Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To quickly determine whether or not a detour is possible without calculating a detour route. [Solution] The information processing device includes an acquisition unit, a search unit, and an execution unit. The acquisition unit acquires real-time status information for a network configured by multiple communication devices connected in a hierarchical structure. The search unit searches for other communication devices among the multiple communication devices that are located in a position relative to a target communication device, based on the information on the hierarchical structure. The execution unit performs a detouring feasibility determination, determining whether communication is possible by detouring a communication path that passes through the target communication device, based on status information for the network within a partial hierarchical structure that includes the target communication device and the other communication devices.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, methods have been proposed for optimizing communication routes for flows flowing through a network. For example, Patent Document 1 calculates the cost corresponding to the unused communication rate for each link between forwarding devices that make up the network whenever the communication rate in use changes, and searches for a detour route using the calculated cost. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-143410 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit that acquires real-time status information in a network in which a plurality of communication devices are connected in a hierarchical structure; a search unit that searches for other communication devices among the plurality of communication devices that are located in a position relative to a target communication device based on the information of the hierarchical structure; and an execution unit that performs a detour feasibility determination that determines whether communication is possible by detouring a communication path that passes through the target communication device based on the status information in the network within a partial range of the hierarchical structure that includes the target communication device and the other communication devices.

[0005] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing device, and includes: an acquisition step of acquiring real-time status information in a network in which a plurality of communication devices are connected in a hierarchical structure; a search step of searching for other communication devices among the plurality of communication devices that are located in a position relative to a target communication device based on the information of the hierarchical structure; and an execution step of performing a detouring feasibility determination of whether communication is possible by detouring a communication path that passes through the target communication device based on the status information in the network within a partial range of the hierarchical structure that includes the target communication device and the other communication devices.

[0006] An information processing program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following steps: an acquisition procedure for acquiring real-time status information in a network in which a plurality of communication devices are connected in a hierarchical structure; a search procedure for searching for other communication devices among the plurality of communication devices that are located in a position relative to a target communication device based on the information of the hierarchical structure; and an execution procedure for performing a detouring feasibility determination for determining whether communication is possible by detouring a communication path that passes through the target communication device based on the status information in the network within a partial range of the hierarchical structure that includes the target communication device and the other communication devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a redundant network. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating types of network topologies. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical structure formed depending on the pairing situation. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of information processing for determining whether or not a detour is possible. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an execution device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram (1) for explaining a search method according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram (2) for explaining the search method according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram (3) for explaining the search method according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram (4) for explaining a search method according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart (1) showing a search process procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart (2) showing the search processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the network structure grasped by the execution device based on the grouping results. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing for determining whether or not a detour is possible according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram (1) showing a specific example of determining whether or not a detour is possible. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram (2) showing a specific example of determining whether or not a detour is possible. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the execution device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0009] One or more embodiments (including examples, modifications, and application examples) described below can be implemented independently. However, at least a portion of the embodiments described below may be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a portion of another embodiment. These embodiments may include novel features that are different from each other. Therefore, these embodiments may contribute to solving different purposes or problems and may produce different effects from each other.

[0010] In the following embodiments, the term "communication device" refers to a network device that constitutes a network. The network device is called a node, and the communication path that connects the nodes to each other is called a link.

[0011] Network devices include routers, firewalls, switches, hubs, PCs, etc., but in this embodiment, the "communication device" will be described as a router.

[0012] (Embodiment) 1. Introduction In today's world, where network infrastructure is crucial for business operations, redundancy of communication devices is being implemented, but this can lead to complex network configurations and related technologies.

[0013] For example, before redundancy, the configuration is simple, with communication devices connected in a row, but after redundancy, networks are constructed based on various types of network structures, i.e., network topologies (hereinafter abbreviated as "topologies"), which are multi-staged or modified.

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a redundant network NW. The network NW shown in Figure 1 is a large-scale network including a large number of communication devices (nodes) (for example, 10,000 or more). As a result of redundancy, communication paths (links), which are lines connecting the communication devices, become intricate as shown in Figure 1, and the network configuration of the network NW becomes complex.

[0015] As will be explained in more detail later, there are various types of topologies, such as tree type (tree structure) and ring type (ring structure), but when network devices are made redundant, various topologies will exist in a complex manner, as shown in Figure 1, and the network configuration of the network NW will become complex.

[0016] Furthermore, the status of the network NW may change from time to time. For example, the network configuration of the network NW is not fixed but is subject to change depending on various events. For example, if a communication failure (e.g., some kind of trouble in a communication device or communication path) or work (e.g., maintenance work) occurs in the network NW, the network configuration may change.

[0017] Here, redundancy means having spare equipment etc. so that services can be provided stably even if a communication failure occurs in the network NW. Therefore, for example, when a communication failure occurs in the network NW, a function is provided to calculate a detour route to bypass the obstacle that caused the communication failure and secure a communication route through which equipment.

[0018] The above-mentioned prior art proposes a function for calculating such detour routes, but in situations where redundancy makes network configurations more complex and variable, calculating detour routes becomes costly. In addition, there is an increasing demand for shorter recovery times after communication failures (reducing the time required for recovery).

[0019] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have come to propose a method for quickly determining whether a detour is possible without calculating a detour. For example, in conventional methods, a detour is calculated, the status of each communication device (node) and communication path (link) along the calculated detour is confirmed, and based on the confirmation results, it is determined whether communication using the detour is possible.

[0020] However, due to the complexity of the network configuration caused by redundancy and the variability of the network configuration, there is a problem that it takes a long time to calculate the detour route. Therefore, a method that can quickly determine whether or not a detour route is possible without calculating the detour route is considered to be more effective than conventional techniques.

[0021] In addition, in the past, there were cases where network administrators manually determined whether or not a detour was possible, and in such cases, the network administrators were required to grasp the network configuration and network status on their own and determine whether or not a detour was possible based on the results. The proposed technology according to the present invention is a means for automating such conventional manual work, and can also reduce the workload and shorten the work time of network administrators.

[0022] Specifically, the proposed technology of the present invention assumes that a redundant network NW is divided into multiple layers according to the topology, with each layer having a defined topology, i.e., multiple hierarchical structures, and sequentially stores real-time status information of the network NW in a database. As described above, while network configurations are dynamic, the proposed technology of the present invention uses the status information stored in the database to reproduce the current hierarchical structure using digital twin technology, and also performs a detouring decision to determine whether communication is possible by detouring the communication path via the target communication device, taking into account currently occurring communication failures and work.

[0023] In this way, the proposed technology of the present invention collects real-time status information (for example, fault information, configuration information, work information, etc.) in the network NW, and has general-purpose topology (hierarchical structure) understanding logic based on the collected status information. There are various types of topologies, such as tree types (tree structures) and ring types (ring structures), but it is highly versatile in that no special processing is required for each type.

[0024] In addition, the proposed technology of the present invention is characterized by taking advantage of the fact that the network NW is redundant and checking real-time status information not for the entire network NW but for a partial range of the network NW (specifically, the range from the hierarchical level to which the target communication device belongs to to the adjacent hierarchical level adjacent to the hierarchical level), thereby determining whether a detour is possible without calculating a detour route.

[0025] From the above, the technology proposed by this invention only needs to search for communication devices from the belonging layer to the adjacent layer, and is highly versatile in that it can be applied to any type of topology, even if various topologies exist in the network NW. Furthermore, because the technology proposed by this invention uses the concept of layers, which has not been focused on in conventional technologies, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not a detour is possible without the need to calculate a detour route.

[0026] Hereinafter, a specific description will be given of an embodiment of information processing according to the proposed technology of the present invention. In the information processing according to the embodiment, the target communication device is a communication device that is a detouring target. The detouring target communication device is, for example, a communication device that has caused a communication failure due to a problem such as a malfunction. In the information processing according to the embodiment, a detouring feasibility determination is performed to determine whether communication is possible by detouring a communication path that passes through the detouring target communication device.

[0027] In the description of the information processing according to the embodiment, a communication device is referred to as a "communication device ND." Furthermore, when it is necessary to distinguish between the communication devices ND, they are referred to as "communication device NDn" (n is an arbitrary natural number). Furthermore, a communication path that is a line connecting communication devices ND is referred to as a "communication path LN." When it is necessary to distinguish between the communication paths LN, they are referred to as "communication path LNn" (n is an arbitrary natural number).

[0028] [2. Network Topology] Before describing the information processing according to the embodiment, the types of network topologies that exist will be described below. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the types of network topologies.

[0029] Figure 2(a) shows ring topology and box topology. Ring topology is a topology in which multiple network devices are connected in a ring shape. Box topology is a topology in which four network devices are connected while maintaining a certain degree of redundancy. V topology is a topology consisting of three network devices and can be considered a part of mesh topology (Figure 2(b)).

[0030] In a mesh topology, each network device is connected to one or more other network devices through a point-to-point connection, as shown in Figure 2(c). This type of mesh topology is also called a full mesh topology. On the other hand, a mesh topology in which network devices are connected only to the other network devices with which they interact most is also called a partial mesh topology.

[0031] So far, we have explained basic topologies, but there are also hybrid topologies that combine multiple basic topologies. For example, box topologies can be combined three-dimensionally to form a cube topology (Figure 2(d)). Also, the example in Figure 2(a) combines a ring topology and a box topology.

[0032] Here, the hierarchical structure refers to a network structure in which the network NW is divided into layers according to topology. For example, if the network NW includes a total of six topologies shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(d), each of the six topologies can be regarded as one layer in the network NW. In other words, the network NW is configured by connecting multiple communication devices ND to have a hierarchical structure.

[0033] The execution device 100, which will be described later, can extract topology information from the configuration information of the communication device ND. The topology information includes, for example, identification information of the topology that includes the communication device ND (e.g., the name of the topology) as information on the hierarchical level to which the communication device ND belongs. As a result, the execution device 100 can determine to which topology, among the topologies (hierarchical structures) that are components of the network NW, the execution device 100 belongs.

[0034] For example, if the topology information acquired as the configuration of the detouring communication device ND includes the topology name "R1," the executing device 100 can determine that the detouring communication device ND belongs to a hierarchical level of the "ring type" topology "1." As another example, if the topology information acquired as the configuration of the detouring communication device ND1 includes the topology name "M1," the executing device 100 can determine that the detouring communication device ND belongs to a hierarchical level of the "mesh type" topology "1."

[0035] In the information processing according to the embodiment, the hierarchical structure in which the search for the communication device ND is performed is not limited to the type of topology described in Fig. 2. For example, in the network NW, a hierarchy may be formed depending on the pairing status between the communication devices ND, and a search may also be performed in that hierarchy. Fig. 3 describes a hierarchical structure formed depending on the pairing status. Fig. 3 shows the network NW shown in Fig. 1 in a more specific state.

[0036] In the network NW shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of communication devices ND are connected to form a hierarchical structure including a "ring type" topology "1" (R1), a "mesh type" topology "1" (M1), a "mesh type" topology "1-1" (M1-1), a "mesh type" topology "2" (M2), and a "mesh type" topology "2-1" (M2-1). That is, in the example of Fig. 3, the network NW is configured by connecting a plurality of communication devices ND to have a hierarchical structure (R1, M1, M1-1, M2, M2-1).

[0037] 3, the communication device ND20 and the communication device ND21 are paired and have a paired device relationship with each other. Therefore, in this example, the connection relationship between the communication device ND20 and the communication device ND21 can be regarded as one hierarchical structure according to the pairing.

[0038] 3, the communication device ND22 and the communication device ND23 are paired and have a paired device relationship with each other. Therefore, in this example, the connection relationship between the communication device ND22 and the communication device ND23 can be regarded as one hierarchical structure according to the pairing.

[0039] In addition, the communication devices ND may be paired with each other at a central center. In the example of Fig. 3, aside from the paired devices, an example is also shown in which the communication devices ND21 and ND22 are paired in a pair-center relationship. In such an example, it can be considered that one hierarchical structure is formed between the communication devices ND21 and ND22.

[0040] 3, the communication device ND50 and the communication device ND51 are paired and have a pair number relationship with each other, so the connection relationship between the communication device ND50 and the communication device ND51 can be regarded as a single hierarchical structure according to the pairing. Similarly, the communication device ND52 and the communication device ND53 are paired and have a pair number relationship with each other, so the connection relationship between the communication device ND52 and the communication device ND53 can be regarded as a single hierarchical structure according to the pairing. In addition to these pair numbers, an example is also shown in which the communication device ND51 and the communication device ND52 are paired in a pair center relationship. In this example, it can be regarded as a single hierarchical structure being formed between the communication device ND51 and the communication device ND52.

[0041] 3, it can be considered that one hierarchical structure is formed between communication device ND70 and communication device ND71 due to their pairing center relationship, and it can be considered that one hierarchical structure is formed between communication device ND80 and communication device ND81 due to their pairing relationship.

[0042] [3. System Configuration] The configuration of the information processing system Sy will be described using Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system Sy according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the information processing system Sy includes an alarm management system 20, a log collection system 40, an operation management system 60, a control device 80, and an execution device 100. In the information processing system Sy, the alarm management system 20, the log collection system 40, the operation management system 60, the control device 80, and the execution device 100 are connected to each other via a predetermined communication network (network N) so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication. The information processing system Sy is a system that realizes information processing according to the proposed technology of the present invention.

[0043] The alarm management system 20 transmits fault information to the execution device 100 at regular intervals as real-time status information on the network NW. As a result, the execution device 100 can collect fault information in the database 120 (FIG. 6). The fault information includes information on the node or link where the fault has occurred, such as node down / up, physical IF down / up, logical IF down / up, OSPF down / up, ISIS down / up, and BGP down / up.

[0044] The log collection system 40 transmits periodic log information to the execution device 100 at regular intervals as real-time status information on the network NW. As a result, the execution device 100 can collect periodic log information in the database 120. The periodic log information includes information such as OSPF metric changes and ISIS metric changes as configuration information for the communication device ND. As mentioned above, the configuration information also includes topology information for determining the hierarchy. Topology information can also be considered information on a hierarchical structure.

[0045] The work management system 60 transmits work information at regular intervals to the execution device 100 as real-time status information on the network NW. As a result, the execution device 100 can collect the work information in the database 120.

[0046] The control device 80 inquires of the executing device 100 about whether a detour is possible. Specifically, the control device 80 transmits request information to the executing device 100 requesting that the executing device 100 determine whether a detour is possible. For example, the control device 80 may transmit the request information in response to an instruction from a network administrator, or may transmit the request information automatically and periodically.

[0047] As information processing according to the embodiment, the executing device 100 executes a detouring feasibility determination to determine whether communication is possible by detouring a communication path LN via a communication device ND to be detouring. For example, the executing device 100 uses digital twin technology to recreate the current hierarchical structure on the network NW based on state information. Then, based on real-time state information about a partial range of the recreated hierarchical structure (specifically, the range from the belonging layer to which the communication device ND to be detouring belongs to an adjacent layer adjacent to the belonging layer), the executing device 100 determines the normality of the communication device ND and the communication path LN included in the partial range of the hierarchical structure. Then, based on the determination result, the executing device 100 determines whether communication is possible by detouring the communication path LN via the communication device ND to be detouring.

[0048] [4. Overview of Detour Possibility Judgment] The determination of whether a detour is possible by the executing device 100 will be described in more detail. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of information processing for determining whether a detour is possible. Fig. 5 illustrates an outline of information processing for determining whether a detour is possible based on the network NW shown in Fig. 1.

[0049] Figure 5 shows the hierarchical relationship in the network NW. In the example of Figure 5, the network NW is divided into five layers, for example. Specifically, the network NW is divided into five layers, namely, topology TP1, topology TP2, topology TP3, topology TP4, and topology TP5.

[0050] 5 also shows communication device ND1 as a detouring target. Based on real-time status information in the network NW, the executing device 100 monitors status changes of each communication device ND included in the network NW, and can determine that, for example, a failure has occurred in the communication device ND in which a status change has been detected. In the example of FIG. 5, the executing device 100 determines that a failure has occurred in communication device ND1, and thereby defines communication device ND1 as a detouring target. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the control device 80 detects whether a failure has occurred in any of the communication devices ND included in the network NW, and, if a failure has been detected, transmits request information to determine whether detouring is possible for the communication device ND in which the failure has been detected.

[0051] In this state, the executing device 100 searches for other communication devices ND that belong to the hierarchy H1 to which the communication device ND1 to be detouring belongs. In the example of Fig. 5, the hierarchy H1 has a hierarchical structure of topology TP5.

[0052] The execution device 100 also searches for communication devices ND belonging to an adjacent hierarchy R adjacent to the belonging hierarchy H1 (other communication devices ND as seen from the communication device ND1 to be detouring). In the example of Fig. 5, there are two adjacent hierarchy levels R adjacent to the belonging hierarchy level H1, and topologies TP3 and TP4 are hierarchical structures serving as the adjacent hierarchy levels R.

[0053] The execution device 100 determines the normality of each communication device ND by tracking changes in the state information of each communication device ND included in the hierarchy H1 to which it belongs and the adjacent hierarchy R. The execution device 100 also determines the normality of each communication path LN by tracking changes in the state information of each communication path LN included in the hierarchy H1 to which it belongs and the adjacent hierarchy R. Determining the normality here refers to, for example, determining whether or not a problem (e.g., a breakdown) that could cause a communication failure has occurred, or whether or not maintenance work is being performed.

[0054] Then, the executing device 100 executes a detouring possibility determination based on the result of the determination of normality, which determines whether communication is possible by detouring the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target. For example, if the executing device 100 determines that both the communication device ND and the communication path LN are normal, it determines that communication is possible by detouring the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target.

[0055] On the other hand, if any of the communication devices ND and communication paths LN is abnormal, the executing device 100 determines that communication via the communication path LN via the detouring communication device ND1 is impossible. Here, the redundant network NW incorporates a function that, for example, if a certain communication device ND completely fails as expected, automatically switches to a backup communication device ND to maintain service provision. Therefore, for example, if the communication device ND1 to be detouring fails as expected, detouring is not performed in the first place, and the automatic switching function is activated.

[0056] However, the communication device ND1 to be detouring may not be completely broken down and inoperable, but may be experiencing minor trouble due to, for example, quality degradation. The proposed technology of the present invention is a method based on the premise that, in a situation where communication is possible but experiencing minor trouble, traffic is quickly diverted from the communication device ND1 to be detouring and recovery is achieved during that time. Therefore, it is assumed that a certain level of communication quality can be ensured even if it is determined that communication via the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 to be detouring is impossible.

[0057] Furthermore, as explained using FIG. 5, the proposed technology of the present invention does not perform any calculation of detour routes, and by taking advantage of the fact that the network NW is made redundant, it is possible to search for communication devices ND included in the range from the associated hierarchy H1 to the adjacent hierarchy R, and to determine whether communication is possible by detouring the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target, simply by checking the state changes of the searched communication devices ND and the state changes of the communication paths LN within this range.

[0058] 5. Configuration of the Execution Device An execution device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the execution device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the execution device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a database 120, and a control unit 130.

[0059] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. For example, the communication unit 110 transmits and receives information to and from the alarm management system 20, the log collection system 40, the work management system 60, and the control device 80.

[0060] (Database 120) The database 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The database 120 may store, for example, data and programs related to the information processing according to the embodiment. The database 120 may also store information collected from the alarm management system 20, the log collection system 40, and the work management system 60.

[0061] (control unit 130) The control unit 130 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like, executing various programs (for example, the information processing program according to the embodiment) stored in a storage device inside the execution device 100 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 130 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0062] As shown in Fig. 6, control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a reception unit 132, a search unit 133, an execution unit 134, and a notification unit 135, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 6, and may have other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Furthermore, the connection relationship between each processing unit included in control unit 130 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Fig. 6, and may have other connection relationships.

[0063] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires information necessary for information processing according to the embodiment. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires real-time state information of a network NW configured by connecting a plurality of communication devices ND to have a hierarchical structure.

[0064] For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires status information (e.g., fault information) that is collected in real time from the alarm management system 20 and stored in the database 120. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires status information (e.g., periodic log information) that is collected in real time from the log collection system 40 and stored in the database 120. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires status information (e.g., work information) that is collected in real time from the work management system 60 and stored in the database 120.

[0065] (Reception Department 132) The reception unit 132 receives request information from the control device 80 as an inquiry as to whether detouring is possible, requesting that a detouring determination be made. The reception unit 132 may be configured to receive request information directly from a network administrator. The request information may include information for identifying the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target.

[0066] (Search section 133) The search unit 133 searches for other communication devices ND that are located in positions related to the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target, among the plurality of communication devices ND, based on the information of the hierarchical structure.

[0067] The hierarchical structure is a network structure in which a plurality of communication devices ND are connected to each other in layers according to topology. Therefore, the information on the hierarchical structure includes topology information for each of the plurality of communication devices ND. Therefore, based on the topology information, the searching unit 133 searches for other communication devices ND that belong to a layer that has a predetermined relationship with the layer to which the communication device ND1 to be detoured belongs.

[0068] The searching unit 133 searches, as the other communication device ND, for a first other communication device ND belonging to a hierarchy to which the communication device ND1 of the detour target belongs, from among the multiple communication devices ND. In other words, the searching unit 133 searches for a first other communication device ND belonging to the same hierarchy as the communication device ND1 of the detour target, from among the multiple communication devices ND. Note that the searching unit 133 may search for the first other communication device ND by further using the pairing status between the communication devices ND related to the communication device ND1 of the detour target. The hierarchical structure according to the pairing is as described in FIG. 3.

[0069] The search unit 133 searches for the other communication devices ND, from among the plurality of communication devices ND, the communication device ND1 to be detouring and the second other communication device ND adjacent to each of the first other communication devices.

[0070] The search unit 133 searches for a third other communication device ND belonging to a hierarchical level to which the detouring communication device ND1, the first other communication device ND, and the second other communication device ND belong as another communication device ND. The search unit 133 also searches for communication devices adjacent to each other among the third other communication devices ND, and includes information on the adjacent relationship in the search result.

[0071] (Executive Unit 134) The execution unit 134 executes a detouring feasibility determination to determine whether communication is possible by detouring the communication path via the communication device ND1 to be detouring, based on the status information of the network NW within a part of the hierarchical structure that includes the communication device ND1 to be detouring and other communication devices ND.

[0072] For example, the execution unit 134 determines the normality of each of the communication devices ND to be determined based on the state information of each of the communication devices ND to be determined, which are a first other communication device ND, a second other communication device ND, and a third other communication device ND. Furthermore, the execution unit 134 determines the normality of each of the communication paths LN between the communication devices ND to be determined that are in a connection relationship with each other, based on the state information of each of the communication paths LN between the communication devices ND to be determined.

[0073] If the execution unit 134 obtains a normality judgment result that both the communication device ND to be judged and the communication path LN are normal, it determines that communication is possible by detouring the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 to be detouring.

[0074] On the other hand, when the execution unit 134 obtains a determination result that at least one of the communication device ND to be determined and the communication path LN is not normal as a result of the normality determination, the execution unit 134 determines that communication detouring the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 to be detouring is impossible. However, when the determination result that the communication is not normal is only a determination result that the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 to be detouring is not normal, the execution unit 134 determines that communication detouring the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 to be detouring is possible.

[0075] If the execution unit 134 determines that communication is possible by detouring the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 to be detouring, the execution unit 134 may issue an instruction to the other communication devices ND within the partial range not to communicate via the communication device ND1 to be detouring. On the other hand, if the execution unit 134 determines that communication is impossible by detouring the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 to be detouring, the execution unit 134 may issue an instruction to the other communication devices ND within the partial range to communicate via the communication device ND1 to be detouring.

[0076] Note that when the only determination result is that the communication path LN1 passing through the communication device ND1 to be detoured is not normal, the communication path LN1 may already have been detoured (referred to as "detour U1"). However, since communication is possible by detouring another communication path LN2 passing through the communication device ND1 to be detoured (referred to as "detour U2"), the detour U1 can be expressed as an "OK detour." In the proposed technology of the present invention, since it is assumed that a detour is desired for a communication device ND in which a problem such as a failure has occurred, for example, the expression "OK detour" may be used in such a scenario, meaning that there is no problem with detouring if the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND is simply not normal.

[0077] On the other hand, if a communication device ND other than the communication device ND1 to be detoured or a communication path LN that does not pass through the communication device ND1 to be detoured is determined to be abnormal, a detour (referred to as a "detour U3") for these determined abnormal targets may already have been performed. While the detour U3 is occurring, the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND1 to be detoured (referred to as a "detour U4") cannot be detoured. Therefore, in such a situation, the detour U3 can be expressed as an "unacceptable detour." For example, if a communication device ND other than the communication device ND1 to be detoured or a communication path LN that does not pass through the communication device ND1 to be detoured is experiencing a problem such as a failure, detouring to such a path may increase traffic and worsen the impact of the communication failure. Therefore, in such a situation, the term "unacceptable detour" may be used to mean that the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND1 to be detoured should not be detoured, i.e., detour of the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND1 to be detoured is not possible.

[0078] [6. Overview of search methods] As described above, in this embodiment, other communication devices ND belonging to the hierarchy H1 to which the communication device ND1 to be detouring belongs are searched for. Furthermore, in this embodiment, communication devices ND belonging to the adjacent hierarchy R adjacent to the hierarchy H1 to which the communication device ND1 to be detouring belongs (other communication devices ND as seen from the communication device ND1 to be detouring) are also searched for. Therefore, an outline of the search method executed by the search unit 133 will be explained in Figs. 7 to 10. Figs. 7 to 10 show the network NW shown in Figs. 1 and 5 in a more specific state.

[0079] 7 is a diagram (1) illustrating a search method according to the embodiment. First, the search unit 133 performs a same-layer search to search for nodes in the same layer. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the search unit 133 searches for a communication device ND that belongs to the same layer as the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target, and adds the search result to a grouping list L (step S1). More specifically, the search unit 133 searches for a first other communication device ND as a communication device ND that belongs to the belonging layer H1 to which the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target belongs, and adds information about the found first other communication device ND to the grouping list L.

[0080] For example, the searching unit 133 searches for a first other communication device ND from among the communication devices ND included in the network NW based on the topology information of each communication device ND included in the network NW and the topology information of the hierarchy H1 to which the communication device ND belongs. The topology information may be, for example, a topology name, and the searching unit 133 may search for a communication device ND that has the same topology name as the topology name of the hierarchy H1 to which the communication device ND belongs, among the communication devices ND included in the network NW, as the first other communication device ND.

[0081] 7 shows an example in which the searching unit 133 extracts the communication devices ND2 to ND12 as first other communication devices ND through the same hierarchical search. In addition, in this example, the searching unit 133 adds information (for example, device ID) of each of the communication devices ND2 to ND12 to the grouping list L.

[0082] Next, the search unit 133 performs an adjacent search to search for nodes in an adjacent layer. An example of an adjacent search is shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0083] First, Fig. 8 will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram (2) for explaining a search method according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the search unit 133 searches for a communication device ND adjacent to the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target, and adds the search result to the grouping list L (step S2). For example, the search unit 133 searches for a second other communication device ND adjacent to the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target, using a search condition of up to one hop away from the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target, and adds information about the searched second other communication device ND to the grouping list L.

[0084] 8 shows an example in which the searching unit 133 extracts communication device ND2, communication device ND12, and communication device ND20 as second other communication devices ND through the neighbor search. Note that the searching unit 133 may exclude communication device ND2 and communication device ND12 from the second other communication devices ND because they overlap with the search result in step S1. As a result, the searching unit 133 adds information about communication device ND20 (for example, a device ID) to the grouping list L.

[0085] Next, Fig. 9 will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram (3) for explaining a search method according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the search unit 133 searches for communication devices ND adjacent to the communication device ND currently added to the grouping list L, and adds them to the grouping list L (step S3).

[0086] Using the examples described above, the communication devices ND currently added to the grouping list L are communication devices ND2 to ND12 and communication device ND20. Therefore, the searching unit 133 searches for communication devices ND adjacent to each of the communication devices ND2 to ND12 and communication device ND20, using a search condition of up to one hop away from each of the communication devices ND2 to ND12 and communication device ND20 as a starting point. The searching unit 133 may search for communication devices ND adjacent to each of the communication devices ND2 to ND12 and communication device ND20 as further second other communication devices ND. Then, the searching unit 133 adds information about the found second other communication devices ND to the grouping list L.

[0087] 9 shows an example in which the searching unit 133 extracts communication device ND20, communication device ND21, communication device ND22, communication device ND23, communication device ND30, communication device ND31, communication device ND40, and communication device ND41 as second other communication devices ND through neighbor searching. Note that the searching unit 133 may exclude communication device ND20 from the second other communication devices ND because it overlaps with the search result in step S2. As a result, the searching unit 133 adds information (e.g., device ID) of each of communication device ND21, communication device ND22, communication device ND23, communication device ND30, communication device ND31, communication device ND40, and communication device ND41 to the grouping list L.

[0088] Finally, the search unit 133 performs an additional search so as not to miss any hierarchical layers. Fig. 10 is a diagram (4) for explaining a search method according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the search unit 133 searches for communication devices ND belonging to the hierarchical layers to which each of the communication devices ND currently added to the grouping list belongs, and adds them to the grouping list L (step S4).

[0089] Using the examples given so far, the communication devices ND currently added to the grouping list L are communication devices ND2 to ND12, communication devices ND20 to ND23, communication devices ND30, ND31, and communication devices ND40 and ND41.

[0090] Since the communication devices ND20 to ND23 are communication devices ND extracted by the adjacent search, the layer to which they belong can be said to be an adjacent layer Rx with respect to the assigned layer H1. Therefore, the layer to which the communication devices ND20 to ND23 belong is referred to as an adjacent layer R2. According to the example of FIG. 10, the adjacent layer R2 includes the communication devices ND20 to ND23, but the search unit 133 does not currently know whether it includes other communication devices ND that have not yet been searched. Therefore, the search unit 133 may perform a same-layer search to search for a third other communication device ND as a node in the same layer as the communication devices ND20 to ND23. The search unit 133 extracts the communication devices ND20 to ND23 by the same-layer search, but because these have already been added to the grouping list L, they are excluded from the third other communication device ND.

[0091] Furthermore, since communication devices ND30 and ND31 are also communication devices ND extracted by the adjacent search, the hierarchical level to which they belong can be said to be an adjacent hierarchical level Rx relative to the hierarchical level H1 to which they belong. Therefore, the hierarchical level to which communication devices ND30 and ND31 belong is referred to as an adjacent hierarchical level R3. According to the example of FIG. 10, adjacent hierarchical level R3 also includes communication devices ND32 and ND33, but the search unit 133 has not yet found communication devices ND32 and ND33. Therefore, the search unit 133 may perform a same-hierarchical level search to search for a third other communication device ND as a node at the same hierarchical level as communication devices ND30 and ND31. The search unit 133 extracts communication devices ND32 and ND33 through the same-hierarchical level search and adds information (e.g., device IDs) of communication devices ND32 and ND33 to the grouping list L.

[0092] Furthermore, because communication devices ND40 and ND41 are also communication devices ND extracted by the adjacent search, the hierarchical level to which they belong can be said to be an adjacent hierarchical level Rx relative to the hierarchical level H1 to which they belong. Therefore, the hierarchical level to which communication devices ND40 and ND41 belong is referred to as an adjacent hierarchical level R4. According to the example of FIG. 10, adjacent hierarchical level R4 also includes communication devices ND42 and ND43, but the search unit 133 has not yet found communication devices ND42 and ND43. Therefore, the search unit 133 may perform a same-hierarchical level search to search for a third other communication device ND as a node at the same hierarchical level as communication devices ND40 and ND41. The search unit 133 extracts communication devices ND42 and ND43 through the same-hierarchical level search and adds information (e.g., device IDs) of communication devices ND42 and ND43 to the grouping list L.

[0093] [7. Search Processing Procedure] The search method according to the embodiment has been described using Figures 7 to 10. Below, a more detailed example of the search method will be described based on the example of Figures 7 to 10. Therefore, Figures 11 and 12 will explain the procedure of the search process executed by the search unit 133. In the example of Figures 11 and 12, it is assumed that the execution device 100 sequentially collects status information from the alarm management system 20, the log collection system 40, and the work management system 60.

[0094] 11 is a flowchart (1) showing a search processing procedure according to the embodiment. In FIG. 11, a processing procedure for same-layer search for searching for nodes in the same layer is shown.

[0095] The reception unit 132 determines whether or not request information requesting execution of a detour availability determination has been received from the control device 80 as an inquiry about detour availability (step S1101). While the reception unit 132 has not received an inquiry about detour availability (step S1101; No), the reception unit 132 waits until an inquiry about detour availability is received.

[0096] On the other hand, when the reception unit 132 receives an inquiry about the availability of detouring (step S1101; Yes), it registers the communication device ND specified in the inquiry about the availability of detouring as a detouring target (step S1102).

[0097] Furthermore, the acquiring unit 131 acquires a grouping list Lx (step S1103). The grouping list Lx is empty at this point. Note that, in the following, it is assumed that the communication device ND1 is designated in step S1101, and the description will be given taking the communication device ND1 as a detouring target as an example. In this example, information that can identify that the communication device ND1 is a detouring target may be added to the grouping list.

[0098] The searching unit 133 identifies information about the hierarchy H1 to which the detouring target communication device ND1 belongs, based on the topology information of the detouring target communication device ND1 (step S1104). For example, the searching unit 133 identifies the type (kind) and name of the topology to which the detouring target communication device ND1 belongs, based on the topology information of the detouring target communication device ND1. Here, referring to FIG. 7, an example is shown in which the searching unit 133 identifies "R1" ("ring type" topology "1") as information about the hierarchy H1 to which the detouring target communication device ND1 belongs.

[0099] Next, the search unit 133 determines whether the topology type of the hierarchy H1 is a predetermined type based on the information of the hierarchy H1 (step S1105). For example, the search unit 133 may determine whether the topology type of the hierarchy H1 is any of ring, box, V, mesh, and cube.

[0100] When the searching unit 133 determines that the topology type of the belonging hierarchy H1 is a predetermined type (step S1105; Yes), it searches for a communication device ND that belongs to the same hierarchy as the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target, based on the topology information of each communication device ND included in the network NW (step S1106a). For example, the searching unit 133 searches for a first other communication device ND that belongs to the belonging hierarchy H1 as another communication device (hereinafter abbreviated as "other communication device") ND that is located in a position related to the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target, based on the topology information of each communication device ND included in the network NW and the topology information of the belonging hierarchy H1. Such a search corresponds to the example of FIG. 7.

[0101] Then, the searching unit 133 adds information (for example, a device ID) of the first other communication device ND to a grouping list L1 for the belonging hierarchy H1 of the grouping list Lx (step S1107a). In this example, the searching unit 133 can regard a network structure configured of the detouring target device ND1 (communication device ND1) and the first other communication device ND as one hierarchy.

[0102] When the process advances to step S1107a and the same layer search is completed, the process moves to adjacent search, which searches for nodes in adjacent layers.

[0103] On the other hand, if the search unit 133 determines that the topology type of the hierarchy H1 to which it belongs is not a predetermined type (step S1105; No), it identifies a communication device ND(P1) that is paired with the device ND1 to be detouring as another communication device ND based on the pairing information in the network NW (step S1106b).

[0104] Next, the searching unit 133 adds information (for example, a device ID) of the communication device ND(P1) to a grouping list L1 for the belonging hierarchy H1 among the grouping lists (step S1107b). In this example, the searching unit 133 can regard a network structure configured by a pair of the detouring device ND1 and the communication device ND(P1) as one hierarchy.

[0105] The searching unit 133 determines whether or not there is a communication device ND(S) that has a pair center relationship with either the detouring device ND1 or the communication device ND(P1) based on the pairing information (step S1108b). That is, the searching unit 133 determines whether or not there is a communication device ND(S) as another communication device ND.

[0106] If there is a communication device ND(S) in a pair-center relationship (step S1108b; Yes), the searching unit 133 further adds information (for example, a device ID) of the communication device ND(S) to the grouping list L1 for the belonging hierarchical level H1 (step S1109b). In this example, the searching unit 133 can regard a network structure formed by a set of the detouring target device ND1, the communication device ND(P1), and the communication device ND(S) as one hierarchical level.

[0107] Furthermore, the searching unit 133 identifies, as another communication device ND, a communication device ND(P2) that will be paired with the communication device ND(S) based on the pairing information (step S1109b).

[0108] The searching unit 133 adds information (for example, a device ID) of the communication device ND(P2) to the grouping list L1 for the belonging hierarchical level H1 (step S1110b). In this example, the searching unit 133 can regard a network structure configured by a set of the detouring target device ND1, the communication device ND(P1), the communication device ND(S), and the communication device ND(P2) as one hierarchical level.

[0109] When the process advances to step S1110b and the same layer search is completed, the process moves to adjacent search, which searches for nodes in adjacent layers.

[0110] If there is no communication device ND(S) in a pair center relationship (step S1108b; No), the search unit 133 simply adds information about the communication device ND(P1) (e.g., device ID) to the grouping list L1 for the belonging hierarchy H1, and then proceeds to adjacent search to search for nodes in an adjacent hierarchy.

[0111] 12 is a flowchart (2) showing the search processing procedure according to the embodiment, which shows the processing procedure in adjacent search for searching for nodes in adjacent layers.

[0112] The searching unit 133 determines whether or not there is a communication device ND that has not yet been subjected to neighbor search among the communication devices ND added to the grouping list L1 (step S1201). According to the example of Fig. 11, the communication device ND added to the grouping list L1 is a communication device ND (first other communication device ND) that belongs to the same hierarchical level as the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target (i.e., belonging hierarchical level H1).

[0113] If there is an unprocessed neighbor search (step S1201; Yes), the searching unit 133 searches for a communication device ND adjacent to the unprocessed communication device ND (step S1202).

[0114] For example, the searching unit 133 sets a search condition to one hop away from the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target as a starting point, and searches for a second other communication device ND adjacent to the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target as the other communication device ND. Such a search corresponds to the example of FIG.

[0115] The search unit 133 also sets a search condition to one hop away from the first other communication device ND as a starting point, and searches for a second other communication device ND adjacent to the first other communication device ND as the other communication device ND. Such a search corresponds to the example of FIG.

[0116] The searching unit 133 may perform the neighbor search of step S1202 for each unprocessed communication device ND in turn. In this case, the searching unit 133 identifies information on the hierarchy Hx to which the second other communication device ND belongs, based on the topology information of the second other communication device ND extracted in this neighbor search (step S1203). For example, the searching unit 133 identifies the type (kind) and name of the topology to which the second other communication device ND belongs, based on the topology information of the second other communication device ND.

[0117] Based on the information identified in step S1203, the search unit 133 determines the layer Hx to which the second other communication device ND belongs as the adjacent layer Rx to the layer H1 to which it belongs (step 1204).

[0118] Then, the search unit 133 adds information about the second other communication device ND (for example, a device ID) to the grouping list Lx for the adjacent hierarchical level Rx among the grouping lists Lx (step S1205). For example, if the search unit 133 extracts the communication device ND20 in this adjacent search, the search unit 133 determines the belonging hierarchical level H2 to which the communication device ND20 belongs as an adjacent hierarchical level R2 based on information about the belonging hierarchical level H2 to which the communication device ND20 belongs, and adds information about the communication device ND20 (for example, a device ID) to the grouping list L2 for the adjacent hierarchical level R2.

[0119] As another example, if the search unit 133 extracts communication device ND30 in this adjacent search, it determines the belonging hierarchy H3 to which communication device ND30 belongs as an adjacent hierarchy R3 based on information about the belonging hierarchy H3 to which communication device ND30 belongs, and adds information about communication device ND30 (e.g., a device ID) to the grouping list L3 for adjacent hierarchy R3. As yet another example, if the search unit 133 extracts communication device ND40 in this adjacent search, it determines the belonging hierarchy H4 to which communication device ND40 belongs as an adjacent hierarchy R4 based on information about the belonging hierarchy H4 to which communication device ND40 belongs, and adds information about communication device ND40 (e.g., a device ID) to the grouping list L4 for adjacent hierarchy R4.

[0120] On the other hand, if there is no unprocessed adjacent search (step S1201; No), the search unit 133 proceeds to an additional search to check whether there is any missing search in each of the adjacent layers Rx.

[0121] First, the search unit 133 searches for a communication device ND belonging to each adjacent layer Rx (step S1206). Such a search corresponds to the example of FIG.

[0122] The searching unit 133 determines whether or not there is any communication device ND that has not been added to the grouping list Lx for the adjacent hierarchical layer Rx among the communication devices ND extracted in the search of step S1206 (step S1207). Specifically, the searching unit 133 determines whether or not there is a third other communication device ND that has not been added to the grouping list Lx as another communication device ND.

[0123] Then, if there is a third other communication device ND that has not been added to the grouping list Lx (step S1207; Yes), the search unit 133 adds information about the third other communication device ND (e.g., a device ID) to the grouping list Lx (step S1208).

[0124] 10, the search unit 133 determines that the communication devices ND32 and ND33 have not been added to the grouping list L3 based on the results of searching the adjacent layer R3 (same layer search that searches for nodes in the same layer as the communication devices ND30 and ND31), and adds information about these communication devices to the grouping list L3. In this example, the communication devices ND32 and ND33 correspond to the third other communication device ND.

[0125] 10, the search unit 133 determines that the communication devices ND42 and ND43 have not been added to the grouping list L4 based on the results of searching the adjacent layer R4 (same layer search that searches for nodes in the same layer as the communication devices ND40 and ND41), and adds information about these communication devices to the grouping list L4. In this example, the communication devices ND42 and ND43 correspond to the third other communication device ND.

[0126] On the other hand, if there is no third other communication device ND that has not been added to the grouping list Lx (step S1207; No), the searching unit 133 ends the neighbor search.

[0127] The executing device 100 can group other communication devices ND that belong to the same hierarchical level H1 as the communication device ND1 to be detouring, by the same hierarchical level search described in Fig. 11. According to the examples so far, the result of this grouping is defined by a grouping list L1. Furthermore, the executing device 100 can group other communication devices ND that belong to an adjacent hierarchical level Rx that is adjacent to the communication device ND1 to which the communication device ND1 belongs, by the adjacent hierarchical level search described in Fig. 12. According to the examples so far, the result of this grouping is defined by grouping lists L2 to L4.

[0128] Here, Fig. 13 shows the network structure grasped by the executing device 100 based on the grouping results. Fig. 13 shows the network structure grasped by the executing device 100 based on the grouping list L1 and grouping lists L2 to L4. As shown in Fig. 13, the executing device 100 can grasp the hierarchical structure of the belonging hierarchy H1 and the relationships between the communication devices ND belonging to the belonging hierarchy H1 based on the grouping list L1.

[0129] Furthermore, the execution device 100 can grasp the hierarchical structure of the adjacent hierarchical layer R2 and the relationships between the communication devices ND belonging to the adjacent hierarchical layer R2 based on the grouping list L2. The execution device 100 can grasp the hierarchical structure of the adjacent hierarchical layer R3 and the relationships between the communication devices ND belonging to the adjacent hierarchical layer R3 based on the grouping list L3. The execution device 100 can grasp the hierarchical structure of the adjacent hierarchical layer R4 and the relationships between the communication devices ND belonging to the adjacent hierarchical layer R4 based on the grouping list L4.

[0130] Furthermore, the execution device 100 can grasp the relationship between the communication device ND and the hierarchy level H1 to which it belongs, the adjacent hierarchy level R2, the adjacent hierarchy level R3, and the adjacent hierarchy level R3.

[0131] In other words, the executing device 100 can grasp the network structure of the network NW1, which is a portion of the network NW. Specifically, the executing device 100 can grasp the network structure of the network NW1, which is a range from the belonging hierarchy H1 to which the detouring target communication device ND1 belongs to the adjacent hierarchy Rx adjacent to the belonging hierarchy H1, of the network NW. Therefore, the executing device 100 performs a detouring feasibility determination based on the status information of the network NW1, to determine whether communication is possible by detouring the communication path that passes through the detouring target communication device ND1. The following describes the processing procedure for the detouring feasibility determination that is performed based on the status information of the network NW1.

[0132] The grouping lists L1, L2, L3, and L4 may be different grouping lists Lx, or may be one and the same grouping list Lx.

[0133] [8. Detour Possibility Determination Procedure] 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing for determining whether a detour is possible according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 14, the execution device 100 is also assumed to be successively collecting status information from the alarm management system 20, the log collection system 40, and the work management system 60.

[0134] The acquisition unit 131 acquires status information on the network NW1 (step S1401). The status information includes fault information, configuration information, work information, etc. of each communication device ND included in the network NW1. The status information also includes fault information and work information of a communication path LN connected to the communication device ND included in the network NW1.

[0135] The execution unit 134 tracks the state changes of each communication device ND included in the network NW1 based on the state information acquired in step S1401 (step S1402).

[0136] The execution unit 134 determines the normality of each communication device ND based on the state change (step S1403).

[0137] Furthermore, the execution unit 134 tracks the state change of each communication path LN included in the network NW1 based on the state information acquired in step S1401 (step S1404).

[0138] The execution unit 134 determines the normality of each communication path LN based on the state change (step S1405).

[0139] The order in which the processes of steps S1402 to S1405 are performed is not limited to the example of Fig. 14. Furthermore, the execution unit 134 may perform the processes of steps S1402 to S1405 in parallel.

[0140] Based on the result of the normality determination, the execution unit 134 determines whether all of the communication devices ND and communication paths LN included in the network NW1 are normal (step S1406).

[0141] When the execution unit 134 determines that all of the communication devices ND and communication paths LN included in the network NW1 are normal (step S1406; Yes), it determines that communication is possible by detouring the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 to be detouring (step S1407a). In this case, the execution unit 134 may instruct each communication device ND not to communicate via the communication device ND1 to be detouring. Using the example of FIG. 13, the execution unit 134 may instruct each of the communication devices ND2, ND12, and ND20, which are adjacent to the communication device ND1 to be detouring, to send a communication flow to another communication device ND, avoiding the communication device ND1 to be detouring. Furthermore, the notification unit 135 may notify the control device 80 that communication is possible by detouring the communication path LN via the communication device ND1 to be detouring, as a result of the determination of whether or not detouring is possible.

[0142] On the other hand, if not all of the communication devices ND and communication paths LN included in the network NW1 are normal, that is, if there is at least one communication device ND and communication path LN that is not normal (step S1406; No), the execution unit 134 determines whether the abnormality is only one of the communication paths LN that pass through the communication device ND to be detoured (step S1407b).

[0143] When the executing unit 134 determines that only one of the communication paths LN passing through the communication device ND to be detoured is abnormal (step S1407b; Yes), it determines that communication is possible by detouring the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND1 to be detouring (step S1408b). In addition, in this case, the notifying unit 135 may notify the control device 80 that communication is possible by detouring the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND1 to be detouring as a result of the detouring possibility determination.

[0144] Here, a case where only one of the communication paths LN passing through the communication device ND to be detoured is not normal will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram (1) showing a specific example of determining whether or not detour is possible. FIG. 15 shows a case where, as the communication paths LN passing through the communication device ND to be detoured, only one of the communication paths LN2, LN12, and LN20 is not normal (for example, a problem has occurred or work is being performed), while the other communication devices ND and communication paths LN are normal. In this way, when only one of the communication paths LN2, LN12, and LN20 is not normal, the execution unit 134 determines that communication is possible by detouring the communication paths LN2, LN12, and LN20.

[0145] 15, when the only determination result is that the communication path LN (any of the communication path LN2, the communication path LN12, or the communication path LN20) passing through the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target is not normal, for example, when only the communication path LN2 is not normal, a detouring (referred to as "detouring U1") may already have been performed for the communication path LN2, but since communication that detouring the communication path LN12 and the communication path LN20 (referred to as "detouring U2") is possible, the detouring U1 can be expressed as an "OK detouring." Even if the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target is detouring, the other communication devices ND and the communication path LN are normal, no detouring has occurred, and the expression "OK detouring" is used to mean that there is no problem with the detouring of the communication device ND1 that is the detouring target.

[0146] If the execution unit 134 determines that there is at least one abnormal communication path other than the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND to be detouring (step S1407b; No), it determines that communication by detouring the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND1 to be detouring is impossible (step S1409b).

[0147] A situation where at least one abnormality exists in addition to the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND to be detoured will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram (2) showing a specific example of determining whether or not a detour is possible. FIG. 16 shows a situation where any of the communication devices ND8, ND32, communication path LN21, and communication device LN41 is abnormal (for example, a problem has occurred or work is being performed), while the other communication devices ND and communication paths LN are normal. In this way, when the determination result includes that any of the communication devices ND other than the communication device ND1 to be detoured or the communication path LN that does not pass through the communication device ND1 to be detoured is abnormal, it is determined that communication detouring the communication path LN passing through the communication device ND1 to be detoured is impossible.

[0148] Furthermore, as in the example of FIG. 16 , if the determination result includes that a communication device ND other than the detour target communication device ND1 or a communication path LN that does not pass through the detour target communication device ND1 is not normal, a detour (detour U3) for these determined to be abnormal may have already been performed. When detour U3 has occurred, the communication path LN passing through the detour target communication device ND1 cannot be detoured (detour U4). Therefore, in such a situation, detour U3 can be expressed as an “unacceptable detour.” For example, if a communication device ND other than the detour target communication device ND1 or a communication path LN that does not pass through the detour target communication device ND1 is experiencing a problem such as a failure, detouring to that path may increase traffic and exacerbate the impact of the communication failure. Therefore, in such a scenario, the communication path LN passing through the detour target communication device ND1 should not be detoured; that is, it is determined that detour of the communication path LN passing through the detour target communication device ND1 is not possible.

[0149] 9. Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the information processing for determining whether a detour is possible has been described using an example in which there is only one communication device ND1 as the detour target communication device ND1. However, if a problem occurs between multiple communication devices ND at similar times, the executing device 100 may receive request information corresponding to each of the multiple communication devices ND at similar times. In such a case, the executing device 100 may perform the above information processing described for the detour target communication device ND1 for each detour target communication device ND. In this way, even if it is necessary to perform a detour target determination for multiple detour target communication devices ND at the same time, the range of processing is limited to the hierarchical layer adjacent to each of the detour target communication devices ND, because it is assumed that the network NW is redundant.

[0150] [10. Hardware Configuration] The execution device 100 according to the embodiment may be realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the execution device 100 according to the embodiment. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, a HDD 1400, a communication interface (I / F) 1500, an input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and a media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0151] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0152] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by these programs, etc. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and sends the data to the CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.

[0153] The CPU 1100 controls an output device such as a display and an input device such as a keyboard via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input device via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to the output device via the input / output interface 1600.

[0154] Media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in recording medium 1800 and provides it to CPU 1100 via RAM 1200. CPU 1100 loads the program or data from recording medium 1800 onto RAM 1200 via media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. Recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0155] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the execution device 100 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes programs loaded onto the RAM 1200, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 130. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via a predetermined communication network.

[0156] [11. Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in each of the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0157] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0158] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0159] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that include the aspects described in the "present invention" section and that have been modified and improved in various ways based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] Sy Information Processing System 20 Alarm Management System 40 Log Collection System 60 Work Management System 80 Control device 100 Execution Device 120 databases 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Reception Department 133 Search Department 134 Executive Department 135 Notification Department

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires, as real-time status information in a network configured by connecting a plurality of communication devices in a hierarchical structure, configuration information of each of the plurality of communication devices or work information related to work occurring in the network; a search unit that searches for other communication devices that are located in a position relative to a target communication device among the plurality of communication devices based on the information of the hierarchical structure; an execution unit that executes a detouring possibility determination to determine whether or not communication that detouring a communication path via the target communication device is possible based on the state information in the network within a partial range of the hierarchical structure that includes the target communication device and the other communication devices within the hierarchical structure; Equipped with the hierarchical structure is a network structure in which the plurality of communication devices are connected to each other in layers according to a network topology, the hierarchical structure information includes topology information of each of the plurality of communication devices; the search unit searches for the other communication devices that belong to a hierarchy that has a predetermined relationship with a hierarchy to which the target communication device belongs, among the plurality of communication devices, based on topology information of each of the plurality of communication devices as information on the hierarchical structure. Information processing device.

2. The search unit searches for all communication devices that belong to a hierarchy that is the hierarchical structure to which the target communication device belongs and an adjacent hierarchy that is the hierarchical structure adjacent to the hierarchy based on topology information of each of the plurality of communication devices; the execution unit executes a detouring possibility determination to determine whether or not communication is possible by detouring a communication path via the target communication device based on the state information of the network in a hierarchical structure corresponding to a range from the belonging hierarchical structure to the adjacent hierarchical structure. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the searching unit searches for a first other communication device that belongs to a hierarchy to which the target communication device belongs, from among the plurality of communication devices, as the other communication device; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the searching unit searches for the first other communication device by further using information on pairing between communication devices related to the target communication device. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. the searching unit searches for second other communication devices adjacent to the target communication device and the first other communication device from among the plurality of communication devices, as the other communication devices; The information processing device according to claim 3 .

6. the searching unit searches for a third other communication device belonging to a hierarchical level to which the target communication device, the first other communication device, and the second other communication device belong, as the other communication device; The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. the searching unit searches for communication devices that are adjacent to each other among the third other communication devices, and includes information on the adjacent relationships in a search result. The information processing device according to claim 6 .

8. the execution unit determines the normality of each of the first other communication device, the second other communication device, and the third other communication device as a communication device to be determined based on the state information of each of the communication devices to be determined; The information processing device according to claim 7 .

9. the execution unit determines the normality of each communication path based on the state information of each communication path connected to the communication device to be determined. The information processing device according to claim 8 .

10. When a determination result that both the communication device to be determined and the communication path are normal is obtained as the normality determination result, the execution unit determines that communication that bypasses the communication path via the communication device to be determined is possible. The information processing device according to claim 9 .

11. When a determination result indicating that at least one of the communication device to be determined and the communication path is not normal is obtained as the normality determination result, the execution unit determines that communication that bypasses the communication path via the communication device to be determined is not possible. The information processing device according to claim 9 .

12. When the determination result that the communication path is not normal is only a determination result that the communication path via the target communication device is not normal, the execution unit determines that communication that bypasses the communication path via the target communication device is possible. The information processing device according to claim 11.

13. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, an acquisition step of acquiring, as real-time status information in a network configured by connecting a plurality of communication devices in a hierarchical structure, configuration information of each of the plurality of communication devices or work information related to work occurring in the network; a searching step of searching for other communication devices that are located in a position relative to a target communication device among the plurality of communication devices based on the information of the hierarchical structure; an execution step of executing a detouring possibility determination step of determining whether or not communication is possible by detouring a communication path via the target communication device based on the state information in the network within a partial range of the hierarchical structure that includes the target communication device and the other communication devices; Including, the hierarchical structure is a network structure in which the plurality of communication devices are connected to each other in layers according to a network topology, the hierarchical structure information includes topology information of each of the plurality of communication devices; the searching step searches for other communication devices that belong to a hierarchy that has a predetermined relationship with a hierarchy to which a target communication device belongs, among the plurality of communication devices, based on topology information of each of the plurality of communication devices as information on the hierarchical structure; Information processing methods.

14. an acquisition procedure for acquiring, as real-time status information in a network configured by connecting a plurality of communication devices in a hierarchical structure, configuration information of each of the plurality of communication devices or work information related to work occurring in the network; a search procedure for searching for other communication devices that are located in a position relative to a target communication device among the plurality of communication devices based on the information of the hierarchical structure; an execution procedure for executing a detouring possibility determination for determining whether or not communication is possible by detouring a communication path via the target communication device based on the state information in the network within a partial range of the hierarchical structure that includes the target communication device and the other communication devices; on the computer, the hierarchical structure is a network structure in which the plurality of communication devices are connected to each other in layers according to a network topology, the hierarchical structure information includes topology information of each of the plurality of communication devices; the search procedure searches for other communication devices that belong to a hierarchical level that has a predetermined relationship with a hierarchical level to which the target communication device belongs, based on topology information of each of the plurality of communication devices as information on the hierarchical structure; Information processing program.

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