Communication path optimization device, communication system, communication path optimization method and program

Abstract

To provide a communication route optimization device, a communication route optimization method, and a program that can equalize the usage frequency of the entire network and operate stably.SOLUTION: A communication route optimization device includes a storage portion, and a processing portion that extracts a communication route candidate for transmitting a communication packet from a switch by referring to information stored in the storage portion when a request for communication route information is notified from the switch, selects a communication route with the least amount of communication by referring to the information stored in the storage portion, determines the interface to send a communication packet by referring to the information stored in the storage portion, creates communication route information by referring to the information stored in the storage portion, and distributes the created communication route information to the switch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication path optimization device, a communication system, a communication path optimization method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for controlling communication paths in a network are known. For example, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the communication volume input to a path control device is measured. And in the technique described in Patent Document 1, a path with a narrow bandwidth and a path with a wide bandwidth are preset in the path control device, first and second threshold values are set for the traffic flow rate for each flow, and exceeding of the threshold values is monitored. When the exceeding of the first threshold value continues, switching is made to the second threshold value, and based on this, dynamic path switching is performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to preset a path with a narrow bandwidth and a path with a wide bandwidth, and it is difficult to cope with cases such as when the network is changed, and it is not practical.

[0005] An example of an object of the present invention is to provide a communication path optimization device, a communication system, a communication path optimization method, and a program that solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the communication path optimization device is a communication path optimization device comprising: a storage unit that stores information about a switch to which a terminal that communicates with other devices is connected; information about the interface of the switch; a source IP address; a destination IP address; communication statistics information which is the amount of input packets to the interface; communication path information; the amount of input packets; and information about the interface used when transmitting; and a processing unit that, when notified of a request for communication path information from the switch, extracts candidate communication paths for which the switch transmits communication packets by referring to the information stored in the storage unit; selects the communication path with the smallest amount of communication by referring to the information stored in the storage unit; determines the interface to which communication packets are transmitted by referring to the information stored in the storage unit; creates communication path information by referring to the information stored in the storage unit; and distributes the created communication path information to the switch.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the communication system comprises a switch to which a terminal that communicates with other devices is connected and which has a plurality of interfaces, a terminal connected to one of the plurality of interfaces provided by the switch, and a communication path optimization device that selects a communication path according to the amount of communication on the communication path, wherein the communication path optimization device includes a storage unit that stores information about the switch to which the terminal that communicates with other devices is connected, information about the interface of the switch, a source IP address, a destination IP address, communication statistics information which is the amount of input packets on the interface, communication path information, input packet amount, and information about the interface used when transmitting, and when a request for communication path information is notified from the switch, a processing unit that extracts candidate communication paths to which communication packets are transmitted from the switch by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, selects the communication path with the minimum amount of communication on the communication path by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, determines the interface to which communication packets are transmitted by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, creates communication path information by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, and distributes the created communication path information to the switch.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a communication path optimization method is a communication path optimization device that includes a storage unit that stores information about a switch to which a terminal communicating with other devices is connected, information about the interface of the switch, a source IP address, a destination IP address, communication statistics information which is the amount of input packets to the interface, communication path information, the amount of input packets, and information about the interface used when transmitting. When a request for communication path information is notified from the switch to a communication path optimization device, the device extracts candidate communication paths for which communication packets are transmitted from the switch by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, selects the communication path with the smallest amount of communication by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, determines the interface on which communication packets are transmitted by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, creates communication path information by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, and distributes the created communication path information to the switch.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the program is a computer in a communication path optimization device that has a storage unit that stores information about a switch to which a terminal that communicates with other devices is connected, information about the interface of the switch, a source IP address, a destination IP address, communication statistics information which is the amount of input packets to the interface, communication path information, the amount of input packets, and information about the interface used when transmitting. When the computer is notified by the switch of a request for communication path information, the computer extracts candidate communication paths for transmitting communication packets from the switch by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, selects the communication path with the smallest amount of communication by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, determines the interface on which to transmit communication packets by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, creates communication path information by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, and distributes the created communication path information to the switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, since the communication path is selected according to the amount of data transmitted through that path, the usage frequency of the entire network is equalized, resulting in stable operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows a schematic configuration example of a communication path optimization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example configuration of a communication path optimization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example configuration of the first switch according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example configuration of the second switch according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the information stored in the topology table according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the information stored in the communication path table according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the information stored in the statistical information table according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of information stored in the communication charge table according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of information stored in the communication path information table of the second switch according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of information stored in the communication statistics information table of the second switch according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of source information for creating communication path information according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of communication path information according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the relationships between the switches, the communication path optimization device, and the various processes and tables according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the management unit of the communication path optimization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the arithmetic unit of the communication path optimization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart of the processing procedure performed by the communication path control unit of the second switch according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the determination unit of the communication path optimization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the generation unit of the communication path optimization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the entire system in the modification.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0013] [Configuration Example of the Entire Network] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes, for example, a communication path optimization device 2, a server 3, a first switch 4 (switch), a second switch 5 (first second switch 5-1, second second switch 5-2) (switch), and terminals 7 (first terminal 7-1, second terminal 7-2). Note that the communication path optimization device 2, the server 3, the first switch 4, the second switch, and the terminals 7 are connected via a network.

[0014] The communication path optimization device 2 determines a communication path, for example, when the server 3 and the terminal 7 communicate. The communication path optimization device 2 is connected to the first switch 4.

[0015] The server 3 has, for example, a service providing function such as application download. The server 3 is connected to the first switch 4.

[0016] The first switch 4 switches the communication path according to the control of the communication path optimization device 2.

[0017] The second switch 5, the first second switch 5-1, and the second second switch 5-2 are connected to the first switch 4. The second switch 5 switches the communication path according to the control of the communication path optimization device 2.

[0018] Terminal 7 is, for example, a personal computer or a tablet device. The first terminal 7-1 is connected to one of the multiple interfaces of the first second switch 5-1. The second terminal 7-2 is connected to one of the multiple interfaces of the second second switch 5-2. In the following description, the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the first terminal 7-1 is assumed to be "XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX", and the IP address of the second terminal 7-2 is assumed to be "YYY.YYY.YYY.YYY". Also, the IP address of server 3 is assumed to be "ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ".

[0019] Furthermore, while the first switch 4, the first second switch 5-1, the second second switch 5-2, and the communication path optimization device 2 utilize OpenFlow technology, they are not limited to this. Also, while the communication statistics information (input packet volume of the interface) is assumed to be the Counters technology maintained by the OpenFlow switch, they are not limited to this.

[0020] [Example of a schematic configuration of a communication path optimization device] Next, a schematic example of the communication path optimization device 2 will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing a schematic example of the communication path optimization device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the communication path optimization device 2 comprises a processing unit 21 and a storage unit 25.

[0021] When the processing unit 21 receives a request for communication path information from the second switch 5 (Figure 1), it extracts candidate communication paths from the second switch 5 to which communication packets will be sent, selects the communication path with the smallest data volume, determines the interface to which the communication packets will be sent, and creates communication path information. The processing unit 21 controls communication by distributing the created communication path information to the switches.

[0022] The memory unit 25 stores and stores, for example, network topology, communication paths, communication statistics, communication path traffic volume, and communication path information, each in a tabular format.

[0023] [Example of a communication path optimization device configuration] Next, an example of the configuration of the communication path optimization device 2 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication path optimization device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the communication path optimization device 2 comprises a processing unit 21 and a storage unit 25. The processing unit 21 includes, for example, a management unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a determination unit 213, and a generation unit 214. The memory unit 25 includes, for example, a topology table 251, a communication path table 252, a statistics information table 253, a communication volume table 254, and a path information table 255.

[0024] The management unit 211 manages communication statistics information (input packet volume for each interface) for the first switch 4 and the second switch 5. The management unit 211 acquires communication statistics information from the first switch 4 and the second switch 5 and stores the acquired communication statistics information in the statistics information table 253.

[0025] The calculation unit 212 calculates the amount of communication (amount of input packets) for each communication path based on the communication statistics information stored in the statistics information table 253 and the network communication path table.

[0026] The decision unit 213 awaits requests for communication path information from the first switch 4 and the second switch 5. Based on the communication path information source information notified by the first switch 4 and the second switch 5, the decision unit 213 calls the generation unit. The decision unit 213 distributes the communication path information to the first switch 4 and the second switch 5.

[0027] The generation unit 214 extracts candidate communication paths from the topology table 251 and the communication path table 252 based on the source information for creating communication path information, in order to determine the communication path information. The generation unit 214 refers to the communication volume of the extracted candidate communication paths. The generation unit 214 determines the communication path with the least communication volume. The generation unit 214 generates the communication path information.

[0028] The topology table 251 stores information about the interfaces of the first switch 4 and the second switch 5. The information in the topology table 251 is initially registered, for example, by a network designer.

[0029] The communication path table 252 stores the relationship between the input interfaces of the first switch 4 and the second switch 5 that are traversed by communication between the source IP address and the destination IP address. The information stored in the communication path table 252 is initially registered, for example, by the network designer.

[0030] The statistics table 253 stores communication statistics (the amount of input packets for the interface).

[0031] The communication volume table 254 stores the total communication volume for each communication path, organized by communication path.

[0032] The routing information table 255 stores communication route information.

[0033] [Example configuration of the first switch] Next, an example configuration of the first switch 4 will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the first switch according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the first switch 4 includes, for example, a first interface 41, a second interface 42, a third interface 43, a communication statistics information table 44, a communication statistics information table 45, and a communication path control unit 46.

[0034] For example, the third interface 53-1 of the first second switch 5-1 is connected to the first interface 41.

[0035] For example, the third interface 53-2 of the second switch 5-2 is connected to the second interface 42.

[0036] For example, the communication path optimization device 2 and the server 3 are connected to the third interface 43.

[0037] Communication statistics table 44 stores communication statistics.

[0038] The communication path information table 45 stores communication path information.

[0039] The communication path control unit 46 forwards communication packets by referring to the communication path information in the communication statistics information table 44 and the communication path information table 45. When the communication path control unit 46 detects a communication packet, it notifies the communication path optimization device 2 of the communication path information source information necessary for creating the communication path information.

[0040] [Example configuration of the second switch] Next, an example configuration of the second switch 5 will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the second switch according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the second switch 5 includes, for example, a first interface 51, a second interface 52, a third interface 53, a communication statistics information table 54, a communication path information table 55, and a communication path control unit 56. The first second switch 5-1 includes, for example, a first interface 51-1, a second interface 52-1, a third interface 53-1, a communication statistics information table 54-1, a communication path information table 55-1, and a communication path control unit 56-1. The second second switch 5-2 includes, for example, a first interface 51-2, a second interface 52-2, a third interface 53-2, a communication statistics information table 54-2, a communication path information table 55-2, and a communication path control unit 56-2.

[0041] For example, a first terminal 7-1 is connected to the first interface 51-1.

[0042] For example, the second interface 52-2 of the second switch 5-2 is connected to the second interface 52-1.

[0043] For example, the first interface 41 of the first switch 4 is connected to the third interface 53-1.

[0044] Communication statistics table 54-1 stores communication statistics.

[0045] Communication path information table 55-1 stores communication path information.

[0046] The communication path control unit 56-1 forwards communication packets by referring to the communication path information in the communication statistics information table 54-1 and the communication path information table 55-1. When the communication path control unit 56-1 detects a communication packet, it notifies the communication path optimization device 2 of the communication path information source information necessary for creating the communication path information.

[0047] For example, a second terminal 7-2 is connected to the first interface 51-2.

[0048] For example, the second interface 52-1 of the first second switch 5-1 is connected to the second interface 52-2.

[0049] For example, the second interface 42 of the first switch 4 is connected to the third interface 53-2.

[0050] Communication statistics table 54-2 stores communication statistics.

[0051] Communication path information table 55-2 stores communication path information.

[0052] The communication path control unit 56-2 forwards communication packets by referring to the communication path information in the communication statistics information table 54-2 and the communication path information table 55-2. When the communication path control unit 56-2 detects a communication packet, it notifies the communication path optimization device 2 of the source information for creating the communication path information necessary for creating the communication path information.

[0053] [Examples of information stored in each table of the communication path optimization device] Here, we will explain examples of the information stored in the topology table 251, communication path table 252, statistics table 253, communication volume table 254, and path information table 255 of the communication path optimization device 2.

[0054] Figure 6 shows an example of information stored in the topology table according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the topology table 251 stores interface numbers associated with switch names. For example, the topology table 251 stores interface numbers "(of the first switch 4) first interface 41", "(of the first switch 4) second interface 42", etc., associated with the switch name "first switch 4".

[0055] Figure 7 shows an example of information stored in the communication path table according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the communication path table 252 stores the source IP address, destination IP address, and input interface number associated with the communication path identification information. For example, the communication path table 252 stores the source IP address "IP address of the first terminal 7-1", destination IP address "IP address of server 3", input interface number "(first second switch 5-1) first interface 51-1", input interface number "(first switch 4) first interface 41", ... associated with the communication path identification information "ID=1".

[0056] Figure 8 shows an example of the information stored in the statistical information table according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the statistical information table 253 stores the switch name in association with the switch's IP address, interface number, and input packet volume. For example, the statistical information table 253 stores the switch name "First Switch 4" in association with the switch's IP address "IP address of First Switch 4", the interface number "(First Interface 41 of First Switch 4)", and the input packet volume "XXX bytes".

[0057] Figure 9 shows an example of information stored in the communication fee table according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the communication fee table 254 stores the total input packet amount associated with the communication path identification information. For example, the communication fee table 254 stores the total input packet amount "AAA bytes" associated with the communication path identification information "ID=1".

[0058] [Examples of information stored in each table of the second switch] Next, we will explain examples of the information stored in the communication statistics information table 54 and the communication path information table 55 of the second switch 5.

[0059] Figure 10 shows an example of information stored in the communication path information table of the second switch according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the communication path information table 55-1 of the first second switch 5-1 stores the source IP address, destination IP address, and processing associated with it. For example, the communication path information table 55 stores the source IP address "(first terminal 7-1)XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX", the destination IP address "(server 3)ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ", and the processing "Send; from the second interface 52-2 (of the second second switch 5-2)".

[0060] Figure 11 shows an example of information stored in the communication statistics table of the second switch according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the communication statistics table 54-1 of the first second switch 5-1 stores the input packet amount associated with the interface name. For example, the communication statistics table 54-1 stores the input packet amount "MMM bytes" associated with the interface name "(of the first second switch 5-1) first interface 51-1".

[0061] Next, an example of source information for creating communication path information will be explained. Figure 12 shows an example of source information for creating communication path information according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the source information for creating communication path information is associated with the name of the switch that queries the communication path, the source IP address, and the destination IP address. For example, the source information for creating communication path information is associated with the name of the switch that queries the communication path, "First Second Switch 5-1", the source IP address "(First Terminal 7-1) XXXX.XXX.XXX.XXX", and the destination IP address "(Server 3) ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ".

[0062] Next, an example of communication path information will be described. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of communication path information according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the communication path information associates the source IP address with the destination IP address and the processing. For example, the communication path information associates the source IP address "(First terminal 7-1) XXXX.XXX.XXX.XXX" with the destination IP address "(Server 3) ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ" and the processing "Send; from the second interface 52-2 (of the second switch 5-2)".

[0063] [Relationships between switches, communication path optimization devices, and tables] Here, we will explain the relationships between the switches, the processes of the communication path optimization device 2, and the tables. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the relationships between the switches, the processes of the communication path optimization device, and the tables according to this embodiment.

[0064] As shown in Figure 14, the calculation unit 212 of the communication path optimization device 2 refers to the communication statistics information stored in the statistics information table 253 and the communication volume stored in the communication volume table 254.

[0065] The management unit 211 acquires communication statistics and stores the acquired communication statistics in the statistics table 253.

[0066] The calculation unit 212 calculates the amount of communication (amount of input packets) for each communication path based on the communication statistics information stored in the statistics information table 253 and the communication path table.

[0067] The generation unit 214 extracts candidate communication paths from the topology table 251 and the communication path table 252 based on the source information for creating communication path information. The generation unit 214 refers to the communication volume of the extracted candidate communication paths from the communication volume table 254. The generation unit 214 determines the communication path with the least communication volume. The generation unit 214 generates communication path information and stores the generated communication path information in the path information table 255.

[0068] [Example of processing by the management department] Next, we will explain an example of processing by the management unit 211 of the communication path optimization device 2. Figure 15 is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the management unit of the communication path optimization device according to this embodiment. Before the following processing, for example, a network designer registers the source IP address of the communication flow, the destination IP address, the switches along the path traversed by the communication between the source IP address and the destination IP address, and the interface number for each switch with the communication path optimization device 2. After registration, the communication path optimization device 2 calls the management unit 211 and performs the following processing.

[0069] (Step S1) The management unit 211 obtains communication statistics information (input communication volume) from the switches (first switch 4, second switch 5) for the interfaces (first interface, second interface, third interface) used when calculating the communication path communication volume.

[0070] (Step S2) The management unit 211 registers the acquired input communication volume in the statistics information table 253.

[0071] (Step S3) The management unit 211 calls the calculation unit 212.

[0072] [Example of processing in the arithmetic unit] Next, an example of processing by the calculation unit 212 of the communication path optimization device 2 will be described. Figure 16 is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the calculation unit of the communication path optimization device according to this embodiment.

[0073] (Step S11) The calculation unit 212 refers to the communication path table 252.

[0074] (Step S12) The calculation unit 212 extracts the input interface number that the communication passes through for each communication path.

[0075] (Step S13) The calculation unit 212 refers to the statistical information table 253.

[0076] (Step S14) The calculation unit 212 extracts the input packet amounts of the extracted input-side interfaces, adds them up, and calculates the total communication volume (input packet volume) for each communication path.

[0077] (Step S15) The calculation unit 212 stores the calculated communication volume for each communication path in the communication volume table 254.

[0078] Here, for example, suppose a first terminal 7-1 with the IP address XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX initiates communication with server 3. Then, suppose the first second switch 5-1 to which the first terminal 7-1 is connected detects a communication packet with source IP address "XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX" and destination IP address "ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ", and we will explain an example of the processing of the second switch 5.

[0079] [Processing performed by the communication path control unit 56 of the second switch 5] Next, an example of processing performed by the communication path control unit 56-1 of the first second switch 5-1 will be described. Figure 17 is a flowchart of the processing procedure performed by the communication path control unit of the second switch according to this embodiment.

[0080] (Step S31) The communication path control unit 56-1 detects a communication packet. The communication packet includes the source IP address and destination IP address of the communication packet.

[0081] (Step S32) The communication path control unit 56-1 reads the source IP address and destination IP address of the communication packet and creates communication path information source information.

[0082] (Step S33) The communication path control unit 56-1 notifies the communication path optimization device 2 of the source information for creating the communication path information.

[0083] (Steps S34-S36) The communication path control unit 56-1 waits for notification of communication path information from the communication path optimization device 2. When the communication path control unit 56-1 receives notification of communication path information, it terminates the repeated processing of steps S34-S36 and proceeds to the processing of step S37.

[0084] (Step S37) The communication path control unit 56-1 receives the communication path information notified by the communication path optimization device 2. Next, the communication path control unit 56-1 stores the received communication path information in the path information table 255.

[0085] (Step S38) The communication path control unit 56-1 refers to the communication path information.

[0086] (Step S39) The communication path control unit 56-1 sends a communication packet with a source IP address "for example, XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX" and a destination IP address "for example, ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ" from the first interface 51-2.

[0087] [Example of processing in the decision section] Next, an example of processing by the determination unit 213 of the communication path optimization device 2 will be described. Figure 18 is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the determination unit of the communication path optimization device according to this embodiment. The following processing is performed when the communication path control unit 56-1 of the first second switch 5-1 completes the processing in step S36.

[0088] (Steps S52-S54) The determination unit 213, while monitoring for requests for communication path information from the managed switches (notification of communication path information source information), receives communication path information source information from the first second switch 5-1. When the determination unit 213 obtains a request for communication path information, it terminates the second iteration process in steps S52-S54 and proceeds to the process in step S55.

[0089] (Step S55) The decision unit 213 calls the management unit 211 and updates the traffic volume of the communication path for the source IP address "for example, XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX" and the destination IP address "for example, ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ".

[0090] (Step S56) The determination unit 213 calls the generation unit 214.

[0091] (Step S57) After the generation unit 214 has completed the processing described in steps S71 to S81, the determination unit 213 distributes the created communication path information to the first second switch 5-1.

[0092] The determination unit 213 completes the first iterative processing of steps S51 to S58. Then, after the completion of step S57, the generation unit 214 returns to the process of monitoring the request for communication path information from the managed switch (notification of communication path information source information). Furthermore, after the completion of the processing in step S57, it performs the processing of steps S37 to S39.

[0093] [Example of processing in the generation section] Next, we will explain an example of the processing of the generation unit 214 of the communication path optimization device 2. Figure 19 is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the generation unit of the communication path optimization device according to this embodiment. Note that the following processing is performed after the determination unit has completed the processing in step S56.

[0094] (Step S71) The generation unit 214 uses the first second switch 5-1, which has been queryed for communication path information, to refer to the topology table 251.

[0095] (Step S72) The generation unit 214 extracts the first interface 51-1, the second interface 52-1, and the third interface 53-1 of the first second switch 5-1 for which communication path information was queried.

[0096] (Step S73) The generation unit 214 uses the destination IP address "for example, ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ" to refer to the communication path table 252.

[0097] (Step S74) The generation unit 214 extracts communication paths whose destination IP address contains "for example, ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ". This extracts candidate communication paths ID=1 and ID=2 that reach the destination IP address of the flow from the switch that queried the communication path information, and the interface number to which packets are sent to the communication path.

[0098] (Step S75) The generation unit 214 refers to the communication volume table 254 using the extracted communication paths. Here, for example, let's assume that the values ​​in the communication volume table 254 shown in Figure 9 are, for example, AAA bytes > BBB bytes.

[0099] (Step S76) The generation unit 214 determines the communication path with the smallest packet input amount, for example, communication path ID=2.

[0100] (Step S77) The generation unit 214 refers to the communication path table 252.

[0101] (Step S78) The generation unit 214 extracts interface numbers present in the communication path (for example, interface numbers for communication path ID=2) based on the referenced results.

[0102] (Step S79) The generation unit 214 compares the extracted interface number with the candidate interface numbers of the interface to which packets are sent to the communication path. Here, it is assumed that the interface number matches the second interface 52-2 of the first second switch 5-1.

[0103] (Step S80) The generation unit 214 determines the interface number to which packets will be sent to the determined communication path to be, for example, the second interface 52-2 of the second switch 5-2.

[0104] (Step S81) The generation unit 214 creates communication path information as shown in Figure 12 based on the source IP address (e.g., XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX), the destination IP address (e.g., ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ), and the determined interface number (e.g., second interface 52-2).

[0105] As a result, according to this embodiment, the usage frequency of all switches on the network is equalized over the long term, and the operating frequency of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and circuits in the memory, terminals, etc. of each switch is also equalized. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the failure rate of each switch is reduced and downtime is minimized. For this reason, according to this embodiment, stable long-term operation of the entire system can be expected.

[0106] <Variation> In the example described above, for example, Figure 1 illustrates an example where the communication system 1 has two terminals, but as shown in Figure 20, there may be three or more terminals. Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system in a modified form. In the example in Figure 20, the communication system 1A includes a communication path optimization device 2, a server 3, a first switch 4A, a second switch (first second switch 5-1, second second switch 5-2, third second switch 5-3), and terminals 7 (first terminal 7-1, second terminal 7-2, third terminal 7-3).

[0107] In communication system 1, which consists of two terminals 7 and two second switches 5, the second switch 5 has three interfaces (first interface, second interface, and third interface). Therefore, the other two interfaces, excluding the interface to which terminal 7 is connected, are candidates for the communication path, and one of the two was selected. In contrast, if there are N terminals (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 3) and N second switches 5, the number of interfaces provided by each switch may differ. In this case, the method of the above-described embodiment can be applied by obtaining communication statistics information for each communication path.

[0108] The communication path optimization device 2 described above may have an internal computer system. The program for causing the communication path optimization device 2 to perform the above-described processes may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium of the communication path optimization device 2, and the above processes may be performed by the computer of the communication path optimization device 2 reading and executing this program. Here, a computer-readable recording medium refers to a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, this computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives this distribution may execute the program. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions of each processing unit described above. In addition, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0109] The computer system of the communication path optimization device 2 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory, auxiliary memory, an interface, and a non-volatile recording medium. The CPU may perform processing to be carried out by the communication path optimization device 2 according to a program.

[0110] While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention.

[0111] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 1,1A...communication system, 2…Communication path optimization device, 3... Server, 4…First switch, 5, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3... Second switch, 7,7-1,7-2,7-3… Terminals, 21... Processing section, 211...Management Department, 212...Arithmetic unit, 213...Decision section, 214...Generation section, 25...Storage section, 251... Topology table, 252... Communication path table, 253...Statistical information table, 254...Data usage table, 255... Route information table, 41, 51, 51-1, 51-2… First interface, 42, 52, 52-1, 52-2… Second interface, 43, 53, 53-1, 53-2… Third interface, 44, 54, 54-1, 54-2… Communication statistics information table, 45, 55, 55-1, 55-2… Communication path information table, 46, 56, 56-1, 56-2… Communication Path Control Unit

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores information about a switch to which a terminal communicating with other devices is connected, information about the interfaces provided by the switch, a source IP address, a destination IP address, communication statistics information which is the amount of input packets for the interface, communication path information, and information about the interface used when transmitting. When a request for communication path information is received from the switch, the processing unit extracts candidate communication paths for transmitting communication packets from the switch by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, selects the communication path with the smallest communication volume by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, determines the interface for transmitting communication packets by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, creates communication path information by referring to the information stored in the storage unit, and distributes the created communication path information to the switch. Equipped with, The aforementioned storage unit is A topology table that stores information about the interfaces provided by the switch, A communication path table that stores the relationship between the input interfaces of the switch through which communication between the source IP address and the destination IP address takes place, A statistics table in which communication statistics information, which is the amount of input packets to the interface, A communication volume table stores the total communication volume for each communication path, It comprises a routing information table in which communication route information is stored, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the communication statistics stored in the aforementioned statistics table and the communication path table, the amount of communication for the communication path is calculated. Based on the communication path information source information notified by the switch, candidate communication paths are extracted from the topology table and the communication path table, the communication volume of the extracted candidate communication paths is referenced, the communication path with the smallest communication volume is determined, and the communication path information is generated. The communication path information is distributed to the aforementioned switch. Communication path optimization device.

2. The processing unit comprises a management unit, a calculation unit, a determination unit, and a generation unit. The management unit manages the communication statistics information of the switch, obtains the communication statistics information from the switch, and stores the obtained communication statistics information in the statistics information table. A communication path optimization device according to claim 1.

3. The calculation unit calculates the amount of communication on the communication path based on the communication statistics information stored in the statistics information table and the communication path table. The communication path optimization device according to claim 2.

4. The determination unit waits for a request for the communication path information from the switch, and based on the communication path information source information notified by the switch, it calls the generation unit and distributes the communication path information to the switch. A communication path optimization device according to claim 3.

5. The generation unit extracts candidate communication paths from the topology table and the communication path table based on the source information for creating the communication path information, refers to the communication volume of the extracted candidate communication paths, determines the communication path with the smallest communication volume, and generates the communication path information. The communication path optimization device according to claim 4.

6. A terminal that communicates with other devices is connected to a switch that has multiple interfaces, A terminal connected to one of the multiple interfaces provided by the switch, The system includes a communication path optimization device that selects a communication path according to the amount of data transmitted along that path, The aforementioned communication path optimization device is The system includes a storage unit that stores information about a switch to which a terminal communicating with other devices is connected, information about the interfaces provided by the switch, a source IP address, a destination IP address, communication statistics information which is the amount of input packets to the interface, communication path information, and information about the interface used when transmitting. The system includes a processing unit that, upon receiving notification of a request for communication path information from the switch, extracts candidate communication paths for transmitting communication packets from the switch by referring to information stored in the storage unit, selects the communication path with the minimum communication volume by referring to information stored in the storage unit, determines the interface for transmitting communication packets by referring to information stored in the storage unit, creates communication path information by referring to information stored in the storage unit, and distributes the created communication path information to the switch. The aforementioned storage unit is A topology table that stores information about the interfaces provided by the switch, A communication path table that stores the relationship between the input interfaces of the switch through which communication between the source IP address and the destination IP address takes place, A statistics table in which communication statistics information, which is the amount of input packets to the interface, A communication volume table stores the total communication volume for each communication path, It comprises a routing information table in which communication route information is stored, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the communication statistics stored in the aforementioned statistics table and the communication path table, the amount of communication for the communication path is calculated. Based on the communication path information source information notified by the switch, candidate communication paths are extracted from the topology table and the communication path table, the communication volume of the extracted candidate communication paths is referenced, the communication path with the smallest communication volume is determined, and the communication path information is generated. The communication path information is distributed to the aforementioned switch. Communication system.

7. The system includes a storage unit that stores information about a switch to which a terminal communicating with other devices is connected, information about the interfaces provided by the switch, a source IP address, a destination IP address, communication statistics information which is the amount of input packets to the interface, communication path information, and information about the interface used when transmitting. The aforementioned storage unit is A topology table that stores information about the interfaces provided by the switch, A communication path table that stores the relationship between the input interfaces of the switch through which communication between the source IP address and the destination IP address takes place, A statistics table in which communication statistics information, which is the amount of input packets to the interface, A communication volume table stores the total communication volume for each communication path, A communication path optimization device comprising a path information table in which communication path information is stored, When a request for communication path information is received from the switch, the process involves: extracting candidate communication paths for transmitting communication packets from the switch by referring to the information stored in the memory unit; selecting the communication path with the smallest data volume by referring to the information stored in the memory unit; determining the interface on which to transmit communication packets by referring to the information stored in the memory unit; creating communication path information by referring to the information stored in the memory unit; and distributing the created communication path information to the switch. Based on the communication statistics stored in the aforementioned statistics table and the communication path table, the amount of communication for the communication path is calculated. Based on the communication path information source information notified by the switch, candidate communication paths are extracted from the topology table and the communication path table, the communication volume of the extracted candidate communication paths is referenced, the communication path with the smallest communication volume is determined, and the communication path information is generated. The process of distributing the communication path information to the switch is performed. Communication path optimization method.

8. The system includes a storage unit that stores information about a switch to which a terminal communicating with other devices is connected, information about the interfaces provided by the switch, a source IP address, a destination IP address, communication statistics information which is the amount of input packets to the interface, communication path information, and information about the interface used when transmitting. The aforementioned storage unit is A topology table that stores information about the interfaces provided by the switch, A communication path table that stores the relationship between the input interfaces of the switch through which communication between the source IP address and the destination IP address takes place, A statistics table in which communication statistics information, which is the amount of input packets to the interface, A communication volume table stores the total communication volume for each communication path, A computer in a communication path optimization device, which includes a path information table in which communication path information is stored, When a request for communication path information is notified from the switch, the memory unit extracts candidate communication paths for transmitting communication packets from the switch by referring to the information stored in the memory unit, selects the communication path with the smallest communication volume by referring to the information stored in the memory unit, determines the interface for transmitting communication packets by referring to the information stored in the memory unit, creates communication path information by referring to the information stored in the memory unit, and distributes the created communication path information to the switch, Based on the communication statistics stored in the aforementioned statistics table and the communication path table, the amount of communication for the communication path is calculated. Based on the communication path information source information notified by the switch, candidate communication paths are extracted from the topology table and the communication path table, the communication volume of the extracted candidate communication paths is referenced, the communication path with the smallest communication volume is determined, and the communication path information is generated. The switch is made to perform the process of distributing the communication path information. program.

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