How to set up communication routes

Abstract

This communication path setting device 100 comprises an optical signal acquisition unit 121 that acquires optical signals on transmission lines in a network configured by connecting optical communication devices via transmission lines, a state determination unit 122 that determines the physical state of at least one of the optical transmission lines and the optical communication devices on the basis of the optical signals, and a path setting unit 123 that sets a communication path for transmitting optical signals in the network on the basis of the determined physical state.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In optical transmission networks, where optical transmission lines and optical communication devices are connected in a mesh pattern, communication routes are set up taking into consideration Quality of Service (QoS). In particular, in recent years, the amount of traffic flowing through networks has increased with the spread of the Internet, making network congestion and delays major problems. To prevent these problems from occurring, communication routes are set up using bandwidth control, priority control, and other methods.

[0003] Here, Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which machine learning is performed using traffic information and congestion information of network (network) paths, an alternative path predicted to be "congestion-free" is calculated, and a route is designed for a router. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which a machine learning machine is placed between each router, and the machine learning machine performs machine learning based on traffic information and congestion information of network paths between routers installed on a transmission path, thereby constructing a learning model that predicts whether a target network path will be congested. Then, using the constructed model, it is possible to predict the possibility of route congestion based on information acquired in real time from each network path, and to set up a route that avoids network paths with a high probability of congestion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 026684 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 uses transmission path traffic information and past congestion information as data used for learning by a machine learning machine, and does not take into account the physical conditions of the installed transmission paths and hardware such as routers, such as the natural environment and the deterioration of equipment. Therefore, it is not possible to design routes that take into account conditions such as changes in the natural environment, such as icing or typhoons, router failures, and physical deterioration of the transmission paths. As a result, when a failure or a deterioration in transmission quality occurs due to changes or deterioration in the natural environment, such conditions cannot be reflected in the route design, and an appropriate communication route cannot be set.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication path setting method that can solve the above-mentioned problem of not being able to set an appropriate communication path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication path setting method according to one aspect of the present invention includes: Acquire an optical signal on a transmission path in a network configured by optical communication devices connected by an optical transmission path, determining a physical state of at least one of the optical transmission line and the optical communication device based on the optical signal; setting a communication path for transmitting an optical signal in the network based on the determined physical state; The structure is as follows.

[0008] Furthermore, a communication path setting device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an optical signal acquiring unit that acquires an optical signal on a transmission path in a network configured by optical communication devices connected by an optical transmission path; a state determination unit that determines a physical state of at least one of the optical transmission line and the optical communication device based on the optical signal; a route setting unit that sets a communication route for transmitting an optical signal in the network based on the determined physical state; Equipped with The structure is as follows.

[0009] Furthermore, a program according to one aspect of the present invention includes: On the computer, Acquire an optical signal on a transmission path in a network configured by optical communication devices connected by an optical transmission path, determining a physical state of at least one of the optical transmission line and the optical communication device based on the optical signal; setting a communication path for transmitting an optical signal in the network based on the determined physical state; Execute the process, The structure is as follows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] With the above-described configuration, the present invention can set an appropriate communication path in consideration of the physical conditions of the transmission line and communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network management device disclosed in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a flowchart showing a processing operation by the network management device disclosed in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart showing a processing operation by the network management device disclosed in FIG. 1; [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing a process performed by the network management device disclosed in FIG. 1 when setting a communication path. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing a process performed by the network management device disclosed in FIG. 1 when setting a communication path. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing a process performed by the network management device disclosed in FIG. 1 when setting a communication path. [Figure 8]2 is a diagram showing a process performed by the network management device disclosed in FIG. 1 when setting a communication path. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a communication path setting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication path setting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication path setting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] <Embodiment 1> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of a network system, and Figures 3 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the processing operation of the network system.

[0013] [composition] As shown in Fig. 1, the network system N of the present invention includes a plurality of communication devices R, each of which is connected to another by an optical transmission path F, forming a mesh-like structure as a whole. The communication device R is, for example, configured with an optical communication device called an optical transponder, and has the function of transferring an optical signal received from the optical transmission path to another optical transponder via a communication path based on set path information. The optical transmission path F is, for example, formed of an optical fiber that transmits an optical signal that is a bundle of multiple frequencies, and is installed in various installation situations, such as in an open-air environment such as on a utility pole, inside a bridge, or inside a road pipe.

[0014] 1, the network system N includes a network management device 10. The network management device 10 has a function of setting a communication path on the network using a route policy, as will be described later. In particular, the network management device 10 in this embodiment has a function of setting a communication path taking into consideration the physical states of the optical transmission line F and the communication device R in addition to the route policy.

[0015] Specifically, the network management device 10 is configured with one or more information processing devices each equipped with a calculation device and a storage device, and is connected to all of the communication devices R. As shown in FIG. 2, the network management device 10 includes an optical signal acquisition unit 11, a learning unit 12, a state determination unit 13, and a route setting unit 14. The functions of the optical signal acquisition unit 11, the learning unit 12, the state determination unit 13, and the route setting unit 14 can be realized by the calculation device executing a program for realizing each function stored in the storage device. The network management device 10 also includes a discrimination model storage unit 16 and a route policy storage unit 17. The discrimination model storage unit 16 and the route policy storage unit 17 are configured with a storage device. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0016] The optical signal acquiring unit 11 acquires from each communication device R the optical signal being communicated by that communication device R, and acquires optical signal information, which is data representing the characteristics of that optical signal. At this time, the optical signal information acquired by the optical signal acquiring unit 11 is, for example, data in which a digitally modulated signal is plotted on a complex plane, called a constellation, or data such as a polarization state, which indicates the state of the electric field during radio wave transmission, called SOP (State of Polarization). However, the optical signal information acquired by the optical signal acquiring unit 11 is not limited to the above-mentioned information, and may be a signal representing any characteristic of an optical signal.

[0017] In addition to the optical signal information described above, the optical signal acquiring unit 11 also acquires device information indicating the device status, such as the operating state of the optical transmission line and communication device, such as the load, the temperature of the optical transmission line and communication device, and the ambient temperature, from various sensors installed in the optical transmission line F and various sensors equipped in the communication device R. Note that the optical signal acquiring unit 11 may acquire any measurement value from any measurement device on the network system as device information.

[0018] The optical signal acquiring unit 11 acquires and stores optical signal information such as the above-mentioned constellations and SOPs at time intervals of, for example, one second, and records time-series changes in the optical signal information. The optical signal acquiring unit 11 also acquires and stores device information such as temperature and load at intervals of, for example, one second to several seconds. However, the optical signal acquiring unit 11 may acquire the above-mentioned optical signal information and device information at any time interval or at any timing.

[0019] The optical signal acquiring unit 11 may acquire the optical signal information and device information as learning information for generating a discrimination model (described later) or as route setting information for setting a communication route for the optical signal. When acquiring the optical signal information and device information as learning information, the optical signal acquiring unit 11 acquires the optical signal information and device information for a certain period of time in advance and stores them as learning data. In this case, the learning information includes training data used for learning together with the learning data. The training data is data representing external environmental conditions, such as weather and disasters, at the installation locations of the communication device R and the optical transmission path F, and the deterioration state of the communication device and the optical transmission path at the time the learning data was acquired. For example, the external environmental conditions include weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, etc.) and disaster conditions (typhoons, fires, etc.) at and near the installation locations of the communication device and the optical transmission path, and the deterioration state includes the age and failure status of the communication device and the optical transmission path. Therefore, depending on the external environmental conditions and deterioration state, the physical condition of the communication equipment and optical transmission line itself can be affected by water leakage, icing, broken wires, etc., and therefore the external environmental conditions and deterioration state can be said to be the physical condition of the communication equipment and optical transmission line.

[0020] The learning unit 12 (model generation unit) uses the above-described learning information to generate a model representing the relationship between the route setting information acquired when setting a communication route and the physical state of the communication device R and the optical transmission path F at that time, and stores the generated model in the discrimination model storage unit 16. That is, the learning unit 12 uses the optical signal information and device information, such as the constellation and SOP, previously acquired and stored by the optical signal acquisition unit 11, as learning data, and performs machine learning using the external environmental conditions, such as weather and disasters, at the installation locations of the communication device and the optical transmission path, and the physical conditions, such as the degradation state of the communication device and the optical transmission path, as training data, to generate a discrimination model configured to discriminate the physical conditions, such as the external environmental conditions and degradation state of the communication device and the optical transmission path, from the optical signal and device information acquired later. In this case, the learning data does not necessarily need to include the device information, and may consist of only the optical signal information.

[0021] As an example, the learning unit 12 uses the following four pieces of information as learning data. (From the constellation, which is optical signal information) 1. Signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) 2. Bandwidth attenuation information affected by optical fiber distortion and narrowing (From device information) 3. Temperature and ambient air temperature of communication equipment installed around the optical transmission line 4. Time for Seasonal Information Furthermore, the learning unit 12 uses the following information as training data. A. Physical condition of the optical fiber (optical transmission line F) (icing, rain, lightning)

[0022] The learning unit 12 can create the following discrimination models by learning using the learning information described above. For example, by learning optical signal information containing certain optical fiber distortions and specific noise components in winter, a discrimination model can be created that can estimate the presence of icing on an optical fiber. As another example, when it rains, intermittent vibrations occur in the optical fiber, resulting in vibrations with specific characteristics in the constellation. By learning the constellation representing such vibrations, a model can be created that can estimate the rainfall state. As another example, in the case of heavy rain accompanied by lightning, the lightning strikes have a significant impact on the polarization state. Therefore, by learning optical signal information that causes large SOP fluctuations and constellation disturbances, a model that can detect lightning strikes can be created.

[0023] The state determination unit 13 determines the physical states of the communication device R and the optical transmission path F based on newly acquired optical signal information when setting a communication path for an optical signal. At this time, the state determination unit 13 determines the physical states of the communication device R and the optical transmission path F from the acquired optical signal information using a determination model stored in the determination model storage unit 16. Particularly in this embodiment, the state determination unit 13 determines the physical states of the communication device R and the optical transmission path F by inputting newly acquired optical signal information and equipment information into the determination model generated as described above. However, the state determination unit 13 may determine the physical states of the communication device R and the optical transmission path F by inputting only optical signal information into the determination model.

[0024] Furthermore, after estimating the physical state, the state determination unit 13 sets and outputs quality information representing the communication quality of the communication device or transmission path related to the optical transmission path for which the physical state has been estimated, based on the information on the estimated physical state and optical signal information such as the acquired constellation and attenuation information of the signal band. For example, the quality information parameters consist of four parameters: availability quality, bandwidth quality, delay quality, and performance margin, each of which is set as a numerical value on a 10-point scale from 1 to 10. The higher the number, the higher the quality or the wider the performance margin.

[0025] As an example, when the state determination unit 13 estimates icing on the optical transmission line F as the physical condition and the narrowing (attenuation) of the signal band is greater than the assumed design level of the signal band, the state determination unit 13 sets a low bandwidth (width) quality parameter as the quality information and outputs it. Furthermore, when the state determination unit 13 estimates icing on the optical transmission line F as the physical condition and the SNR is low and there is a lot of noise, the state determination unit 13 sets a low performance margin parameter, which assumes a change to a modulation mode with a lower information compression rate but higher noise resistance, and outputs it. As another example, when the state determination unit 13 estimates clear skies as the physical condition, the state determination unit 13 sets a high bandwidth quality / performance margin parameter as the quality information, in contrast to the above. The state determination unit 13 may set the quality information from the estimated physical condition and the acquired optical signal information based on information previously indicating the correspondence between the physical condition and optical signal information and the numerical values ​​of each parameter of the quality information, or may set the quality information from the estimated physical condition and the acquired optical signal information using a preset arithmetic expression. Furthermore, the state determination unit 13 may calculate the above-mentioned quality information from only the estimated physical state.

[0026] The above-described discrimination model may also be configured to output quality information. That is, the discrimination model may be generated by learning using optical signal information and device information as learning data and physical state and quality information as teacher data. Furthermore, the discrimination model is not limited to estimating one physical state of a communication device or an optical transmission path, but may be configured to estimate multiple physical states. In this case, the discrimination model may also be configured to output an estimated probability of each physical state. In this way, the state discrimination unit 13 may set quality information from each estimated physical state, its estimated probability, and the acquired optical signal information.

[0027] The route setting unit 14 sets up a communication route by matching a route policy based on the QoS set by the user, which is stored in the route policy storage unit 17, with the quality information output from the state determination unit 13. Specifically, the route policy stored in the route policy storage unit 17 is configured to output quality information parameters holding QoS requirements for four parameters that can match the quality information parameters output from the state determination unit 13, and route information calculated using existing technology. The route setting unit 14 calculates the degree of similarity between the quality information parameters stored in the route policy storage unit 17 and the quality information parameters output from the state determination unit 13, and performs the closest matching to set up a final communication route. Note that the route setting unit 14 performs preprocessing on the stored route policy, such as converting it into a format similar to the quality information parameters output from the state determination unit 13, and outputs a format that can be matched. Note that the quality information parameters output from the state determination unit 13 are values ​​set based on the physical state as described above, so the route setting unit 14 sets up a communication route taking the physical state into consideration.

[0028] The route policy used for matching is set up with rules for setting routes based on the priority set by the user or administrator who uses the communication. For example, the communication quality service that can be provided in response to QoS requests is 1. A route capable of high-bandwidth transmission to provide large-capacity video playback 2. A route that can maintain communication sessions with multiple devices, such as IoT devices 3. Highly reliable and low-latency routes for financial transactions, telemedicine, and vehicle-to-vehicle communications When such a pattern exists, the communication quality according to the service provided can be provided by matching the service provided with the QoS requirements.

[0029] As described above, the route setting unit 14 performs a process of determining a final end-to-end route by comparing the route policy with the quality information parameters output from the state determination unit 13 and setting the approximation / matching conditions for each route. In addition to a mathematical method of searching for approximation or neighborhood, machine learning or the like may be used to match the route policy with the quality information parameters.

[0030] The path setting unit 14 is not necessarily limited to setting a communication path using quality information parameters as described above, but may set a communication path simply based on the estimated physical state of the communication device R or the optical transmission path F. For example, the state determination unit 14 may set a communication path by excluding or lowering the priority of a communication device R or an optical transmission path F that is estimated to be in a specific physical state such as icing or deterioration.

[0031] [Operation] Next, a first example of the operation of the above-mentioned network system N, in particular the network management device 10, will be described with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4, the operation overview diagram in Figure 5, and the network diagram in Figure 6. The operation of the network management device 10 is broadly divided into two phases: a model creation phase and a route setting phase. First, the model creation phase will be described with reference to Figure 3.

[0032] First, in the model creation phase, the optical signal acquisition unit 11 of the network management device 10 acquires from each communication device R the optical signal being communicated by that communication device R, and acquires optical signal information such as the constellation and SOP from the optical signal (step S1). The optical signal acquisition unit 11 also acquires device information from various sensors, such as the operating status of the optical transmission path and communication device, such as the load, the temperatures of the optical transmission path and communication device, and the ambient temperature (step S1). The optical signal acquisition unit 11 then stores the acquired information as learning data. The optical signal acquisition unit 11 acquires both the optical signal information and the device information at time intervals of once per second, and stores the acquired data.

[0033] The network management device 10 also acquires and stores as training data the external environmental conditions, such as weather and disasters at the installation locations of the communication devices and optical transmission paths, and the degradation states of the communication devices and optical transmission paths when the learning data was acquired (step S2). In particular, in this first example, the external environmental conditions are used as training data. The training data is acquired and stored by the network management device 10 by being input by an administrator or operator or provided from another information processing device.

[0034] Thereafter, the learning unit 12 of the network management device 10 performs machine learning on the learning data and teacher data (step S3), thereby generating a discrimination model that estimates the physical state of the optical transmission path from the optical signal information and device information (step S4). However, this learning may be performed, for example, by an information processing device other than the network management device 10. The generated discrimination model is then stored in the discrimination model storage unit 16 of the network management device 10 (step S4). In this first example, in particular, a model is generated that estimates the weather of the optical transmission path, for example, external environmental conditions such as icing, heavy rain, and typhoons on the optical transmission path.

[0035] Next, the route setting phase will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5, and 6. The route setting phase is an operation for setting up a communication route for an optical signal when data transmission occurs within a network system. For this reason, the network management device 10 accepts QoS requests from customers (end users or network administrators) regarding data transmission in advance, and stores route policies corresponding to these QoS requests in the route policy storage unit 17. For example, as described above, a route policy consists of four parameters of quality information and corresponding route information.

[0036] When data transmission is performed, the optical signal acquisition unit 11 of the network management device 10 acquires optical signals communicated from each communication device R and acquires optical signal information such as constellations and SOPs from the optical signals. The optical signal acquisition unit 11 also acquires equipment information from various sensors, such as the operating status of the optical transmission path and communication device, including loads, the temperatures of the optical transmission path and communication device, and the ambient temperature (step S11).

[0037] Next, the state determination unit 13 of the network management device 10 reads out the determination model stored in the determination model storage unit 16, and inputs the newly acquired optical signal information and device information to the determination model (step S12), thereby estimating the physical state of the communication device R and the optical transmission path F (step S13). In this first example, as shown in Fig. 5, external environmental states such as "icing, heavy rain, typhoon" are estimated, and the probability of each external environmental state is estimated. In particular, in this example, out of "icing, heavy rain, typhoon," the external environmental state is determined to be "icing," and the probabilities of all estimated states are estimated as "icing 95%, heavy rain 3%, typhoon 2%."

[0038] Next, the state determination unit 13 calculates quality information parameters of the communication quality of the transmission path based on the state and probability estimated as described above, the acquired optical signal information, etc. (step S14). For example, as shown in Fig. 5, four parameters, namely, availability quality, bandwidth quality, delay quality, and performance margin, are calculated as quality information parameters. Note that the calculation of the quality information parameters is performed for each communication device and optical transmission path, since there are differences in redundancy and critical paths depending on the installation environment of the communication device and optical transmission path.

[0039] 5, the route setting unit 14 of the network management device 10 matches a route policy based on the QoS set by the user and stored in the route policy storage unit 17 with the quality information output from the state determination unit 13 (step S15). Specifically, the route setting unit 14 performs an approximate calculation of the quality information parameters of the route policy and the quality information parameters output from the state determination unit 13, thereby setting a communication route based on an optical transmission path that matches or approximates the quality information parameters (step S16). Then, the network management device 10 uses the route information of the set communication route to set a route for each communication device R arranged in the network system N.

[0040] By doing as described above, in this first example, if it is determined that icing W has occurred on the optical fiber, which is the transmission path, designated by the symbol F1, as shown in Fig. 6, a communication path is set that avoids the optical fiber F1. Therefore, a communication path such as that designated by the dotted line A1 in Fig. 6 is not set, and a communication path such as that designated by the solid line A2 is set. As a result, the present invention makes it possible to set an appropriate communication path according to the natural environment.

[0041] Next, a second example of the operation of the network management device 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 3 and 4, the operation overview diagram of Figure 7, and the network diagram of Figure 8. First, the model creation phase will be described with reference to Figure 3.

[0042] First, in the model creation phase, the optical signal acquisition unit 11 acquires optical signals communicated from each communication device R and acquires optical signal information such as constellations and SOPs from the optical signals (step S1). The optical signal acquisition unit 11 also acquires equipment information from various sensors, such as the operating status of the optical transmission path and communication device, such as the load, the temperatures of the optical transmission path and communication device, and the ambient temperature (step S1). The optical signal acquisition unit 11 then stores the acquired information as learning data.

[0043] The network management device 10 also acquires and stores as training data external environmental conditions such as weather and disasters at the installation locations of the communication devices and optical transmission paths, and degradation states of the communication devices and optical transmission paths when the learning data was acquired (step S2). In particular, in this second example, the degradation states of the communication device R and the optical transmission path F are used as training data. The training data is acquired and stored by the network management device 10 by being input by an administrator or operator or provided from another information processing device.

[0044] Thereafter, the learning unit 12 inputs the learning data and teacher data into a machine learning device for learning (step S3), and generates a discrimination model that estimates the physical state of the optical transmission path from the optical signal information and device information (step S4). However, this learning may also be performed by another information processing device. The generated discrimination model is then stored in the discrimination model storage unit 16 of the network management device 10 (step S4). In this example, it is assumed that a model is generated that estimates the degradation state, such as the age and failure status of the router, which is the communication device R.

[0045] Next, the route setting phase will be described with reference to Figures 4, 7, and 8. The route setting phase is an operation for setting up a communication route for an optical signal when data transmission occurs within a network system. For this reason, the network management device 10 receives QoS requests from customers (end users or network administrators) regarding data transmission in advance, and stores route policies corresponding to these QoS requests in the route policy storage unit 17.

[0046] When data transmission is performed, the optical signal acquiring unit 11 acquires the optical signals communicated by each communication device R and acquires optical signal information such as the constellation and SOP from the optical signals. The optical signal acquiring unit 11 also acquires device information from various sensors, such as the operating status of the optical transmission path and communication device, such as the load, the temperatures of the optical transmission path and communication device, and the ambient temperature (step S11).

[0047] Next, the state discrimination unit 13 reads out the discrimination model stored in the discrimination model storage unit 16, and inputs the newly acquired optical signal information and device information to the discrimination model (step S12), thereby estimating the physical state of the communication device R and the optical transmission path F (step S13). In this second example, as shown in FIG. 7, degradation states of the router, which is the communication device R, such as "narrowing (filter narrowing), amplifier failure / degradation, and crosstalk impact" are estimated, and the probability of each degradation state is estimated. In particular, in this second example, of "filter narrowing, amplifier failure / degradation, and crosstalk impact," the degradation state is determined to be "amplifier failure / degradation," and the probabilities of all estimated states are estimated as "narrowing 10%, amplifier failure / degradation 85%, and crosstalk impact 5%."

[0048] Next, the state determination unit 13 calculates quality information parameters of the communication quality of the transmission path based on the state and probability estimated as described above, the acquired optical signal information, etc. (step S14). For example, as shown in Fig. 7, four parameters, namely, availability quality, bandwidth quality, delay quality, and performance margin, are calculated as quality information parameters. At this time, by calculating the quality information parameters using not only the estimated state but also the estimated probability, it is possible to reflect information on quality degradation occurring from actual failure states in the quality information parameters, rather than uniform quality information parameters linked to amplifier failure / degradation as exemplified here.

[0049] 7, the route setting unit 14 matches a route policy based on the QoS set by the user and stored in the route policy storage unit 17 with the quality information output from the state determination unit 13 (step S15). Specifically, the state determination unit 14 performs an approximate calculation of the quality information parameters of the route policy and the quality information parameters output from the state determination unit 13, and sets a communication route based on a matching or approximating transmission path (step S16). Then, the network management device 10 uses the route information of the set communication route to set a route for each communication device R arranged in the network system N.

[0050] By doing as described above, in this second example, if it is determined that the amplifier of the router, which is the communication device indicated by the symbol R1, is in a state of failure / deterioration D, as shown in Figure 8, a communication path will be set that avoids the router R1. Therefore, the communication path indicated by the dotted line A11 in Figure 8 will not be set, and instead a communication path indicated by the solid line A12 will be set. As a result, in the present invention, an appropriate communication path can be set according to the deterioration state of the equipment.

[0051] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9 to Fig. 11. Fig. 9 to Fig. 10 are block diagrams showing the configuration of a communication path setting device in embodiment 2, and Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication path setting device. Note that this embodiment shows an outline of the configuration of the communication path setting device and communication path setting method described in the above embodiments.

[0052] First, the hardware configuration of the communication path setting device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The communication path setting device 100 is configured as a general information processing device, and is equipped with the following hardware configuration, as an example. ·CPU(Central Processing Unit)101(Arithmetic unit) ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 (storage device) RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 (storage device) Programs 104 loaded into RAM 103 A storage device 105 for storing a group of programs 104 A drive device 106 that reads and writes from a storage medium 110 external to the information processing device A communication interface 107 that connects to a communication network 111 outside the information processing device Input / output interface 108 for inputting and outputting data Bus 109 connecting each component

[0053] The communication path setting device 100 can be equipped with an optical signal acquisition unit 121, a state determination unit 122, and a path setting unit 123 shown in FIG. 10 by having the CPU 101 acquire and execute the program group 104. The program group 104 is stored in advance in, for example, the storage device 105 or the ROM 102, and is loaded into the RAM 103 and executed by the CPU 101 as needed. The program group 104 may be supplied to the CPU 101 via the communication network 111, or may be stored in advance in the storage medium 110, and the drive device 106 may read out the program and supply it to the CPU 101. However, the optical signal acquisition unit 121, the state determination unit 122, and the path setting unit 123 described above may be constructed using dedicated electronic circuits for realizing such means.

[0054] 9 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device that is the communication path setting device 100, and the hardware configuration of the information processing device is not limited to the above-described case. For example, the information processing device may be configured with only a part of the above-described configuration, such as excluding the drive device 106.

[0055] The communication path setting device 100 then executes the communication path setting method shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 using the functions of the optical signal acquisition unit 121, the state determination unit 122, and the path setting unit 123, which are constructed by the program as described above.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 11, the communication path setting device 100 An optical signal is acquired on a transmission path in a network configured by optical communication devices connected by an optical transmission path (step S101); A physical state of at least one of the optical transmission line and the optical communication device is determined based on the optical signal (step S102); setting a communication path for transmitting an optical signal in the network based on the determined physical state (step S103); The following process is executed.

[0057] With the above-described configuration, the present invention can set an appropriate communication path according to the physical conditions, such as the external environment and deterioration state of facilities such as optical communication devices and optical transmission lines.

[0058] The above-described program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable media can supply the program to a computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire or optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that are understandable to those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, at least one or more of the functions of the optical signal acquisition unit 121, the state determination unit 122, and the path setting unit 123 described above may be executed by an information processing device installed and connected anywhere on a network, that is, may be executed by so-called cloud computing.

[0060] <Additional Notes> The above-described embodiments may be partially or entirely described as follows: The following provides an overview of the configurations of the communication path setting method, communication path setting device, and program of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following configurations. (Appendix 1) Acquire an optical signal on a transmission path in a network configured by optical communication devices connected by an optical transmission path, determining a physical state of at least one of the optical transmission line and the optical communication device based on the optical signal; setting a communication path for transmitting an optical signal in the network based on the determined physical state; Communication path setting method. (Appendix 2) 2. A communication path setting method according to claim 1, comprising: determining a deterioration state of the object as the physical state; Communication path setting method. (Appendix 3) 3. The communication path setting method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining an external environmental condition of the object as the physical condition; Communication path setting method. (Appendix 4) 4. A communication path setting method according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to 3, obtaining optical signal information indicative of a characteristic of the optical signal; determining a physical state of the object based on the optical signal information; Communication path setting method. (Appendix 5) 5. The communication path setting method according to claim 4, acquiring a constellation of the optical signal as the optical signal information; Communication path setting method. (Appendix 6) 6. The communication path setting method according to claim 4 or 5, Acquiring the SOP (State of Polarization) of the optical signal as the optical signal information. Communication path setting method. (Appendix 7) 7. A communication path setting method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, generating a model representing a relationship between the optical signal acquired in advance and a physical state of the object at the time the optical signal was acquired; determining a physical state of the object based on the model and the newly acquired optical signal; Communication path setting method. (Appendix 8) 8. A communication path setting method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, Acquire a predetermined measurement value measured by a measuring device installed on the target; determining a physical state of the object based on the optical signal and the measurement; Communication path setting method. (Appendix 9) 9. A communication path setting method according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to 8, setting a communication quality of the target based on the determined physical state of the target; setting the communication path based on the set communication quality; Communication path setting method. (Appendix 10) 10. The communication path setting method according to claim 9, setting the communication path that satisfies the required communication quality based on the set communication quality; Communication path setting method. (Appendix 11) an optical signal acquiring unit that acquires an optical signal on a transmission path in a network configured by optical communication devices connected by an optical transmission path; a state determination unit that determines a physical state of at least one of the optical transmission line and the optical communication device based on the optical signal; a route setting unit that sets a communication route for transmitting an optical signal in the network based on the determined physical state; A communication path setting device comprising: (Appendix 12) 12. The communication path setting device according to claim 11, The state determination unit determines a deterioration state of the object as the physical state. Communication path setting device. (Appendix 13) 13. The communication path setting device according to claim 11, the state determination unit determines an external environmental state of the object as the physical state; Communication path setting device. (Appendix 14) 14. A communication path setting device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, the optical signal acquisition unit acquires optical signal information representing characteristics of the optical signal; the state determination unit determines a physical state of the object based on the optical signal information. Communication path setting device. (Appendix 15) 15. The communication path setting device according to claim 14, the optical signal acquisition unit acquires a constellation of the optical signal as the optical signal information. Communication path setting device. (Appendix 16) 16. The communication path setting device according to claim 14, the optical signal acquisition unit acquires a State of Polarization (SOP) of the optical signal as the optical signal information; Communication path setting device. (Appendix 17) 17. A communication path setting device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 16, a model generation unit that generates a model representing a relationship between the optical signal acquired in advance and a physical state of the object at the time the optical signal is acquired; the state determination unit determines a physical state of the object based on the model and the newly acquired optical signal. Communication path setting device. (Appendix 18) 18. A communication path setting device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 17, the optical signal acquisition unit acquires a predetermined measurement value measured by a measurement device installed on the target, the state determination unit determines a physical state of the object based on the optical signal and the measurement value. Communication path setting device. (Appendix 19) 19. A communication path setting device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 18, the state determination unit sets a communication quality of the target based on the determined physical state of the target; the route setting unit sets the communication route based on the set communication quality. Communication path setting device. (Appendix 20) 20. The communication path setting device according to claim 19, the route setting unit sets the communication route that satisfies the required communication quality based on the set communication quality. Communication path setting device. (Appendix 21) On the computer, Acquire an optical signal on a transmission path in a network configured by optical communication devices connected by an optical transmission path, determining a physical state of at least one of the optical transmission line and the optical communication device based on the optical signal; setting a communication path for transmitting an optical signal in the network based on the determined physical state; A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for executing a process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10 Network Management Device 11 Optical signal acquisition unit 12 Learning Department 13 Status determination unit 14 Route setting section 16 Discriminant model memory section 17 Route policy storage unit F Optical transmission line R Communication device 100 Communication path setting device 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 Programs 105 Storage device 106 Drive device 107 Communication Interface 108 Input / Output Interface 109 Bus 110 Storage medium 111 Communication Network 121 Optical signal acquisition unit 122 Status determination unit 123 Route setting section

Claims

1. An information processing device, Acquire an optical signal on a transmission path in a network configured by optical communication devices connected by an optical transmission path, based on the optical signal, estimating a plurality of external environmental states of the target as a physical state of at least one of the optical transmission line and the optical communication device, and estimating a probability of each external environmental state; setting a communication path for transmitting an optical signal in the network based on the estimated external environmental state of the target and the probability of the external environmental state; Communication path setting method.

2. 2. The communication path setting method according to claim 1, The information processing device, setting a plurality of preset parameters representing communication quality of the target based on the estimated external environmental state of the target and the probability of the external environmental state; setting the communication path based on the set communication quality; Communication path setting method.

3. 3. The communication path setting method according to claim 2, The information processing device, setting the communication path that satisfies the required communication quality based on a plurality of parameters that represent the set communication quality; Communication path setting method.

4. 4. A communication path setting method according to claim 1, further comprising: The information processing device, obtaining optical signal information indicative of a characteristic of the optical signal; estimating a physical state of the object based on the optical signal information; Communication path setting method.

5. 5. The communication path setting method according to claim 4, The information processing device, acquiring a constellation of the optical signal as the optical signal information; Communication path setting method.

6. 6. The communication path setting method according to claim 4, further comprising: The information processing device, acquiring, as the optical signal information, the SOP (State of Polarization) of the optical signal; Communication path setting method.

7. 7. A communication path setting method according to claim 1, The information processing device, generating a model representing a relationship between the optical signal acquired in advance and a physical state of the object at the time the optical signal was acquired; estimating a physical state of the object based on the model and the newly acquired optical signal; Communication path setting method.

8. 8. A communication path setting method according to claim 1, The information processing device, Acquire a predetermined measurement value measured by a measuring device installed on the target; estimating a physical state of the object based on the optical signal and the measurements; Communication path setting method.

9. an optical signal acquiring unit that acquires an optical signal on a transmission path in a network configured by optical communication devices connected by an optical transmission path; a state determination unit that estimates a plurality of external environmental states of at least one of the optical transmission line and the optical communication device as a physical state of the target based on the optical signal and estimates the probability of each external environmental state; a route setting unit that sets a communication route for transmitting an optical signal in the network based on the estimated external environmental state of the target and the probability of the external environmental state; A communication path setting device comprising:

10. On the computer, Acquire an optical signal on a transmission path in a network configured by optical communication devices connected by an optical transmission path, based on the optical signal, estimating a plurality of external environmental states of the target as a physical state of at least one of the optical transmission line and the optical communication device, and estimating a probability of each external environmental state; setting a communication path for transmitting an optical signal in the network based on the estimated external environmental state of the target and the probability of the external environmental state; A program for executing a process.

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