How to configure network systems and connection paths.

Abstract

To establish a connection route by selecting or switching an external line for each application.SOLUTION: A network system is connected to an external network via a plurality of communication lines, and includes a policy management device, and a plurality of communication devices that have the ability to autonomously set a connection route that connect the network configured by the network system and an external network. The communication device measures the communication quality of the communication line, the policy management device receives input information including information for identifying applications and connection route setting priority for each application, obtains communication quality measurement results from the communication device, generates a setting rule including the combination of the communication line and the communication device to be connected to the communication line, used for a connection route for each application on the basis of the input information and the communication quality measurement results, and generates route setting policy information including the input information and the setting rule and send it to the communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for setting a connection path for connecting between networks.

Background Art

[0002] In a network system that realizes a private network in which a plurality of bases in a relatively wide area such as a local government's own network are connected to an external network via a plurality of external lines (optical lines, ADSL, mobile phone lines, Internet satellite lines, etc.), the communication quality is stable, and a broadband optical line is mainly used, and other lines are often used as backups in case of failure.

[0003] As a method for selecting an external line in switching to a backup line, there is a method using a routing control protocol such as OSPF and RIP. Also, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes that "in a router device that switches communication between a first line and a second line, after detecting a line failure in the first line, a first protection time until switching from the first line to the second line, and a second protection time until switching from the second line to the first line after detecting the recovery of the line failure in the first line are each set to a time according to the quality state of the first line, and when the line failure in the first line continues after the first protection time has elapsed, switching from the first line to the second line is performed, or when the second protection time has elapsed after detecting the line failure in the first line, switching from the second line to the first line is performed, and a line switching unit is provided."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] Conventional technologies have a problem in network systems that realize a private network connected to an external network via multiple external lines: it is not possible to select or switch external lines for each application.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a mechanism that allows selecting or switching between external lines for each application in a network with multiple external lines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A typical example of the invention disclosed in this application is as follows: A network system that connects to an external network via a plurality of communication lines with different characteristics, and includes a policy management device and a plurality of communication devices that have the function of autonomously setting connection paths connecting the network system and the external network, wherein a communication device connected only to the communication device measures the communication quality of the communication path connected to the other communication devices, a communication device connected to the communication line measures the communication quality of the communication path connected to the other communication devices and the communication line, the policy management device receives input information including information for identifying an application and the setting priority of the connection path for each application, obtains the measurement results of the communication quality from the plurality of communication devices, generates setting rules for each application including combinations of communication devices connected to the communication line and the communication line to be used for the connection path, generates route setting policy information including the input information and the setting rules, and transmits it to the plurality of communication devices, and the plurality of communication devices set the connection path based on the route setting policy information. The network system is characterized in that the input information includes, for each application, information regarding a method for calculating a metric using the measurement results of the communication quality, and when the policy management device generates the setting rules, it calculates a metric for each application using the measurement results of the communication quality, and generates the setting rules based on the metric for each application. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the communication device of the base station network can select or switch external lines for each application to set the connection path. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the network configuration in Example 1. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the router device in Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gateway device in Example 1. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the anchor device in Example 1. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the policy management device in Example 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of communication channel monitoring information in Example 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of policy definition information input to the policy management device of Example 1. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the policy management device of Example 1. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the communication device within the private network in Example 1. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the communication device within the private network in Example 1. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the communication device within the private network in Example 1. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the communication device within the private network in Example 1. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the communication device within the private network in Example 1.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments shown below. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that the specific configuration can be changed without departing from the spirit or gist of the present invention.

[0012] In the configuration of the invention described below, the same or similar configurations or functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0013] The notations such as "first", "second", "third", etc., in this specification and the like are for identifying components and do not necessarily limit the number or order.

[0014] The positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges, etc., of each configuration shown in the drawings and the like may not represent the actual positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges, etc., in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, in the present invention, it is not limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges, etc., disclosed in the drawings and the like.

Embodiment

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the network of Embodiment 1.

[0016] The network is composed of an in-house network 100 and an external network 101. The in-house network 100 is a network realized by a distributed network system composed of a plurality of communication devices connected in a mesh shape. Each communication device has a function of autonomously setting a connection path.

[0017] The communication devices that constitute the network system realizing the private network 100 are a router device 111 and a gateway device 112. The router device 111 is a communication device that connects the LAN 120 to other communication devices. The gateway device 112 is a communication device that connects the router device 111 to the external network 101. The gateway device 112 connects to the external network 101 via multiple communication lines 102. The communication lines 102 are, for example, optical lines, satellite lines, and mobile phone lines. The number of communication lines 102 to which the gateway device 112 connects is arbitrary.

[0018] In Figure 1, the connection paths between communication devices within the private network 100 are identified by letters of the alphabet, and the communication lines to which the gateway device 112 connects are identified by Greek letters.

[0019] The external network 101 is the internet, etc. In Example 1, the anchor device 113 is included in the external network 101. Note that the external network 101 also includes an application server, etc., but this is omitted. Note that the anchor device 113 is not necessarily included in the external network 101.

[0020] The private network 100 includes a policy management device 110. The policy management device 110 generates route setting policy information for setting and switching connection routes and distributes it to communication devices within the private network 100 and anchor devices 113 in the external network 101.

[0021] Here, the connection path refers to the path through which packets are forwarded between LAN 120 and the external network 101. As will be described later, multiple paths (node ​​paths) are established between communication devices within the private network 100. For example, node paths are established by VLAN settings.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the router device 111 in Embodiment 1.

[0023] The router device 111 has a hardware configuration that includes a computing unit 200, a storage device 201, and communication devices 202 and 203.

[0024] The arithmetic unit 200 is a processor or the like, and performs various calculations according to the program. The arithmetic unit 200 operates as a functional unit (module) that realizes a specific function by executing processing according to the program. In the following description, when the processing is described with a functional unit as the subject, it indicates that the arithmetic unit 200 is executing the program that realizes that functional unit. The arithmetic unit 200 operates as a connection path setting unit 210, a communication path monitoring unit 211, a packet forwarding unit 212, an adjacent information exchange unit 213, and an autonomous path generation unit 214. Note that for each functional unit of the router device 111, multiple functional units may be combined into one functional unit, or one functional unit may be divided into multiple functional units according to its function.

[0025] The connection route setting unit 210 sets connection routes for each application based on the route setting policy information 220 and statistical information 221. Specifically, the connection route setting unit 210 generates forwarding information (not shown). The forwarding information stores data including address, protocol, port number, and destination (IP address and device name, etc.).

[0026] The communication channel monitoring unit 211 monitors the connection status of the communication channel between the router device 111 and the communication device connected to it, and also measures the communication quality of the communication channel. The communication quality of the communication channel can be measured, for example, using measurement packets.

[0027] The packet forwarding unit 212 forwards the received packets to the connection path that matches the conditions based on the forwarding information.

[0028] The adjacent information exchange unit 213 sends and receives communication path information with the communication device connected to the router device 111. The communication path information includes information such as the port being used, the communication speed, and the cost of using the communication path.

[0029] The autonomous route generation unit 214 monitors the connection status and communication quality of the communication path and monitors for triggers for switching the connection path. Triggers for switching the connection path include communication path disconnection and congestion. When a trigger for switching the connection path is detected, the autonomous route generation unit 214 executes the connection path switching process. Specifically, the autonomous route generation unit 214 updates the forwarding information based on the route setting policy information 220 and statistical information 221.

[0030] The storage device 201 is a memory or similar device that stores the program executed by the arithmetic unit 200 and the information used by the program. The storage device 201 is also used as a work area. The router device 111 may also have storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid-State Drive). The storage device 201 stores route setting policy information 220 and statistical information 221.

[0031] The routing policy information 220 stores data including the port numbers used by the application, the source and destination of packets, communication priority, and connection route configuration rules. The connection route configuration rules include combinations of gateway devices 112 and communication lines 102, and a method for calculating metrics used to select node routes. The statistics information 221 stores data including the communication quality of the communication channel.

[0032] Communication devices 202 and 203 are NICs (Network Interface Cards), etc., and perform communication via communication paths. Communication devices 202 and 203 include network interfaces (NIs) that connect to each communication path. Communication device 202 performs communication via the LAN 120 communication path, and communication device 203 performs communication via the private network 100 communication path.

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gateway device 112 in Example 1.

[0034] The gateway device 112 has a hardware configuration consisting of a computing unit 300, a storage device 301, and communication devices 302 and 303. The computing unit 300, storage device 301, and communication devices 302 and 303 are the same hardware elements as the computing unit 200, storage device 201, and communication devices 202 and 203, so their description is omitted. Note that communication device 302 communicates via a communication path (line) outside the private network 100, and communication device 303 communicates via a communication path within the private network 100.

[0035] The computing unit 300 operates as a connection path setting unit 310, a communication path monitoring unit 311, a packet forwarding unit 312, an adjacent information exchange unit 313, and an autonomous path generation unit 314. Note that, for each functional unit of the gateway device 112, multiple functional units may be combined into a single functional unit, or a single functional unit may be divided into multiple functional units according to its function.

[0036] The connection path setting unit 310, the communication path monitoring unit 311, the adjacent information exchange unit 313, and the autonomous path generation unit 314 have the same functions as the connection path setting unit 210, the communication path monitoring unit 211, the adjacent information exchange unit 213, and the autonomous path generation unit 214, so their explanation is omitted. The packet forwarding unit 312 has the same functions as the packet forwarding unit 212, but differs in that it has NAT (Network Address Translation).

[0037] The storage device 301 stores route setting policy information 320 and statistical information 321. Route setting policy information 320 and statistical information 321 are the same information as route setting policy information 220 and statistical information 221.

[0038] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the anchor device 113 in Example 1.

[0039] The anchor device 113 has a hardware configuration consisting of a computing unit 400, a storage device 401, and a communication device 402. The computing unit 400, storage device 401, and communication device 402 are the same hardware elements as the computing unit 200, storage device 201, and communication devices 202 and 203, so their description is omitted. The communication device 402 communicates via a communication path (line) outside the private network 100.

[0040] The computing unit 400 operates as a packet aggregation unit 410, a packet distribution unit 411, an address translation unit 412, a tunnel construction unit 413, a packet forwarding unit 414, and a connection path setting unit 415. Note that for each functional unit of the anchor device 113, multiple functional units may be combined into a single functional unit, or a single functional unit may be divided into multiple functional units according to its function.

[0041] The packet forwarding unit 414 and the connection route setting unit 415 have the same functions as the packet forwarding unit 212 and the connection route setting unit 210.

[0042] The packet aggregation unit 410 receives packets from multiple connection paths connecting the private network 100 and the anchor device 113, and transmits the packets to other devices in the external network 101.

[0043] The packet distribution unit 411 distributes packets to routes connecting to other devices within the external network 101.

[0044] The address translation unit 412 translates addresses between other devices in the external network 101 and the private network 100.

[0045] The tunnel construction unit 413 constructs a tunnel between the communication equipment of the private network 100 and the anchor device 113.

[0046] The storage device 401 stores route setting policy information 420 and address translation information 421. Route setting policy information 420 is the same information as route setting policy information 220. Address translation information 421 is information used by the address translation unit 412 to translate addresses.

[0047] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the policy management device 110 of Example 1.

[0048] The policy management device 110 has a hardware configuration consisting of a computing unit 500, a storage device 501, a communication device 502, an input device 503, and an output device 504. The computing unit 500, storage device 501, and communication device 502 are the same hardware elements as the computing unit 200, storage device 201, and communication devices 202 and 203, so their description is omitted. The communication device 502 communicates via the communication path of the private network 100.

[0049] The input device 503 is a device for inputting various types of information, such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel. The output device 504 is a device for outputting various types of information, such as a display.

[0050] The computing unit 500 operates as a communication channel visualization unit 510, a policy management unit 511, an information collection unit 512, and an information distribution unit 513. Note that, for each functional unit of the policy management device 110, multiple functional units may be combined into a single functional unit, or a single functional unit may be divided into multiple functional units according to its function.

[0051] The communication path visualization unit 510 visualizes the connections and communication status of network communication paths. The policy management unit 511 generates routing policy information 520. The information collection unit 512 collects statistical information from communication devices within the private network 100. The information distribution unit 513 transmits the routing policy information 520 to communication devices and anchor devices 113 within the private network 100.

[0052] The storage device 501 stores routing policy information 520 and communication channel monitoring information 521. The routing policy information 520 is the same information as the routing policy information 220. The communication channel monitoring information 521 is information for managing statistical information obtained from communication devices.

[0053] Figure 6 shows an example of the communication channel monitoring information 521 in Example 1.

[0054] The channel monitoring information 521 stores an entry that includes the channel ID 601 and the communication quality 602. There is one entry for each channel. Note that the fields included in the entry are not limited to those mentioned above. It may not include any of the fields mentioned above, or it may include other fields.

[0055] The channel ID 601 is a field that stores channel identification information. It may also store the combination of communication devices connected via the channel.

[0056] Communication quality 602 is a group of fields that store communication quality. In Figure 6, communication quality 602 includes uplink bandwidth, downlink bandwidth, average delay, and loss rate.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of policy definition information input to the policy management device 110 in Example 1. The user inputs the policy definition information shown in Figure 7 in advance using the input device 503. The policy definition information includes information for identifying the application, communication priority, and metric calculation method. Note that "default" represents applications other than the specified application.

[0058] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the policy management device 110 in Example 1. It is assumed that the policy definition information has already been entered. The policy definition information includes the method for calculating the metric.

[0059] The information collection unit 512 of the policy management device 110 acquires statistical information from communication devices within the private network 100 (step S101). The acquired statistical information is registered in the communication channel monitoring information 521. If data for the same communication channel already exists, the new data is overwritten. The information collection unit 512 may also acquire information other than communication quality, such as charges associated with line usage.

[0060] The policy management unit 511 of the policy management device 110 generates route setting policy information 520 based on the policy definition information and the communication channel monitoring information 521 (step S102).

[0061] For example, the policy management device 110 assigns combinations of gateway devices 112 and communication lines 102 (used lines) to applications in order of priority. Specifically, the policy management unit 511 calculates a metric for each application based on the policy definition information and determines the used lines to be assigned to each application based on the metric. Note that multiple used lines may be assigned to a single application. Note that a single used line may be assigned to multiple applications. The method of assigning used lines is specified in the policy definition information.

[0062] The communication channel visualization unit 510 generates route setting policy information 520 using policy definition information and allocation information for the lines used. Furthermore, connection route setting rules are generated from the metric calculation method of the policy definition information and the allocation information for the lines used.

[0063] The information distribution unit 513 of the policy management device 110 transmits the route setting policy information 520 to the communication devices and anchor devices 113 within the private network 100 (step S103).

[0064] Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 are flowcharts illustrating the processes performed by communication devices within the private network 100 of Example 1. Here, the router device 111 will be used as an example.

[0065] The process shown in Figure 9 is performed periodically by the adjacent information exchange unit 213.

[0066] The adjacent information exchange unit 213 exchanges information such as ports, devices, communication quality, and costs required for using communication paths with adjacent communication devices (step S201) and stores it in statistical information 221. Information may be exchanged only with communication devices for which node routes have been set.

[0067] The process shown in Figure 10 is performed periodically by the communication channel monitoring unit 211.

[0068] The communication channel monitoring unit 211 measures the connection status and communication quality for each communication channel connected to its own communication device (step S301) and stores them in the statistical information 221. Note that communication quality may be measured for each node path.

[0069] The process shown in Figure 11 is executed when the connection route setting unit 210 receives route setting policy information 520.

[0070] The connection route setting unit 210 selects a route calculation entity from among the communication devices within the private network 100 (step S401). Here, it is assumed that the unit itself has been selected as the path calculation entity.

[0071] The connection route setting unit 210 determines the node route settings for the private network 100 (step S402) and transmits the node route setting information to the communication devices within the private network 100 (step S403). Here, it is assumed that various tree-structured VLANs (node ​​routes) are set. Note that node route settings using MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) or the like may also be used.

[0072] The process shown in Figure 12 is executed when the connection path setting unit 210 receives node path setting information.

[0073] The connection route setting unit 210 determines the connection route for each application and generates forwarding information based on the route setting policy information 220 and the node route setting information (step S501).

[0074] The process shown in Figure 13 is periodically executed by the autonomous path generation unit 214.

[0075] The autonomous route generation unit 214 determines whether or not it has detected an opportunity to switch the connection route (step S601).

[0076] For example, the autonomous route generation unit 214 refers to the statistical information 221 to determine whether a disconnection or deterioration in communication quality has occurred in the node connections constituting the connection path. The autonomous route generation unit 214 also determines whether a new communication device has been added to the private network 100, or whether node connections have been updated. The switching trigger may be set in advance in the autonomous route generation unit 214, or it may be set via policy definition information.

[0077] When an opportunity to switch connection paths is detected, the autonomous path generation unit 214 determines a new connection path and updates the forwarding information based on the path setting policy information 220 and the node path setting information (step S602).

[0078] When the connection route setting unit 415 of the anchor device 113 receives route setting policy information 420, it sets a route between the anchor device 113 and the destination in the external network 101 based on the route setting policy information 420, and also sets a tunnel between the anchor device 113 and the private network 100.

[0079] (Usage Mode 1) The policy management device 110 generates routing policy information 520 for each application, including a combination of a switching gateway device 112 and a communication line. As a result, if a communication failure or deterioration in communication quality occurs in the private network 100 and the communication line 102, the communication device can autonomously change the connection route for each application.

[0080] (Usage Mode 2) The policy management device 110 generates routing policy information 520 for each application, including a combination of gateway device 112 and communication lines for setting up multiple connection paths between the private network 100 and the anchor device 113. As a result, multiple connection paths are set up between the router device 111 and the anchor device 113 for a single application. The router device 111 and the anchor device 113 manage the multiple connection paths as a single logical connection path. In this case, the router device 111 distributes packets received from LAN 120 to each connection path and sends them, and the anchor device 113 integrates and reorders the received packets and sends them to the destination. Also, the anchor device 113 distributes packets received from the destination to each connection path and sends them, and the router device 111 integrates and reorders the received packets and sends them to LAN 120.

[0081] According to this embodiment, connection paths can be set and switched for each application based on the status of the line and communication path and the communication quality. This allows for flexible setting of connection paths according to the communication status. Furthermore, the communication load of the communication devices, in particular the gateway device 112, can be distributed.

[0082] In addition, the node routes may be reconfigured along with the reconfiguration of the connection routes. In this case, the autonomous route generation unit 214 selects a compute entity. After receiving node route configuration information from the compute entity, the autonomous route generation unit 214 determines a new connection route.

[0083] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. Furthermore, for example, the embodiments described above are detailed explanations of the configuration in order to clearly illustrate the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. In addition, some of the configurations in each embodiment can be added to, deleted from, or replaced with other configurations.

[0084] Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc., may be implemented in hardware, in whole or in part, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The present invention can also be implemented by software program code that realizes the functions of the embodiment. In this case, a storage medium on which the program code is recorded is provided to a computer, and the processor of that computer reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself realizes the functions of the embodiment described above, and the program code itself and the storage medium on which it is stored constitute the present invention. Examples of storage media used to supply such program code include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disks, SSDs (Solid State Drives), optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, and the like.

[0085] Furthermore, the program code that implements the functions described in this embodiment can be implemented in a wide range of programming or scripting languages, such as assembler, C / C++, Perl, Shell, PHP, Python, and Java (registered trademark).

[0086] Furthermore, the program code for the software that implements the functions of the embodiment may be distributed via a network and stored in a storage means such as a computer's hard disk or memory, or in a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R, and the computer's processor may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or storage medium.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the control lines and information lines shown are those deemed necessary for explanation and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines in the actual product. All components may be interconnected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 100 Self-Employed Networks 101 External Network 102 Communication lines 110 Policy management device 111 Router device 112 Gateway device 113 Anchor device 120 LAN 210, 310, 415 Connection Route Setting Section 211, 311 Communication Channel Monitoring Unit 212, 312, 414 Packet forwarding section 213, 313 Adjacent Information Exchange Unit 214, 314 Autonomous path generation unit Route setting policy information for 220, 320, 420, and 520. 221, 321 Statistics 410 Packet Aggregation Unit 411 Packet distribution unit 412 Address Translation Unit 413 Tunnel Construction Section 421 Address Translation Information 510 Communication path visualization section 511 Policy Management Department 512 Information Gathering Department 513 Information Distribution Department 521 Communication channel monitoring information

Claims

1. A network system, Connecting to an external network via multiple communication lines with different characteristics, The system includes a policy management device and a plurality of communication devices that have the function of autonomously setting connection paths between the network configured by the network system and the external network, A communication device that connects only to the aforementioned communication device measures the communication quality of the communication path that connects to other aforementioned communication devices. A communication device connected to the aforementioned communication line measures the communication quality of the communication path and the communication line connected to other aforementioned communication devices. The policy management device is The system accepts input information including information to identify the application and the priority order for setting the connection path for each application. The measurement results of the communication quality are obtained from the aforementioned multiple communication devices. Based on the input information and the measurement results of the communication quality, a setting rule is generated for each application, which includes a combination of communication device and communication line to be used for the connection path. Generate routing policy information including the input information and the setting rules, and transmit it to the multiple communication devices. The plurality of communication devices set the connection route based on the routing policy information, The input information includes, for each application, information regarding the method for calculating a metric using the measurement results of the communication quality, When the policy management device generates the setting rules, For each application, a metric is calculated using the measurement results of the communication quality. A network system characterized by generating the configuration rules based on the metrics for each application.

2. The network system according to Claim 1, The policy management device is a network system characterized by generating the setting rules for setting the connection path for switching for each application.

3. The network system according to Claim 1, The policy management device is a network system characterized by generating the setting rules for setting up multiple connection paths for each application.

4. A method for setting connection paths in a network system, The aforementioned network system is Connecting to an external network via multiple communication lines with different characteristics, The system includes a policy management device and a plurality of communication devices that have the function of autonomously setting connection paths between the network configured by the network system and the external network, The method for setting the connection path is as follows: A first step involves a communication device connected only to the aforementioned communication device measuring the communication quality of a communication path connected to other aforementioned communication devices, A second step involves a communication device connected to the aforementioned communication line measuring the communication quality of the communication path and the communication line connected to other aforementioned communication devices. The policy management device receives input information including information for identifying an application and the priority order for setting the connection path for each application, The policy management device performs a fourth step of acquiring the measurement results of the communication quality from the plurality of communication devices, A fifth step in which the policy management device generates a setting rule for each application, including a combination of communication device and communication line to be used for the connection path, based on the input information and the measurement results of the communication quality, A sixth step in which the policy management device generates route setting policy information including the input information and the setting rules and transmits it to the plurality of communication devices, The plurality of communication devices include a seventh step of setting the connection route based on the routing policy information, The input information includes, for each application, information regarding the method for calculating a metric using the measurement results of the communication quality, The fifth step described above is: The policy management device performs the steps of calculating a metric for each application using the measurement results of the communication quality, A method for configuring connection paths, characterized in that the policy management device generates the configuration rules based on the metrics for each application.

5. A method for setting a connection path according to Claim 4, The fifth step is a method for setting connection paths, characterized in that the policy management device generates the setting rules for setting the connection paths for switching for each application.

6. A method for setting a connection path according to Claim 4, The fifth step is a method for setting connection paths, characterized in that the policy management device generates setting rules for setting a plurality of connection paths for each application.

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