Network autonomous operation device, network autonomous operation method, and network autonomous operation program

Abstract

A network autonomous operation device according to the present invention comprises a generation unit that generates abstract configuration information that indicates countermeasures for resolving the violations of events that violate operation conditions, a first network configuration generation unit that generates a first candidate network configuration obtained by implementation of the countermeasures, a second network configuration generation unit that, when the first candidate network configuration does not satisfy the operation conditions, generates candidate operation conditions obtained by modification of the operation conditions and generates a second candidate network configuration, and a reception unit that presents the candidate operation conditions and the second candidate network configuration and receives input that indicates selection of the second candidate network configuration.

Description

Network autonomous operation device, network autonomous operation method, and network autonomous operation program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a network autonomic operation device, a network autonomic operation method, and a network autonomic operation program.

[0002] A technique is disclosed that relates to the case where an event occurs in a network that does not satisfy the operational conditions of the network (for example, a failure in the network).

[0003] For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a network monitoring device that determines the factors that cause an event indicating an abnormality in communication over a network, estimates the location and cause of the failure, determines a method for avoiding the failure, and transmits a control instruction based on the method to a target server.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-167347

[0005] However, the network monitoring device described in Patent Document 1 does not consider whether the network configuration after switching to a communication path that avoids a failure is the network configuration desired by the user. For example, in this network monitoring device, even after switching to a communication path that avoids a failure, the network configuration after switching the communication path may not satisfy the operational conditions. Even in such a case, the network monitoring device switches the communication path without confirming whether the user wants to switch to a network configuration that satisfies the operational conditions. As a result, there is a problem in that the network monitoring device may provide a network configuration that the user does not want.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an exemplary purpose thereof is to provide a technology that can provide a network configuration desired by a user.

[0007] A network autonomous operation device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a generation means for generating abstract configuration information indicating countermeasures to resolve a violation of at least one of one or more operational conditions when an event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation means for generating one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the countermeasures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation means for generating one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, and generating one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a reception means for presenting the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receiving an input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0008] A network autonomous operation method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes: a generation process in which at least one processor generates abstract configuration information indicating countermeasures to resolve a violation of at least one of one or more operational conditions when an event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation process in which at least one first candidate network configuration is generated that implements the countermeasures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation process in which, when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, generate one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions and generate one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a reception process in which the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration are presented and an input is received to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0009] A network autonomous operation program according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to function as a network autonomous operation device, and causes the computer to function as: a generation means that generates abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve a violation of at least one of one or more operational conditions when the event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation means that generates one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation means that, when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, generates one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions and generates one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a reception means that presents the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receives input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0010] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary effect is achieved in that a technology can be provided that provides a network configuration desired by a user.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network autonomic operation device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a network autonomic operation method according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a network according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network autonomic operation device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a network autonomic operation method according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a first candidate network configuration according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of a first candidate network configuration according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing yet another example of a first candidate network configuration according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an image according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing yet another example of an image according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer that functions as a network autonomic operation device according to the present disclosure.

[0012] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technical means employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below are examples of effects expected in the exemplary embodiments, and do not define the scope of the present invention. In other words, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0013] [First Exemplary Embodiment] A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for each of the exemplary embodiments described below. Note that the scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technical means shown in the drawings referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0014] (Configuration of Network Autonomous Operation Device 1) The configuration of the network autonomous operation device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network autonomous operation device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the network autonomous operation device 1 includes a generation unit 11, a first network configuration generation unit 12, a second network configuration generation unit 13, and a reception unit 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the generation unit 11, the first network configuration generation unit 12, the second network configuration generation unit 13, and the reception unit 14 function as generation means, first network configuration generation means, second network configuration generation means, and reception means, respectively.

[0015] (Generation Unit 11) When an event that violates at least one of one or more operational conditions occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions, the generation unit 11 generates abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve the violation of the event. The generation unit 11 supplies the generated abstract configuration information to the first network configuration generation unit 12.

[0016] The operational conditions are conditions that a network must satisfy (conditions that must not be violated) when operating the network. Examples of operational conditions include, but are not limited to, conditions regarding the number of people using the network, conditions regarding the communication speed of the network, conditions regarding the communication delay time of the network, conditions regarding the cost of building the network, conditions regarding the communication bandwidth, and conditions regarding the communication range.

[0017] Examples of measures indicated by the abstract configuration information include, but are not limited to, adding a component that constitutes the network, deleting a component that constitutes the network, changing the relationship between the components that constitute the network, and changing the operating conditions. The operating conditions may be changed by a user of the network autonomous operation device 1, by a user who manages the network, or by the network autonomous operation device 1.

[0018] "Resolving a violation" of an event that violates an operating condition may be interpreted as reducing the state that violates the operating condition, resolving the state that violates the operating condition, or removing the event that violates the operating condition.

[0019] (First network configuration generation unit 12) The first network configuration generation unit 12 generates one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information generated by the generation unit 11. The first network configuration generation unit 12 supplies the generated one or more candidate network configurations to the second network configuration generation unit 13.

[0020] The first candidate network configuration is a network configuration in which the countermeasure indicated by the abstract configuration information is implemented, and is a network configuration that may satisfy the operational conditions (no violations will occur).

[0021] (Second network configuration generation unit 13) If all of the one or more first candidate network configurations generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12 violate one or more operational conditions, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least one of the one or more operational conditions, and generates one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions. The second network configuration generation unit 13 supplies the generated candidate operational conditions and second candidate network configurations to the reception unit 14.

[0022] The second candidate network configuration is a network configuration in which the countermeasures indicated by the abstract configuration information are implemented, and which satisfies the candidate operation conditions (no events violating the conditions occur).

[0023] The network autonomous operation device 1 may include components having the functions of the first network configuration generator 12 and the second network configuration generator 13. In this case, the components execute the processes executed by the first network configuration generator 12 and the second network configuration generator 13.

[0024] (Reception unit 14) The reception unit 14 presents one or more second candidate network configurations generated by the second network configuration generation unit 13 and candidate operation conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receives input to select one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0025] (Effects of the network autonomous operation device 1) As described above, the network autonomous operation device 1 has a configuration including: a generation unit 11 that generates abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve the violation of one or more operational conditions when an event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy at least one of the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation unit 12 that generates one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information generated by the generation unit 11; a second network configuration generation unit 13 that, when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12 violate the one or more operational conditions, generates one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions and generates one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a reception unit 14 that presents the one or more second candidate network configurations generated by the second network configuration generation unit 13 and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receives input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0026] Therefore, if the generated first candidate network configuration does not satisfy the operational conditions, the network autonomous operation device 1 presents the changed candidate operational conditions and one or more second candidate network configurations that correspond to the changed candidate operational conditions, and accepts input to select one of the second candidate network configurations, thereby providing the network configuration desired by the user.

[0027] (Flow of network autonomic operation method S1) The flow of the network autonomic operation method S1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the network autonomic operation method S1. As shown in Fig. 2, the network autonomic operation method S1 includes a generation process S11, a first network configuration generation process S12, a second network configuration generation process S14, and a reception process S15.

[0028] In the generation process S11, when an event that violates at least one of one or more operational conditions occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions, the generation unit 11 generates abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve the violation of the event. The generation unit 11 supplies the generated abstract configuration information to the first network configuration generation unit 12.

[0029] (First network configuration generation process S12) In the first network configuration generation process S12, the first network configuration generation unit 12 generates one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated in the abstract configuration information generated by the generation unit 11. The first network configuration generation unit 12 supplies the generated one or more candidate network configurations to the second network configuration generation unit 13.

[0030] (Determination process S13) In determination process S13, the second network configuration generation unit 13 determines whether or not there is a network configuration among the one or more first candidate network configurations generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12 that satisfies one or more operational conditions.

[0031] In the judgment process S13, if it is determined that there is a network configuration that satisfies one or more operational conditions among one or more first candidate network configurations generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12 (judgment process S13: YES), the processing in the network autonomous operation method S1 is terminated.

[0032] (Second Network Configuration Generation Process S14) If, in the determination process S13, it is determined that none of the one or more first candidate network configurations generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12 satisfies one or more operational conditions (determination process S13: NO), in other words, if all of the one or more first candidate network configurations generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12 violate one or more operational conditions, in the second network configuration generation process S14, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions, and generates one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions. The second network configuration generation unit 13 supplies the generated second candidate network configurations and candidate operational conditions to the reception unit 14.

[0033] (Reception process S15) In reception process S15, the reception unit 14 presents one or more second candidate network configurations generated by the second network configuration generation unit 13 and candidate operation conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receives input to select one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0034] (Effects of Network Autonomous Operation Method S1) As described above, the network autonomous operation method S1 includes a generation process S11 in which the generation unit 11 generates abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve the violation of at least one of one or more operational conditions when the event that violates the event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions, a first network configuration generation process S12 in which the first network configuration generation unit 12 generates one or more first candidate network configurations in which the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information generated by the generation unit 11 have been implemented, and a process S13 in which the one or more first candidate network configurations generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12 each satisfy one or more The network autonomous operation method S1 employs a configuration including: a second network configuration generation process S14 in which, if an operating condition is violated, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates one or more candidate operating conditions by changing at least one of the one or more operating conditions, and generates one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operating conditions; and a reception process S15 in which the reception unit 14 presents the one or more second candidate network configurations generated by the second network configuration generation unit 13 and the candidate operating conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receives input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations. Therefore, the network autonomous operation method S1 can achieve the same effects as the network autonomous operation device 1 described above.

[0035] Second Exemplary Embodiment A second exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0036] (Overview of Network Autonomous Operation Device 2) The network autonomous operation device 2 is a device that operates a network NW1 that is constructed to satisfy one or more operational conditions OC. Specifically, when an event that violates at least one of the one or more operational conditions OC occurs in the network NW1, the network autonomous operation device 2 generates one or more first candidate network configurations CNC1 that implement measures to resolve the violation of the event.

[0037] Furthermore, if the generated one or more first candidate network configurations CNC1 all violate one or more operating conditions OC, the network autonomous operation device 2 generates one or more candidate operating conditions COC by changing at least any of the one or more operating conditions OC. The network autonomous operation device 2 also generates one or more second candidate network configurations CNC2 corresponding to each of the generated one or more candidate operating conditions COC. The network autonomous operation device 2 also presents one or more second candidate network configurations CNC2 and candidate operating conditions COC corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and accepts input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations CNC2.

[0038] An example of the network NW1 operated by the network autonomous operation device 2 is a network used for an event and is used temporarily, but it is not limited to this and may also be a network that is used permanently.

[0039] An example of the network NW1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the network NW1. The network NW1 may include networks for providing each of a plurality of services. The network NW1 shown in Fig. 3 includes a network (slice) for providing a location information collection service, which is a service for collecting location information of terminals used by users participating in an event, and a network (slice) for providing a web service, which is a service for providing information within the event.

[0040] In FIG. 3 , the network configuration for providing a location information collection service (location information collection network configuration 1 shown in FIG. 3 ) includes, as nodes, a terminal, a RAN (Radio Access Network), a Router A, a MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) A, a Container A, a Worker A, and a location information collection service A.

[0041] Also, in Figure 3, the network configuration for providing a Web service (Web service network configuration 1 shown in Figure 3) includes the following nodes: a terminal, a RAN, Router A, Router B, MEC B, Container B, Worker B, and Web Service A.

[0042] The network NW1 shown in Fig. 3 is, as an example, a network constructed to satisfy the following operational conditions OC: - Number of expected users: 1,000 people - Time to collect terminal location information: within 100 ms - Communication delay time of web service provision service: within 300 ms - Cost: 500,000 yen / day (Configuration of network autonomous operation device 2) The configuration of the network autonomous operation device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network autonomous operation device 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the network autonomous operation device 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 30, a communication unit 40, and an input / output unit 50.

[0043] The storage unit 30 stores data referenced by the control unit 20. Examples of the storage unit 30 include, but are not limited to, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0044] Examples of data stored in the storage unit 30 include, but are not limited to, one or more operation conditions OC, one or more first candidate network configurations CNC1, and one or more second candidate network configurations CNC2. Also, as shown in FIG. 4 , the first candidate network configuration CNC1 may be associated with an operation condition OC that cannot be satisfied by the first candidate network configuration CNC1 and stored in the storage unit 30. Also, as shown in FIG. 4 , the second candidate network configuration CNC2 may be associated with a candidate application status COC corresponding to the second candidate network configuration CNC2 and stored in the storage unit 30.

[0045] The communication unit 40 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data via a network. Examples of the communication unit 40 include, but are not limited to, communication chips for various communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity, registered trademark), and wireless communication standards for mobile data communication networks (e.g., 4G (Generation), 5G, 6G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc.), and USB-compliant connectors.

[0046] An example of data received by the communication unit 40 includes, but is not limited to, information indicating the state of the network NW1 operated by the network autonomous operation device 2. An example of data transmitted by the communication unit 40 includes, but is not limited to, a second candidate network configuration CNC2 and changed operating conditions COC.

[0047] The input / output unit 50 is an interface that receives input of data and outputs data. Examples of the input / output unit 50 include, but are not limited to, a microphone, a camera, a gaze input device, a keyboard, a touchpad, a speaker, and a liquid crystal display.

[0048] Examples of inputs accepted by the input / output unit 50 include, but are not limited to, inputs from a user (operations by a user). Examples of data output by the input / output unit 50 include, but are not limited to, images and audio.

[0049] (Control Unit 20) The control unit 20 controls each component included in the network autonomous operation device 2. As shown in Fig. 4 , the control unit 20 includes a generation unit 11, a first network configuration generation unit 12, a second network configuration generation unit 13, a reception unit 14, an event detection unit 21, a cause estimation unit 22, and an execution unit 23. In this exemplary embodiment, the generation unit 11, the first network configuration generation unit 12, the second network configuration generation unit 13, the reception unit 14, and the execution unit 23 respectively realize a generation means, a first network configuration generation means, a second network configuration generation means, a reception means, and an execution means.

[0050] When an event that violates at least one of the operational conditions OC occurs in a network NW1 constructed to satisfy the operational conditions OC, the generation unit 11 generates abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve the violation of the event. As an example, the generation unit 11 generates abstract configuration information by referring to the cause of the event that violates at least one of the operational conditions OC, estimated by the cause estimation unit 22 described below. The generation unit 11 supplies the generated abstract configuration information to the first network configuration generation unit 12. Hereinafter, "violating at least one of the operational conditions OC" is also expressed as "violating the operational condition OC," "not satisfying at least one of the operational conditions OC," or "not satisfying the operational condition OC." Furthermore, "not violating all of the operational conditions OC" is also expressed as "not violating the operational condition OC," "satisfying all of the operational conditions OC," or "satisfying the operational condition OC."

[0051] A known method may be used as a method for the generation unit 11 to generate the abstract configuration information. One example of a method for the generation unit 11 to generate the abstract configuration information is a method of referring to rules that specify a method for resolving violations of an event that violates the operating conditions OC.

[0052] In this case, the generation unit 11 refers to the rule and generates abstract configuration information indicating a change in the components of the network NW1. When generating abstract configuration information indicating a change in the components of the network NW1, the generation unit 11 may generate abstract configuration information indicating a change in the components of the network NW1, or may generate abstract configuration information indicating the components of a new network.

[0053] The first network configuration generation unit 12 generates one or more first candidate network configurations CNC1 that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information generated by the generation unit 11. The first network configuration generation unit 12 stores the generated first candidate network configurations CNC1 in the storage unit 30.

[0054] As an example of a method by which the first network configuration generation unit 12 generates the first candidate network configuration CNC1, when the abstract configuration information indicates that the components of the network NW1 will be changed, the network configuration in which the changes indicated by the abstract configuration information have been implemented is generated as the first candidate network configuration CNC1.

[0055] As another example of a method by which the first network configuration generator 12 generates the first candidate network configuration CNC1, a known method may be used. As another example of a method by which the first network configuration generator 12 generates the first candidate network configuration CNC1, a method may be used in which the first network configuration generator 12 refers to rules that define a method for converting abstract configuration information into a specific configuration. The number of first candidate network configurations CNC1 generated by the first network configuration generator 12 is not limited and may be one or a predetermined multiple number (e.g., 5 or 10).

[0056] The second network configuration generation unit 13 determines whether or not there is a first candidate network configuration CNC1 that satisfies the operational conditions OC among the first candidate network configurations CNC1 stored in the storage unit 30. In other words, the second network configuration generation unit 13 determines whether or not there is a candidate network configuration CNC that does not violate the operational conditions OC among the first candidate network configurations CNC stored in the storage unit 30. If there is a first candidate network configuration CNC1 that violates the operational conditions OC, the second network configuration generation unit 13 associates the violating operational conditions OC with the first candidate network configuration CNC1 and stores the violating operational conditions OC in the storage unit 30.

[0057] Furthermore, if all of the first candidate network configurations CNC1 violate the operational conditions OC, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates one or more candidate operational conditions COC by modifying at least one of the operational conditions OC. As an example, for a first candidate network configuration CNC1 that violates the operational conditions OC, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates candidate operational conditions COC by relaxing the operational conditions OC associated with the first candidate network configuration CNC1. More specifically, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates candidate operational conditions COC that can be satisfied (does not violate) by the first candidate network configuration CNC1 by modifying the operational conditions OC associated with the first candidate network configuration CNC1. The second network configuration generation unit 13 stores the generated candidate operational conditions COC in the storage unit 30.

[0058] The second network configuration generation unit 13 also generates one or more second candidate network configurations CNC2 corresponding to each of the generated one or more candidate operation conditions COC. The second network configuration generation unit 13 stores the generated second candidate network configurations CNC2 in the storage unit 30. The second network configuration generation unit 13 also stores the second candidate network configurations CNC2 in the storage unit 30 in association with the corresponding candidate operation conditions COC.

[0059] A known method may be used as an example of a method by which the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates the second candidate network configuration CNC2. That is, the second network configuration generation unit 13 may generate the second candidate network configuration CNC2 by referring to the operational conditions OC and the candidate operational conditions COC, or may generate the second candidate network configuration CNC2 by referring to the first candidate network configuration CNC generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12.

[0060] As another example of a method by which the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates the second candidate network configuration CNC2, the second network configuration generation unit 13 first generates candidate operational conditions COC by modifying the operational conditions violated by the first candidate network configuration CNC, as described above. In other words, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates candidate operational conditions COC that can be satisfied (not violated) by the first candidate network configuration CNC1 by modifying the operational conditions OC associated with the first candidate network configuration CNC1. Next, the second network configuration generation unit 13 may generate a second candidate network configuration CNC2 that is the same as the first candidate network configuration CNC1. In this configuration, the second network configuration generation unit 13 can omit the process of generating the second candidate network configuration CNC2.

[0061] The reception unit 14 presents second candidate network configurations CNC2 and candidate operation conditions COC stored in the storage unit 30 in association with the second candidate network configurations CNC2, and receives an input to select one of the second candidate network configurations CNC2. As an example, the reception unit 14 receives an input to select one of the second candidate network configurations CNC2 via the communication unit 40 or the input / output unit 50. The reception unit 14 supplies information indicating the received input to the execution unit 23.

[0062] The event detection unit 21 detects an event occurring in the network NW1. As an example, the event detection unit 21 acquires information indicating the status of the network NW1 from each node of the network NW1. The event detection unit 21 refers to the acquired information and the operational conditions OC stored in the storage unit 30, and determines whether an event occurring in the network NW1 violates the operational conditions OC. When an event violating the operational conditions OC occurs, the event detection unit 21 supplies information indicating the event to the cause estimation unit 22. An example of the event detection by the event detection unit 21 will be described later.

[0063] The cause estimation unit 22 estimates the cause of the occurrence of the event by referring to the information indicating the event supplied from the event detection unit 21. The cause estimation unit 22 supplies the information indicating the estimated cause to the generation unit 11.

[0064] For example, the cause estimation unit 22 infers a cause by referring to a table in which events and causes are associated with each other. In this case, the cause estimation unit 22 refers to the information indicating the event supplied from the event detection unit 21, and infers that the cause associated with the event in the table is the cause of the occurrence of the event.

[0065] As another example, the cause estimation unit 22 uses a trained model that has been trained to receive an event as input and output the cause of the event. In this case, the cause estimation unit 22 inputs the event supplied from the event detection unit 21 into the trained model, and estimates the cause of the event based on the output cause.

[0066] The execution unit 23 refers to the information supplied from the reception unit 14 and changes the configuration of the network NW1 to the selected second candidate network configuration CNC2. With this configuration, if an event that violates the operational conditions OC occurs in the network NW1, the network autonomous operation device 2 can change the configuration of the network NW1 to the second candidate network configuration CNC2 selected by the user.

[0067] (Flow of Processing Executed by Network Autonomous Operation Device 2) The flow of processing (network autonomous operation method S2) executed by the network autonomous operation device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the flow of the network autonomous operation method S2.

[0068] (Step S21) In step S21, the event detection unit 21 detects that an event has occurred that does not satisfy at least one of the operating conditions OC (an event that violates at least one of the operating conditions OC). The event detection unit 21 supplies information indicating the event to the cause estimation unit 22.

[0069] (Step S22) In step S22, the cause estimation unit 22 estimates the cause of the occurrence of the event by referring to the information indicating the event supplied from the event detection unit 21. The cause estimation unit 22 supplies the information indicating the estimated cause to the generation unit 11.

[0070] (Step S23) In step S23, the generation unit 11 refers to information indicating the cause estimated by the cause estimation unit 22, and generates abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve the violation of the event that violates at least one of the operational conditions OC detected by the event detection unit 21. The generation unit 11 supplies the generated abstract configuration information to the first network configuration generation unit 12.

[0071] (Step S24) In step S24, the first network configuration generation unit 12 generates one or more first candidate network configurations CNC1 that implement the measures indicated in the abstract configuration information generated by the generation unit 11. The first network configuration generation unit 12 stores the generated first candidate network configurations CNC1 in the storage unit 30.

[0072] (Step S25) In step S25, the second network configuration generation unit 13 determines whether there is a first candidate network configuration CNC1 that satisfies the operational conditions OC (does not violate the operational conditions OC) among the first candidate network configurations CNC1 stored in the storage unit 30. If there is a first candidate network configuration CNC1 that does not satisfy the operational conditions OC (violates the operational conditions OC), the second network configuration generation unit 13 associates the unsatisfied operational conditions OC with the first candidate network configuration CNC1 and stores it in the storage unit 30.

[0073] (Step S26) If it is determined in step S25 that there is no first candidate network configuration CNC1 that satisfies the operational conditions OC (step S25: NO), in step S26, the second network configuration generation unit 13 first generates one or more candidate operational conditions COC by changing at least some of the operational conditions OC. The second network configuration generation unit 13 stores the generated candidate operational conditions COC in the storage unit 30.

[0074] If it is determined in step S25 that there is no first candidate network configuration CNC1 that satisfies the operational condition OC (step S25: NO), step S24 may be executed again. In this case, step S24 may be executed until the first network configuration generation unit 12 generates a predetermined number of first candidate network configurations CNC1 in step S24.

[0075] Next, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates one or more second candidate network configurations CNC2 corresponding to the candidate operation conditions COC. The second network configuration generation unit 13 stores the generated second candidate network configurations CNC2 in the storage unit 30. The second network configuration generation unit 13 also stores the second candidate network configurations CNC2 in the storage unit 30 in association with the corresponding candidate operation conditions COC.

[0076] (Step S27) In step S27, the reception unit 14 presents the second candidate network configurations CNC2 and the candidate operation conditions COC that are associated with the second candidate network configurations CNC2 and stored in the storage unit 30, and receives an input to select one of the second candidate network configurations CNC2. The reception unit 14 supplies information indicating the received input to the execution unit 23.

[0077] (Step S28) If it is determined in step S25 that there is a first candidate network configuration CNC1 that satisfies the operational conditions OC (step S25: YES), or if step S27 is executed, in step S28, the execution unit 23 changes the configuration of the network NW1.

[0078] That is, the execution unit 23 changes the network configuration of the network NW1 to one of the following network configurations: If the first candidate network configuration CNC1 generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12 in step S24 does not violate the operational conditions OC, the execution unit 23 changes the network configuration of the network NW1 to the first candidate network configuration CNC1 that does not violate the operational conditions OC. The execution unit 23 changes the network configuration of the network NW1 to the second candidate network configuration CNC2 selected in step S27.

[0079] (Example 1 of Processing Executed by Network Autonomous Operation Device 2) A description will be given of an example of processing executed by the network autonomous operation device 2. As an example, a case will be described in which the event detection unit 21 detects an event that violates the operation condition OC "expected number of users: 1000" in step S21 described above.

[0080] As an example of processing by the event detection unit 21 in this case, the number of terminal accesses is obtained from the RAN, and if the obtained number of accesses exceeds 1,000, it detects that an event has occurred that violates the operational condition OC ``Expected number of users: 1,000 people.''

[0081] As another example, the communications carrier or network operator that provides the network NW1 monitors the number of users, and when the number of users exceeds 1,000, transmits information indicating that the number of users has exceeded 1,000 to the network autonomous operation device 2. When the event detection unit 21 acquires this information, it detects that an event has occurred that violates the operating condition OC "expected number of users: 1,000".

[0082] In this example, in the above-mentioned step S22, the cause estimation unit 22 refers to the information supplied from the event detection unit 21 indicating an event that violates the operational condition OC "expected number of users: 1,000 people," and estimates that the cause of the event is "the number of users exceeding 1,000 people."

[0083] Next, in the above-mentioned step S23, the generation unit 11 refers to the cause estimated by the cause estimation unit 22, "the number of users has exceeded 1,000," and generates abstract configuration information indicating a measure to resolve the violation of the event that violates the operational condition OC, "increase the expected number of users from 1,000 to 1,100."

[0084] Next, in step S24 described above, the first network configuration generation unit 12 generates one or more first candidate network configurations CNC1 in which the measure indicated in the abstract configuration information, "increase the number of assumed users from 1,000 to 1,100," is implemented. An example of the first candidate network configuration CNC1 generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12 is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the first candidate network configuration CNC1 generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12.

[0085] The first network configuration generating unit 12 generates a first candidate network configuration CNC1 indicating the configuration of a network NW2 including a network configuration 2 for collecting location information and a network configuration 2 for Web services, as shown in FIG.

[0086] The location information collection network configuration 2 is a configuration in which a Router C, an MEC C, a Container C, a Worker C, and a location information collection service B are added to the location information collection network configuration 1 described above.

[0087] The web service network configuration 2 is a configuration in which Router C, Router D, MEC D, Container D, Worker D, and Web Service B are added to the above-described web service network configuration 1.

[0088] Next, in step S25 described above, the second network configuration generation unit 13 determines whether the first candidate network configuration CNC1 satisfies the operational condition OC. Because the first candidate network configuration CNC1 is a network configuration in which "the number of expected users is increased from 1,000 to 1,100," the first candidate network configuration CNC1 does not satisfy the operational condition OC "number of expected users: 1,000" (violates the operational condition OC). Therefore, the second network configuration generation unit 13 associates the operational condition OC "number of expected users: 1,000" with the first candidate network configuration CNC1 shown in FIG. 6 and stores the associated operational condition OC in the storage unit 30.

[0089] Furthermore, the first candidate network configuration CNC1 violates the operational condition OC "Cost: 500,000 yen / day" due to the addition of components such as Router C and MEC C. Therefore, the second network configuration generation unit 13 associates the operational condition OC "Cost: 500,000 yen / day" with the first candidate network configuration CNC1 and stores it in the storage unit 30.

[0090] Next, in step S26, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates one or more candidate operational conditions COC by changing at least one of the operational conditions OC. As described above, the second network configuration generation unit 13 changes the operational condition OC "number of expected users: 1,000" so that the first candidate network configuration CNC1 can satisfy the operational condition OC, and generates a candidate operational condition COC "number of expected users: 1,100." Similarly, the second network configuration generation unit 13 changes the operational condition OC "cost: 500,000 yen / day" and generates a candidate operational condition COC "cost: 600,000 yen / day."

[0091] Furthermore, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates a second candidate network configuration CNC2 corresponding to the candidate operation conditions COC. As described above, the second network configuration generation unit 13 may generate the first candidate network configuration CNC1 that satisfies the candidate operation conditions COC as the second candidate network configuration CNC2. Furthermore, the second network configuration generation unit 13 associates the generated second candidate network configuration CNC2 with the corresponding candidate operation conditions COC and stores them in the storage unit 30.

[0092] Next, in step S27, the reception unit 14 presents second candidate network configurations CNC2 and candidate operation conditions COC that are associated with the second candidate network configurations CNC2 and stored in the storage unit 30, and receives input to select one of the second candidate network configurations CNC2. An example of the presented image will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the presented image.

[0093] As shown in Figure 7, the reception unit 14 presents an image showing the second candidate network configuration CNC2 and the corresponding candidate operational conditions COC ``Expected number of users: 1,100 people'' and candidate operational conditions COC ``Cost: 600,000 yen / day.''

[0094] 7, when the user inputs an instruction to select the second candidate network configuration CNC2 (for example, an operation to select both the candidate operational conditions COC "number of expected users: 1,100" and the candidate operational conditions COC "cost: 600,000 yen / day"), the receiving unit 14 receives the input as an instruction to select the presented second candidate network configuration CNC2. When the receiving unit 14 receives the input, the executing unit 23 changes the network configuration of the network NW1 to the selected second candidate network configuration CNC2.

[0095] (Example 2 of Processing Executed by Network Autonomous Operation Device 2) A description will be given of another example of processing executed by the network autonomous operation device 2. As an example, a case will be described in which, in step S21 described above, the event detection unit 21 detects an event that violates the operation condition OC "Communication delay time of Web service provision service: within 300 ms."

[0096] As an example of processing in this case, the event detection unit 21 obtains the communication delay time from Web service A, and if the obtained time exceeds 300 ms, it detects that an event has occurred that violates the operating condition OC ``Communication delay time of Web service provision service: within 300 ms.''

[0097] As another example, a communications carrier or network operator providing network NW1 monitors the communication delay time of Web service A, and when the communication delay time of Web service A exceeds 300 ms, transmits information indicating that the communication delay time of Web service A has exceeded 300 ms to network autonomous operation device 2. When the event detection unit 21 acquires this information, it detects that an event has occurred that violates the operating condition OC "communication delay time of Web service providing service: within 300 ms."

[0098] In this example, in the above-mentioned step S22, the cause estimation unit 22 refers to the information supplied from the event detection unit 21 indicating an event that violates the operational condition OC "Communication delay time of the Web service provision service: within 300 ms," and estimates that the cause of the event is "increased access to the Web server."

[0099] Next, in the above-mentioned step S23, the generation unit 11 refers to the cause estimated by the cause estimation unit 22, "increased access to the Web server," and generates abstract configuration information indicating a countermeasure, "adding more Web servers," to resolve the violation of the event that violates the operational conditions OC.

[0100] Next, in step S24 described above, the first network configuration generation unit 12 generates one or more first candidate network configurations CNC1 in which the measure "adding web servers" indicated in the abstract configuration information has been implemented. Other examples of first candidate network configurations CNC1 generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of a first candidate network configuration CNC1 generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing yet another example of a first candidate network configuration CNC1 generated by the first network configuration generation unit 12.

[0101] 8 is a first candidate network configuration CNC1_1 that indicates the configuration of a network NW3 that includes the above-described network configuration 1 for location information collection and the network configuration 3 for web services. The network configuration 3 for web services is a configuration in which a Router D, an MEC D, a container D, a worker D, and a web service B are added to the network configuration 1 for web services.

[0102] 9 is a first candidate network configuration CNC1_2 that indicates the configuration of a network NW4 that includes the above-described network configuration 1 for collecting location information and the network configuration 4 for web services. The network configuration 4 for web services is a configuration in which a worker D and a web service B are added to the above-described network configuration 1 for web services.

[0103] Next, in step S25 described above, the second network configuration generation unit 13 determines whether or not the first candidate network configuration CNC1_1 and the first candidate network configuration CNC1_2 each satisfy the operation conditions OC.

[0104] The first candidate network configuration CNC1_1 violates the operational condition OC "Cost: 500,000 yen / day" due to the addition of Router D, MEC D, Container D, Worker D, and Web Service B. Therefore, the second network configuration generation unit 13 associates the operational condition OC "Cost: 500,000 yen / day" with the first candidate network configuration CNC1_1 and stores it in the storage unit 30.

[0105] Furthermore, although worker D and web service B have been added to the first candidate network configuration CNC1_2, this violates the condition "communication delay time of web service providing service: within 300 ms." Therefore, the second network configuration generation unit 13 associates the first candidate network configuration CNC1_2 with the operating condition OC "communication delay time of web service providing service: within 300 ms" and stores it in the storage unit 30.

[0106] Subsequently, in step S26, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates one or more candidate operational conditions COC by modifying at least one of the operational conditions OC. As described above, the second network configuration generation unit 13 modifies the operational condition OC "Cost: 500,000 yen / day" so that the first candidate network configuration CNC1_1 can satisfy the candidate operational conditions COC (without violating the candidate operational conditions COC), thereby generating the candidate operational condition COC "Cost: 600,000 yen / day." Similarly, the second network configuration generation unit 13 modifies the operational condition OC "Communication delay time of the Web service providing service: within 300 ms" so that the first candidate network configuration CNC1_2 can satisfy the candidate operational conditions COC (without violating the candidate operational conditions COC), thereby generating the candidate operational condition OC "Communication delay time of the Web service providing service: within 500 ms."

[0107] Furthermore, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates a second candidate network configuration CNC2 corresponding to the candidate operation conditions COC. As described above, the second network configuration generation unit 13 may generate the first candidate network configuration CNC1 that satisfies the candidate operation conditions COC as the second candidate network configuration CNC2. That is, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates the first candidate network configuration CNC1_1 as the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 corresponding to the candidate operation condition COC "Cost: 600,000 yen / day." Similarly, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates the first candidate network configuration CNC1_2 as the second candidate network configuration CNC2_2 corresponding to the candidate operation condition COC "Communication delay time of the Web service providing service: within 500 ms."

[0108] Furthermore, the second network configuration generation unit 13 associates the generated second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 with the candidate operation condition COC "Cost: 600,000 yen / day" and stores them in the storage unit 30. Similarly, the second network configuration generation unit 13 associates the generated second candidate network configuration CNC2_2 with the candidate operation condition COC "Communication delay time of Web service providing service: within 500 ms" and stores them in the storage unit 30.

[0109] Next, in step S27, the reception unit 14 presents second candidate network configurations CNC2 and candidate operation conditions COC stored in the storage unit 30 in association with the second candidate network configurations CNC2, and receives input to select one of the second candidate network configurations CNC2. Examples of the presented images will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the presented image. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing yet another example of the presented image.

[0110] The receiving unit 14 presents an image showing a second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 and a candidate operational condition COC "Cost: 600,000 yen / day" as shown in Fig. 10. The receiving unit 14 also presents an image showing a second candidate network configuration CNC2_2 and a candidate operational condition COC "Communication delay time of the Web service providing service: within 500 ms" as shown in Fig. 11.

[0111] 10 and 11 may be configured such that the images are switched by a user operation. For example, when the receiving unit 14 receives an input selecting the text "Cost requirement cannot be met → Relax cost from 500,000 yen to 600,000 yen" indicating the candidate operation condition COC "Cost: 600,000 yen / day", the receiving unit 14 displays the image shown in Fig. 10. On the other hand, when the receiving unit 14 receives an input selecting the text "Performance requirement cannot be met → Relax performance requirement from 300 milliseconds to 500 milliseconds" indicating the candidate operation condition COC "Communication delay time of Web service provision service: within 500 ms", the receiving unit 14 displays the image shown in Fig. 11.

[0112] When the user inputs an instruction to select the second candidate network configuration CNC2 in response to the presented image, the receiving unit 14 receives the input to select the presented second candidate network configuration CNC2.

[0113] For example, while the image shown in Fig. 10 is displayed, the receiving unit 14 receives an input selecting the text "Cost requirements cannot be met → Relax the cost from 500,000 yen to 600,000 yen" (e.g., a click on the text) as an input indicating the selection of the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 shown in Fig. 10. Similarly, while the image shown in Fig. 11 is displayed, the receiving unit 14 receives an input selecting the text "Performance requirements cannot be met → Relax the performance requirements from 300 milliseconds to 500 milliseconds" as an input indicating the selection of the second candidate network configuration CNC2_2 shown in Fig. 11.

[0114] When the receiving unit 14 receives the input, the executing unit 23 changes the network configuration of the network NW1 to the selected second candidate network configuration CNC2.

[0115] (Effects of the Network Autonomous Operation Device 2) As described above, when an event that violates the operational conditions OC occurs in the network NW1 and a first candidate network configuration CNC1 that resolves the violation of the event violates the operational conditions OC, the network autonomous operation device 2 generates candidate operational conditions COC and generates a second candidate network configuration CNC2 that corresponds to the candidate operational conditions COC. The network autonomous operation device 2 also presents the second candidate network configurations CNC2 and the candidate operational conditions COC, and accepts input to select one of the second candidate network configurations CNC2.

[0116] Therefore, even if the network autonomous operation device 2 cannot generate a first candidate network configuration CNC1 that satisfies the operational conditions OC, it presents the modified candidate operational conditions COC and a second candidate network configuration CNC2 that satisfies the candidate operational conditions COC, and accepts input to select one of the second candidate network configurations CNC2, thereby being able to provide the network configuration desired by the user.

[0117] (Variation 1) In this variation, a configuration will be described in which a priority is set for each of the operational conditions OC. When a priority is set for each of the operational conditions OC, the second network configuration generation unit 13 may generate candidate operational conditions COC based on the priority. As an example, the second network configuration generation unit 13 may generate candidate operational conditions COC in descending order of priority of the operational conditions OC.

[0118] For example, if the first candidate network configuration CNC1 violates the operational conditions OC of priority 1 and the operational conditions OC of priority 2, the second network configuration generation unit 13 first generates candidate operational conditions COC by modifying the operational conditions OC of the lower priority, priority 2. Then, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates a second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 that corresponds to the candidate operational conditions.

[0119] Next, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates candidate operational conditions COC by modifying the operational conditions OC with the highest priority, priority 1. Then, the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates a second candidate network configuration CNC2_2 corresponding to the candidate operational conditions.

[0120] That is, the second network configuration generating unit 13 generates a second candidate network configuration CNC2_2 that does not violate the operating conditions OC with higher priority, without changing the operating conditions OC with higher priority.

[0121] As an example, a case will be described in which the following ranking priorities are set for each of the operational conditions OC: Priority 1: Cost: 500,000 yen / day Priority 2: Time to collect terminal location information: within 100 ms Priority 3: Communication delay time for web service provision service: within 300 ms Priority 4: Anticipated number of users: 1,000 In this case, in step S26 described above, the reception unit 14 presents one or more second candidate network configurations CNC2 for each of the second candidate network configurations CNC2 based on the priorities of the operational conditions OC satisfied by the second candidate network configuration CNC2.

[0122] For example, assume that the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates a second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 and a second candidate network configuration CNC2_2, and the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 satisfies the operational condition OC "Cost: 500,000 yen / day", while the second candidate network configuration CNC2_2 violates the operational condition OC "Cost: 500,000 yen / day" and satisfies the candidate operational condition COC "Cost: 600,000 yen / day".

[0123] In this case, of the second candidate network configurations CNC2_1 and CNC2_2, the reception unit 14 first presents the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1, which satisfies the operational condition OC of priority 1, "Cost: 500,000 yen / day."

[0124] Alternatively, the second network configuration generation unit 13 presents both the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 and the second candidate network configuration CNC2_2, and presents in an identifiable manner that the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 satisfies the operational condition OC with a higher priority.

[0125] Furthermore, if there are multiple second candidate network configurations CNC2, the reception unit 14 may be configured to present a predetermined number of second candidate network configurations CNC2 in order of the highest priority of the operating conditions OC they satisfy.

[0126] As described above, the network autonomous operation device 2 presents the second candidate network configurations CNC2 based on priority. Therefore, the network autonomous operation device 2 can present to the user which of the multiple second candidate network configurations CNC2 satisfies the operating condition OC with the highest priority.

[0127] (Variant 2) In this variant, a configuration is described in which the reception unit 14 presents one or more second candidate network configurations CNC2 based on the number of operational conditions OC satisfied by the second candidate network configuration CNC2.

[0128] For example, assume that the second network configuration generation unit 13 generates a second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 and a second candidate network configuration CNC2_2, and the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 violates one operational condition OC (in other words, satisfies one candidate operational condition COC), and the second candidate network configuration CNC2_2 violates two operational conditions OC (in other words, satisfies two candidate operational conditions COC).

[0129] In this case, the receiving unit 14 first presents the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 that satisfies the greater number of operational conditions OC. In other words, the receiving unit 14 first presents the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 that violates the fewer operational conditions OC.

[0130] Alternatively, the reception unit 14 presents both the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 and the second candidate network configuration CNC2_2, and presents in an identifiable manner that the second candidate network configuration CNC2_1 satisfies a greater number of operational conditions OC.

[0131] Furthermore, when there are multiple second candidate network configurations CNC2, the reception unit 14 may be configured to present a predetermined number of second candidate network configurations CNC2 in descending order of the number of operational conditions OC that are satisfied.

[0132] As described above, the network autonomous operation device 2 presents the second candidate network configurations CNC2 based on the number of operational conditions OC that the second candidate network configurations CNC2 satisfy. Therefore, the network autonomous operation device 2 can present to the user which of the multiple second candidate network configurations CNC2 satisfies the most operational conditions OC.

[0133] [Example of Software Implementation] Some or all of the functions of the network autonomous operation devices 1 and 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "each of the above devices") may be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or by software.

[0134] In the latter case, each of the above devices is realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as each of the above devices.

[0135] The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P for causing the computer C to function as each of the above-mentioned devices. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices.

[0136] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0137] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0138] The program P can also be recorded on a non-transitory, tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communications network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0139] Furthermore, the functions of each of the devices may be realized by a single processor provided in a single computer, by multiple processors provided in a single computer working in cooperation, or by multiple processors provided in each of multiple computers working in cooperation. Furthermore, the programs for causing each of the devices to realize the functions may be stored in a single memory provided in a single computer, or may be distributed and stored in multiple memories provided in a single computer, or may be distributed and stored in multiple memories provided in each of multiple computers.

[0140] [Appendix A] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0141] (Appendix A1) A network autonomous operation device comprising: a generation means for generating abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve a violation of at least one of one or more operational conditions when an event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation means for generating one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation means for generating one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, and generating one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a reception means for presenting the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receiving an input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0142] (Supplementary Note A2) The network autonomous operation device according to Supplementary Note A1, wherein the second network configuration generation means changes an operation condition violated by the one or more first candidate network configurations.

[0143] (Appendix A3) The network autonomous operation device described in Appendix A1 or A2, wherein a priority is set for each of the one or more operational conditions, and the reception means presents, for each of the one or more second candidate network configurations, the second candidate network configuration based on the priority of the one or more operational conditions that the second candidate network configuration satisfies.

[0144] (Supplementary Note A4) The network autonomous operation device according to Supplementary Note A1 or A2, wherein the reception means presents, for each of the one or more second candidate network configurations, the second candidate network configuration based on a number of the one or more operational conditions that the second candidate network configuration satisfies.

[0145] (Supplementary Note A5) The network autonomous operation device according to Supplementary Note A1 or A2, further comprising: an execution unit that changes the network configuration of the network to the selected second candidate network configuration.

[0146] [Appendix B] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0147] (Appendix B1) A network autonomous operation method, comprising: at least one processor performing a generation process for generating abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve a violation of at least one of one or more operational conditions, when the event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation process for generating one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation process for generating one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions, when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, and generating one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a reception process for presenting the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receiving an input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0148] (Supplementary Note B2) The network autonomous operation method according to Supplementary Note B1, wherein in the second network configuration generation process, the at least one processor changes an operation condition violated by the one or more first candidate network configurations.

[0149] (Appendix B3) A network autonomous operation method described in Appendix B1 or B2, wherein a priority is set for each of the one or more operating conditions, and in the reception process, the at least one processor presents, for each of the one or more second candidate network configurations, the second candidate network configuration based on the priority of the one or more operating conditions that the second candidate network configuration satisfies.

[0150] (Supplementary Note B4) The network autonomous operation method described in any of Supplementary Notes B1 to B3, wherein in the reception process, the at least one processor presents, for each of the one or more second candidate network configurations, the second candidate network configuration based on the number of the one or more operational conditions that the second candidate network configuration satisfies.

[0151] (Supplementary Note B5) The network autonomic operation method according to any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B4, further comprising an execution process in which the at least one processor changes the network configuration of the network to the selected second candidate network configuration.

[0152] [Appendix C] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0153] (Appendix C1) A network autonomous operation program that causes a computer to function as a network autonomous operation device, the program causing the computer to function as: a generation means that generates abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve a violation of at least one of one or more operational conditions when the event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation means that generates one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation means that, when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, generates one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions, and generates one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a receiving means that presents the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receives input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0154] (Supplementary Note C2) The network autonomous operation program according to Supplementary Note C1, wherein the second network configuration generating means changes an operation condition violated by the one or more first candidate network configurations.

[0155] (Appendix C3) A network autonomous operation program described in Appendix C1 or C2, wherein a priority is set for each of the one or more operational conditions, and the receiving means presents, for each of the one or more second candidate network configurations, the second candidate network configuration based on the priority of the one or more operational conditions that the second candidate network configuration satisfies.

[0156] (Appendix C4) The network autonomous operation program according to any one of Appendices C1 to C3, wherein the reception means presents the second candidate network configurations based on the number of the one or more operational conditions satisfied by each of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0157] (Supplementary Note C5) The network autonomic operation program according to any one of Supplementary Note C1 to C4, further causing the computer to function as an execution unit that changes the network configuration of the network to the selected second candidate network configuration.

[0158] [Appendix D] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0159] (Supplementary Note D1) A network autonomous operation device comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor executing: a generation process for generating abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve a violation of at least one of one or more operational conditions, when an event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation process for generating one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation process for generating one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions, when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, and generating one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a reception process for presenting the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receiving an input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0160] The network autonomous operation device may further include a memory, and the memory may store a program for causing the at least one processor to execute each of the processes.

[0161] (Supplementary Note D2) The network autonomous operation device according to Supplementary Note D1, wherein in the second network configuration generation process, the at least one processor changes an operation condition violated by the one or more first candidate network configurations.

[0162] (Appendix D3) A network autonomous operation device described in Appendix D1 or D2, wherein a priority is set for each of the one or more operational conditions, and in the reception process, the at least one processor presents, for each of the one or more second candidate network configurations, the second candidate network configuration based on the priority of the one or more operational conditions that the second candidate network configuration satisfies.

[0163] (Supplementary Note D4) The network autonomous operation device described in any of Supplementary Notes D1 to D3, wherein in the reception process, the at least one processor presents, for each of the one or more second candidate network configurations, the second candidate network configuration based on the number of the one or more operational conditions that the second candidate network configuration satisfies.

[0164] (Supplementary Note D5) The network autonomous operation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes D1 to D4, wherein the at least one processor further executes an execution process of changing the network configuration of the network to the selected second candidate network configuration.

[0165] [Appendix E] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0166] (Appendix E1) A non-transitory recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes a computer to function as a network autonomous operation device, the program causing the computer to execute the following: a generation process that generates abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve a violation of at least one of one or more operational conditions when the event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation process that generates one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation process that, when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, generates one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions, and generates one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a reception process that presents the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receives input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

[0167] 1, 2 Network autonomous operation device 11 Generation unit 12 First network configuration generation unit 13 Second network configuration generation unit 14 Reception unit 21 Event detection unit 22 Cause estimation unit 23 Execution unit CNC1 First candidate network configuration CNC2 Second candidate network configuration COC Candidate operation condition OC Operation condition

Claims

1. A network autonomous operation device comprising: a generation means for generating abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve the violation of an event when an event occurs that violates at least one of one or more operational conditions in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation means for generating one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation means for generating one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least any of the one or more operational conditions when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, and generating one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a reception means for presenting the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receiving input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

2. The network autonomous operation device according to claim 1, wherein the second network configuration generation means changes an operation condition violated by the one or more first candidate network configurations.

3. A network autonomous operation device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein a priority is set for each of the one or more operating conditions, and the receiving means presents, for each of the one or more second candidate network configurations, the second candidate network configuration based on the priority of the one or more operating conditions that the second candidate network configuration satisfies.

4. A network autonomous operation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the accepting means presents, for each of the one or more second candidate network configurations, the second candidate network configuration based on the number of the one or more operational conditions that the second candidate network configuration satisfies.

5. The network autonomous operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an execution means for changing the network configuration of the network to the selected second candidate network configuration.

6. A network autonomous operation method, comprising: at least one processor performing a generation process for generating abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve the violation of one or more operational conditions when an event occurs that violates at least one of the one or more operational conditions in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation process for generating one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation process for generating one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least one of the one or more operational conditions when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, and generating one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a reception process for presenting the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receiving input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

7. A network autonomous operation program that causes a computer to function as a network autonomous operation device, the computer functioning as: a generation means that generates abstract configuration information indicating measures to resolve a violation of at least one of one or more operational conditions when the event occurs in a network constructed to satisfy the one or more operational conditions; a first network configuration generation means that generates one or more first candidate network configurations that implement the measures indicated by the abstract configuration information; a second network configuration generation means that, when all of the one or more first candidate network configurations violate the one or more operational conditions, generates one or more candidate operational conditions by changing at least one of the one or more operational conditions and generates one or more second candidate network configurations corresponding to each of the one or more candidate operational conditions; and a receiving means that presents the one or more second candidate network configurations and the candidate operational conditions corresponding to each second candidate network configuration, and receives input to select one of the one or more second candidate network configurations.

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