replacement. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the combination of the destination device and the connection port on the destination device is the same between two devices, the management server determines that the two devices have been replaced. Therefore, even if the ports used by the new device and the device before the replacement are different, the configuration information for the new device can be created based on the information registered in the connection information and the configuration information of the device before the replacement.

[0095] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above-described embodiments, and it is intended to include any modifications within the scope of the claims and meanings equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Network System 10 Network 10A~10E,10A1 Network equipment 20 Management Server 21 Management Department 22 Memory section 23 Interface section 24 Device Registration Information Management Department 25 Device connection information management unit 26 Device registration information 27 Device connection information p1~p5 ports S1~S20, S21, S23~S25, S31~S35 steps

Claims

1. A management device for managing a network configured by a plurality of network devices, a connection information management unit that acquires connection information relating to connections between the plurality of network devices via the network; a setting information management unit that manages setting information relating to the settings of each of the plurality of network devices; When the connection information management unit determines, based on the acquired connection information, that a new network device installed on the network has been replaced with one of the plurality of network devices, the setting information management unit creates the setting information for the new network device based on the setting information of the one network device before replacement, and configures the new network device in accordance with the created setting information; The connection information includes information on ports used by the plurality of network devices, and the connection information management unit compares the connection information of the new network device with the connection information of each of the plurality of network devices including the network device before replacement, and determines that a network device has been replaced if the combination of the connected network device and port is the same.

2. A management device as described in claim 1, wherein, when the connection information management unit detects based on the connection information that the connection port of the new network device is different from the connection port of the network device before replacement, the setting information management unit changes the setting information of the network device before replacement so that the connection port of the new network device is reflected when creating the setting information for the new network device.

3. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the connection information management unit reserves a decision regarding replacement of the network device while the network is unavailable.

4. 4. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the connection information management unit determines, based on the connection information, that the number of wires connected to the new network device matches the number of wires connected to the network device before replacement, and that the combination of the device to which the wires are connected and the port to which the wires are connected in the device to which the wires are connected matches the combination of the device to which the wires are connected and the port to which the wires are connected in the device ....

5. the connection information management unit detects a connection error when it determines, based on the connection information, that the number of wires connected to the new network device is one or more less than the number of wires connected to the network device before replacement; The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the setting information management unit determines not to create the setting information for the new network device in response to the detection of the connection error.

6. a network configured by a plurality of network devices; a management device that acquires connection information relating to connections between the plurality of network devices via the network and manages setting information relating to settings of each of the plurality of network devices based on the acquired connection information, wherein the management device When it is determined based on the acquired connection information that a new network device installed on the network has been replaced with one of the plurality of network devices, the setting information for the new network device is created based on the setting information of the one network device before the replacement, and the new network device is configured in accordance with the created setting information; The connection information includes information on ports used by the plurality of network devices, and the management device compares the connection information of the new network device with the connection information of each of the plurality of network devices including the network device before replacement, and determines that a network device has been replaced if the combination of the connected network device and port is the same.

7. A method for maintaining a network configured by a plurality of network devices, comprising: a management device that manages setting information of each of the plurality of network devices repeatedly acquiring connection information regarding connections between the plurality of network devices via the network; a step of shutting down one of the plurality of network devices before replacement, in order to replace the one network device with a new network device; reconnecting the wiring connected to the network device before replacement to the new network device; booting up the new network device; detecting, by the management device, the replacement of the network device before replacement with the new network device based on the acquired connection information; creating, by the management device, configuration information for the new network device based on configuration information of the network device before replacement; a step of the management device configuring the new network device in accordance with the configuration information created in the creating step; the connection information includes information on ports used by the plurality of network devices, The detecting step includes: comparing connection information of the new network device with the connection information of each of the plurality of network devices including the replaced network device; and determining that the network device has been replaced if the combination of the connection destination network device and the port is the same in the comparing step. How to maintain your network.

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