Transfer device, transfer system, and transfer method

Abstract

Provided is a transfer device capable of reducing the amount of information to be transferred even without changing the frequency of acquisition of performance data. The transfer device is provided with: a collection unit that collects first performance data that serves as a reference for transfer from a network device and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device; a transfer unit that transfers information pertaining to the second performance data in accordance with the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold value; and a change unit that changes the first performance data as the reference in accordance with the second performance data.

Description

Transfer device, transfer system, and transfer method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transfer device, a transfer system, and a transfer method.

[0002] Conventionally, when an OSS (Operation Support System) acquires performance data of a network device, it connects to the network device from which the performance data needs to be acquired and acquires the performance data.

[0003] As networks become larger, there is a risk that the OSS will not be able to collect large amounts of performance data from network devices. Network traffic also increases. Therefore, research is being conducted on systems that collect information flowing through networks, such as changing the frequency of information collection.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology that can change the timing of collecting metric information by changing the collection level of metric information to once per hour, once per minute, once per second, etc.

[0005] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-157933

[0006] In the technology described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the frequency of collecting metric information is changed to once per hour or once per minute. However, even if there is a change in the performance information of the device, the information on the change cannot be collected depending on the frequency of information collection. For example, if the information collection frequency is set to once per hour, even if a change occurs in the performance information within one hour, the information on the change cannot be obtained.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one exemplary purpose thereof is to provide a technology that can reduce the amount of information transferred even when the frequency of performance data acquisition is not changed.

[0008] A transfer device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a collection means for collecting first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from a network device and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device, a transfer means for transferring information related to the second performance data in accordance with the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold value, and a modification means for modifying the first performance data that serves as a basis in accordance with the second performance data.

[0009] A transfer system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is a transfer system that transfers performance data collected from a network device to an external device, and includes: a collection means that collects first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from the network device and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device; a transfer means that transfers information related to the second performance data to the external device according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold; and a modification means that modifies the first performance data that serves as the basis according to the second performance data.

[0010] A transfer method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes collecting first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from a network device and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device; transferring information about the second performance data according to a change amount between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold; and changing the first performance data that serves as a basis according to the second performance data.

[0011] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary effect is achieved in that the amount of information to be transferred can be reduced even when the frequency of acquiring performance data is not changed.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a transfer device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic operation of a transfer device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a processing procedure of a transfer device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a transfer system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a transfer system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the frequency of data transfer when a threshold is large and the frequency of data transfer when a threshold is small. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating detection of an abnormality in a network device. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a transfer device when an abnormality in a network device is detected. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a transfer device when an abnormality in a network device is detected. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a transfer system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer that functions as a transfer device according to the present disclosure.

[0013] 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.

[0014] [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.

[0015] (Configuration of Transfer Device 1) The configuration of the transfer device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the transfer device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the transfer device 1 includes a collection unit 11, a transfer unit 12, and a change unit 13.

[0016] The collection unit 11 collects from the network device 2 first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device 2. The network device is a device that acquires its own performance data and transmits the performance data to the transfer device 1, and may be any device that is connected to a network.

[0017] The performance data is information indicating the performance of the network device 2, and may include the resources of the network device 2. For example, the following data can be given as examples of the performance data.

[0018] (1) CPU (Central Processing Unit) usage rate (2) Number of CPU cores (3) Memory size (4) Memory usage rate (5) Disk capacity (may be remaining disk space, disk usage, etc.) (6) DB (database) table size (7) Number of network connections.

[0019] The first performance data is performance data that serves as a basis for transfer, and is, for example, the performance data of the network device 2 that is first acquired by the network device 2. This first performance data is updated every time the transfer device 1 transfers information related to the second performance data.

[0020] The second performance data is performance data of the network device 2 that is acquired by the network device 2 after the network device 2 acquires the first performance data. The collection unit 11 sequentially collects the first performance data and the second performance data from the network device 2 via the network.

[0021] The transfer unit 12 transfers information about the second performance data according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold value. The amount of change is the absolute value of the difference between the first performance data and the second performance data, and is a value indicating how much the second performance data has changed from the first performance data.

[0022] A threshold is set for each piece of performance data, and in the above example, seven types of thresholds are set. For example, if the performance data is CPU utilization, the absolute value of the difference between the CPU utilization of the first performance data and the CPU utilization of the second performance data (the amount of change in CPU utilization) is compared with the threshold corresponding to the CPU utilization.

[0023] For example, if the change in CPU utilization is equal to or greater than a threshold value corresponding to the CPU utilization, the transfer unit 12 transfers information about the second performance data (CPU utilization). Here, the information about the second performance data may be the second performance data itself or the difference between the first performance data and the second performance data. Any format may be used as long as it allows the second performance data to be calculated externally.

[0024] Furthermore, if the amount of change in the CPU utilization rate is less than the threshold value corresponding to the CPU utilization rate, the transfer unit 12 does not transfer information relating to the second performance data (CPU utilization rate).

[0025] The change unit 13 changes the first performance data serving as a reference in accordance with the second performance data. More specifically, when the transfer unit 12 transfers information related to the second performance data, the change unit 13 changes the first performance data to second performance data whose difference from the first performance data is equal to or greater than a threshold. Therefore, the first performance data is updated every time the transfer unit 12 transfers information related to the second performance data.

[0026] 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the operation of the transfer device 1 according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 2, a case will be described in which the transfer device 1 transfers information related to the second performance data to the external device 3. In FIG. 2, a case in which the network device 2 sequentially transmits performance data (1) to (6) to the transfer device 1 is illustrated. Note that in FIG. 2, the threshold is set to "10."

[0027] The transfer device 1 sets the first performance data "(1) 100" collected from the network device 2 as the first performance data. The transfer device 1 then transfers the first performance data, which serves as a reference, to the external device 3.

[0028] Next, the transfer device 1 compares the second second performance data "(2) 102" collected from the network device 2 with the first performance data. At this time, the amount of change is "2", so the transfer device 1 does not transfer the second performance data to the external device 3.

[0029] Next, the transfer device 1 compares the third second performance data "(3) 101" collected from the network device 2 with the first performance data. At this time, the amount of change is "1", so the transfer device 1 does not transfer the second performance data to the external device 3.

[0030] Next, the transfer device 1 compares the fourth second performance data "(4) 110" collected from the network device 2 with the first performance data. At this time, the amount of change is "10", so the transfer device 1 transfers the second performance data to the external device 3. Then, the transfer device 1 sets the second performance data "(4) 110" as the first performance data.

[0031] Next, the transfer device 1 compares the fifth piece of second performance data "(5) 110" collected from the network device 2 with the first performance data. At this time, the amount of change is "0", so the transfer device 1 does not transfer information related to the second performance data to the external device 3.

[0032] Next, the transfer device 1 compares the sixth second performance data "(6) 100" collected from the network device 2 with the first performance data. At this time, the amount of change is "10", so the transfer device 1 transfers information related to the second performance data to the external device 3. Then, the transfer device 1 sets the second performance data "(6) 100" as the first performance data.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the transfer device 1 collects six pieces of performance data ("(1) 100" to "(6) 100") from the network device 2, but transfers only three pieces of performance data to the external device 3, thereby reducing the amount of information to be transferred.

[0034] (Effects of Transfer Device 1) As described above, in the transfer device 1, the transfer unit 12 transfers information related to the second performance data according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and the threshold value. Therefore, the transfer unit 12 transfers only information related to the second performance data with a large amount of change, thereby reducing the amount of information to be transferred.

[0035] Furthermore, if there is a change in the performance data that is equal to or greater than a threshold, the second performance data with the larger amount of change is transferred to the external device, thereby enabling the external device to detect the change in the performance data.

[0036] (Flow of Transfer Method) The flow of transfer method S1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing the flow of transfer method S1. As shown in Fig. 3, transfer method S1 includes processes S11 to S13.

[0037] First, the collection unit 11 collects from the network device 2 first performance data that serves as the basis for transfer and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device 2 (S11). The first performance data is performance data that serves as the basis for transfer, and is, for example, performance data of the network device 2 that was first acquired by the network device 2 itself. The first performance data is updated every time the transfer device 1 transfers information related to the second performance data. The second performance data is performance data of the network device 2 that was acquired by the network device 2 after it acquired the first performance data.

[0038] Next, the transfer unit 12 transfers information about the second performance data in accordance with the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and the threshold (S12). The amount of change is the absolute value of the difference between the first performance data and the second performance data, and is a value indicating how much the second performance data has changed from the first performance data. A threshold is set for each piece of performance data, and in the above example, seven types of threshold are set.

[0039] Finally, the change unit 13 changes the first performance data serving as a reference in accordance with the second performance data (S13). More specifically, when the transfer unit 12 transfers information related to the second performance data, the change unit 13 changes the first performance data to the second performance data. Therefore, the first performance data is updated every time the transfer unit 12 transfers information related to the second performance data.

[0040] (Effects of the Transfer Method) As described above, in the transfer method S1, the transfer unit 12 transfers information about the second performance data according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and the threshold value. Therefore, the transfer unit 12 transfers only information about the second performance data with a large amount of change, thereby reducing the amount of information to be transferred.

[0041] (Configuration of Transfer System 100) The configuration of the transfer system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the transfer system 100. As shown in Fig. 4, the transfer system 100 is a system that transfers performance data collected from a network device 2 to an external device 3, and includes a collection unit 101, a transfer unit 102, and a change unit 103.

[0042] The collection unit 101, the transfer unit 102, and the change unit 103 are configured to be able to communicate via networks 4-1 and 4-2, for example. The specific configurations of the networks 4-1 and 4-2 do not limit the present exemplary embodiment, but for example, a wireless local area network (LAN), a wired LAN, a wide area network (WAN), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination of these networks can be used.

[0043] The collection unit 101, transfer unit 102, and change unit 103 may be implemented in a single device or in separate devices. Furthermore, each unit may be distributed and located on the cloud (i.e., on the networks 4-1 and 4-2). For example, when implemented on the cloud or separate devices, information from each unit is transmitted and received via the networks 4-1 and 4-2, and processing proceeds.

[0044] The collection unit 101 collects from the network device 2 first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device 2. The first performance data is performance data that serves as a basis for transfer, for example, performance data of the network device 2 that is first acquired by the network device 2 itself. The first performance data is updated each time the transfer system 100 transfers information related to the second performance data. The second performance data is performance data of the network device 2 that is acquired by the network device 2 itself after the network device 2 acquires the first performance data.

[0045] The transfer unit 102 transfers information about the second performance data to the external device 3 according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and the threshold. The amount of change is the absolute value of the difference between the first performance data and the second performance data, and is a value indicating how much the second performance data has changed from the first performance data. A threshold is set for each piece of performance data, and in the above example, seven types of threshold are set.

[0046] The change unit 103 changes the first performance data serving as a reference in accordance with the second performance data. More specifically, when the transfer unit 102 transfers information related to the second performance data to the external device 3, the change unit 103 changes the first performance data to the second performance data. Therefore, the first performance data is updated every time the transfer unit 102 transfers information related to the second performance data to the external device 3.

[0047] (Effects of the Transfer System) As described above, in the transfer system 100, the transfer unit 102 transfers information related to the second performance data according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and the threshold value. Therefore, the transfer unit 102 transfers only information related to the second performance data with a large amount of change, thereby reducing the amount of information to be transferred.

[0048] 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.

[0049] (Configuration of Transfer System 100A) The configuration of the transfer system 100A will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transfer system 100A. The transfer system 100A includes a transfer device 1A, network devices 2-1 to 2-n, and an external device 3. The transfer device 1A and the network devices 2-1 to 2-n are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network 4-1. The transfer device 1A and the external device 3 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network 4-2. An example of the external device 3 is an OSS.

[0050] Here, the specific configuration of networks 4-1 and 4-2 does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, a wireless LAN, a wired LAN, a WAN, a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination of these networks can be used.

[0051] 5, the transfer device 1A includes a collection unit 11A, a transfer unit 12A, a change unit 13A, and a storage unit 14A. The transfer device 1A collects first performance data and second performance data from each of the network devices 2-1 to 2-n, and manages the collected first performance data and second performance data individually.

[0052] The collection unit 11A collects from the network devices 2-1 to 2-n first performance data that serves as the basis for transfer and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network devices 2-1 to 2-n. The first performance data is performance data that serves as the basis for transfer, and is, for example, the performance data of the network devices 2-1 to 2-n that the network devices first acquired. The first performance data is updated each time the transfer device 1A transfers information related to the second performance data to the external device 3. The second performance data is performance data of the network devices 2-1 to 2-n that the network devices 2-1 to 2-n acquired after acquiring the first performance data.

[0053] The transfer unit 12A transfers information about the second performance data according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold value. For example, if the amount of change is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the transfer unit 12A transfers the second performance data to the external device 3, and if the amount of change is less than the threshold value, the transfer unit 12A does not transfer the second performance data to the external device 3.

[0054] The change unit 13A changes the first performance data that serves as a reference in accordance with the second performance data. For example, when the transfer unit 12A transfers the second performance data to the external device 3, the change unit 13A sets the second performance data as the first performance data that serves as a reference for transfer from the network device. Therefore, the first performance data is updated every time the transfer unit 12A transfers information related to the second performance data to the external device 3.

[0055] The storage unit 14A stores the second performance data collected from the network devices 2-1 to 2-n. For example, the storage unit 14A may store the second performance data for each of the performance data for each of the network devices 2-1 to 2-n. Alternatively, the storage unit 14A may store only the second performance data that was not transmitted to the external device 3.

[0056] 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the operation of a transfer system according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 6, two transfer devices 1A-1 and 1A-2 are provided. Hereinafter, performance data will also be referred to as PM data.

[0057] The transfer device 1A-1 collects PM data (first performance data and second performance data) from each of the network devices 2-1 to 2-2, and manages the collected PM data individually.

[0058] The transfer device 1A-2 collects PM data (first performance data and second performance data) from each of the network devices 2-3 to 2-n, and manages the collected PM data individually.

[0059] The transfer devices 1A-1 and 1A-2 transfer only PM data with large changes to the external device (OSS) 3. Therefore, the amount of PM data indicated by the dotted arrows between the transfer devices 1A-1 to 1A-2 and the external device (OSS) 3 can be significantly reduced compared to the amount of PM data indicated by the solid arrows between the network devices 2-1 to 2-n and the transfer devices 1A-1 to 1A-2.

[0060] 7 is a diagram illustrating the frequency of data transfer when the threshold is large and the frequency of data transfer when the threshold is small. The upper diagram in Fig. 7 shows the frequency of data transfer when the threshold is large, where the frequency of data transfer is low but the amount of data change is large.

[0061] 7 shows the frequency of data transfer when the threshold is smaller than that shown in the upper diagram, where the frequency of data transfer is high but the amount of change in the data is small. As shown, the smaller the threshold, the closer the PM data is to being transferred to the external device 3.

[0062] Until the external device 3 receives information regarding the second performance data from the transfer device 1 A, the external device 3 sets a value based on the information regarding the second performance data that was last received as the performance data of the network devices 2-1 to 2-n. For example, when the external device 3 receives the second performance data itself from the transfer device 1 A, the external device 3 sets the last received second performance data as the performance data of the corresponding network device 2.

[0063] 8 is a diagram for explaining abnormality detection in a network device 2. The external device 3 references the PM data transferred from the transfer device 1A, and when the data value of the PM data is a predetermined value, for example, as surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 8, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in that network device 2. At this time, the external device 3 notifies the transfer device 1A that it has detected an abnormality in the corresponding network device 2.

[0064] When the transfer unit 12A receives a notification from the external device 3 that an abnormality has been detected, it changes the threshold value of the corresponding performance data of the corresponding network device 2. At this time, the transfer unit 12A may change only the threshold value of the corresponding performance data of the corresponding network device 2, or may change the threshold values ​​of all the performance data of the corresponding network device 2.

[0065] 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the transfer device 1A when an abnormality is detected in the network device 2. When the transfer unit 12A receives a notification from the external device 3 that an abnormality has been detected, it turns off the filter, for example, so that all PM data is transferred to the external device 3. As a result, as shown by the dotted circle in FIG. 9 , after an abnormality is detected, the external device 3 can obtain more detailed PM data and perform more detailed abnormality detection. Turning off the filter has the same meaning as setting the threshold to "0."

[0066] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the transfer device 1A when an abnormality is detected in the network device 2. When the external device 3 detects an abnormality in the network device 2, it may be necessary to check the past behavior of the network device 2. In this case, the external device 3 requests the transfer device 1A to transmit past PM data. This request may include time information for the past PM data. The time information is, for example, information such as the time period of the PM data to be transmitted. Furthermore, the past PM data may only be PM data that has not been transmitted to the external device 3 in the past. This allows the external device 3 to refer to the past PM data to check the past behavior of the network device 2 and analyze the abnormality in the network device 2 in more detail.

[0067] In response to a request from the external device 3, the transfer unit 12A of the transfer device 1A transfers to the external device 3 at least the second performance data that is stored in the storage unit 14A and has not yet been transferred to the external device 3. The external device 3 may display the past PM data transferred from the transfer device 1A on a display screen (not shown) or the like. This is called a reverse monitor, in the sense that it displays more detailed PM data.

[0068] (Effects of transfer device 1A and transfer system 100A) As described above, in transfer device 1A, if the amount of change is equal to or greater than the threshold, the transfer unit 12A transfers the second performance data to the external device 3, and if the amount of change is less than the threshold, the transfer unit 12A does not transfer the second performance data to the external device 3. Therefore, the transfer unit 12A transfers only second performance data with a large amount of change, making it possible to reduce the amount of information to be transferred.

[0069] Furthermore, in the transfer device 1A, when the transfer unit 12A transfers second performance data to the external device 3, the change unit 13A sets the second performance data as the first performance data that serves as the basis for transfer from the network device. Therefore, every time the transfer unit 12A transfers second performance data to the external device 3, the change unit 13A can suitably update the first performance data.

[0070] Furthermore, in the transfer device 1A, when the transfer unit 12A receives a notification from the external device 3 that an abnormality has been detected, it changes the threshold value of the corresponding performance data of the corresponding network device 2. For example, when the transfer unit 12A receives a notification of abnormality detection from the external device 3, it reduces the threshold value of the corresponding performance data of the corresponding network device 2, thereby allowing the external device 3 to obtain more detailed performance data. Therefore, the external device 3 can perform abnormality detection in more detail.

[0071] Furthermore, in the transfer device 1A, the transfer unit 12A transfers at least the second performance data that is stored in the storage unit 14A and has not yet been transferred to the external device 3 to the external device 3 in response to a request from the external device 3. Therefore, the external device 3 can refer to the past performance data to check the past behavior of the network device 2 and analyze abnormalities in the network device 2 in more detail.

[0072] Furthermore, in the transfer system 100A, until the external device 3 receives information about the second performance data from the transfer device 1A, the external device 3 sets a value based on the information about the second performance data that it last received as the performance data of the network device 2. Therefore, the external device 3 receives only second performance data that has a large amount of change, and the amount of information to be processed can be reduced.

[0073] Furthermore, in the transfer system 100A, when the transfer unit 12A receives a notification from the external device 3 that an abnormality has been detected, it changes the threshold value of the corresponding performance data of the corresponding network device 2. For example, when the transfer unit 12A receives a notification of abnormality detection from the external device 3, it reduces the threshold value of the corresponding performance data of the corresponding network device 2, thereby allowing the external device 3 to obtain more detailed performance data. Therefore, the external device 3 can perform abnormality detection in more detail.

[0074] Furthermore, in the transfer system 100A, in response to a request from the external device 3, the transfer unit 12A transfers at least the second performance data stored in the storage unit 14A that has not yet been transferred to the external device 3 to the external device 3. Therefore, the external device 3 can refer to the past performance data to check the past behavior of the network device 2 and analyze abnormalities in the network device 2 in more detail.

[0075] [Third Exemplary Embodiment] A third 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.

[0076] (Configuration of Transfer System 100B) The configuration of the transfer system 100B will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transfer system 100B. The transfer system 100B includes network devices 2-1 to 2-n, an external device 3B, and EMSs (Equipment Management Systems) 5-1 to 5-2. The EMSs 5-1 to 5-2 are systems for managing the network devices 2-1 to 2-n, respectively.

[0077] Transfer devices 1B-1 and 1B-m are included in external device 3B, and collect first performance data that serves as the basis for transfer from network devices 2-1 to 2-n via EMSs 5-1 and 5-2, and second performance data that indicates the performance of network devices 2-1 to 2-n.

[0078] Furthermore, the transfer devices 1B-1 and 1B-m may directly collect first performance data that serves as a transfer reference and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network devices 2-1 to 2-n from the network devices 2-1 to 2-n.

[0079] Other than that, the configuration and functions of transfer devices 1B-1 to 1B-m are the same as those of transfer device 1 described in the first exemplary embodiment or transfer device 1A described in the second exemplary embodiment. That is, transfer devices 1B-1 to 1B-m transfer information regarding the second performance data to data receiving device 6 according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold value.

[0080] [Example of Software Implementation] Some or all of the functions of the transfer devices 1, 1A, 1B and transfer systems 100, 100A, 100B may be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or may be implemented by software.

[0081] In the latter case, the transfer devices 1, 1A, and 1B and transfer systems 100, 100A, and 100B are realized, for example, by a computer that executes program instructions, which are software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as the transfer devices 1, 1A, and 1B and transfer systems 100, 100A, and 100B.

[0082] 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 operate as each of the above systems. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of the transfer devices 1, 1A, and 1B and the transfer systems 100, 100A, and 100B.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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 communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0086] [Appendix 1] 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.

[0087] (Supplementary Note 1) A transfer device comprising: a collection means for collecting first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from a network device and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device; a transfer means for transferring information related to the second performance data according to a change amount between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold; and a modification means for modifying the first performance data that serves as a basis according to the second performance data.

[0088] (Supplementary Note 2) The transfer device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the transfer means transfers the second performance data to an external device when the amount of change is equal to or greater than the threshold, and does not transfer the second performance data to the external device when the amount of change is less than the threshold.

[0089] (Supplementary Note 3) The transfer device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein when the transfer means transfers the second performance data to the external device, the change means sets the second performance data as the first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from the network device.

[0090] (Supplementary Note 4) The transfer device according to Supplementary Note 2 or 3, wherein the transfer unit changes the threshold value when receiving a notification from the external device that an abnormality has been detected.

[0091] (Supplementary Note 5) A transfer device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, further comprising a storage means for storing the second performance data collected from the network device, wherein the transfer means transfers to the external device at least the second performance data stored in the storage means that has not been transferred to the external device in response to a request from the external device.

[0092] (Supplementary Note 6) A transfer system that transfers performance data collected from a network device to an external device, comprising: a collection means that collects first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from the network device and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device; a transfer means that transfers information about the second performance data to the external device according to a change amount between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold; and a modification means that modifies the first performance data that serves as a basis according to the second performance data.

[0093] (Appendix 7) The transfer system described in Appendix 6, wherein the transfer means transfers the second performance data to an external device if the amount of change is greater than or equal to the threshold, and does not transfer the second performance data to the external device if the amount of change is less than the threshold.

[0094] (Supplementary Note 8) The transfer system according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein when the transfer means transfers the second performance data to the external device, the change means sets the second performance data as the first performance data that serves as the basis for transfer from the network device.

[0095] (Supplementary Note 9) The transfer system according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the transfer unit changes the threshold value when receiving a notification that an abnormality has been detected from the external device.

[0096] (Supplementary Note 10) The transfer system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 9, wherein the external device sets a value based on the last received information on the second performance data as the performance data of the network device until it receives information on the second performance data from the transfer means.

[0097] (Supplementary Note 11) The transfer system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 10, wherein when the external device detects an abnormality in the network device, the external device notifies the transfer means of the detection of the abnormality, and when the transfer means receives the notification from the external device, the transfer means changes the threshold value.

[0098] (Appendix 12) The transfer system according to any of Appendices 6 to 11, further comprising a storage means for storing the second performance data collected from the network device, and the transfer means, in response to a request from the external device, transfers the second performance data stored in the storage means and not yet transferred to the external device to the external device.

[0099] (Supplementary Note 13) A transfer method comprising: collecting first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from a network device and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device; transferring information about the second performance data according to a change amount between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold; and changing the first performance data that serves as a basis according to the second performance data.

[0100] (Appendix 14) The transfer method described in Appendix 13, wherein, in the transferring, if the amount of change is greater than or equal to the threshold, the second performance data is transferred to an external device, and if the amount of change is less than the threshold, the second performance data is not transferred to the external device.

[0101] (Supplementary Note 15) The transfer method according to Supplementary Note 13 or 14, wherein when the second performance data is transferred to the external device, the second performance data is set as the first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from the network device in the changing step.

[0102] (Supplementary Note 16) The transfer method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 13 to 15, wherein, in the transferring, when a notification that an abnormality has been detected is received from the external device, the threshold value is changed.

[0103] (Supplementary Note 17) The transfer method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 13 to 16, wherein the second performance data collected from the network device is stored, and in the transferring, at least the stored second performance data that has not been transferred to the external device is transferred to the external device in response to a request from the external device.

[0104] (Supplementary Note 18) A control program for causing a computer to operate as the transfer device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, the control program causing the computer to function as each of the means.

[0105] 1, 1A, 1B Transfer device 2 Network device 3 External device 4 Network 5 EMS 6 Data receiving device 11, 11A Collection unit 12, 12A Transfer unit 13, 13A Change unit 14A Storage unit 100, 100A, 100B Transfer system

Claims

1. A transfer device comprising: a collection means for collecting first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from a network device and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device; a transfer means for transferring information regarding the second performance data according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold; and a modification means for modifying the first performance data that serves as a basis according to the second performance data.

2. The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer means transfers the second performance data to an external device when the amount of change is equal to or greater than the threshold, and does not transfer the second performance data to the external device when the amount of change is less than the threshold.

3. The transfer device according to claim 2, wherein when said transfer means transfers said second performance data to said external device, said change means sets said second performance data as said first performance data that serves as the basis for transfer from said network device.

4. The transfer device according to claim 3, wherein the transfer means changes the threshold value when it receives a notification from the external device that an abnormality has been detected.

5. A transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a storage means for storing the second performance data collected from the network device, wherein the transfer means transfers to the external device at least the second performance data stored in the storage means that has not been transferred to the external device in response to a request from the external device.

6. A transfer system that transfers performance data collected from a network device to an external device, comprising: a collection means that collects first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from the network device and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device; a transfer means that transfers information about the second performance data to the external device according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold; and a modification means that modifies the first performance data that serves as a basis according to the second performance data.

7. The transfer system according to claim 6, wherein the transfer means transfers the second performance data to an external device when the amount of change is equal to or greater than the threshold, and does not transfer the second performance data to the external device when the amount of change is less than the threshold.

8. The transfer system according to claim 7, wherein when said transfer means transfers said second performance data to said external device, said change means sets said second performance data as said first performance data that serves as the basis for transfer from said network device.

9. The transfer system according to claim 8, wherein the transfer means changes the threshold value when receiving a notification from the external device that an abnormality has been detected.

10. The transfer system according to claim 6, wherein the external device sets a value based on the last received information on the second performance data as the performance data of the network device until it receives information on the second performance data from the transfer means.

11. The transfer system according to claim 10, wherein when the external device detects an abnormality in the network device, it notifies the transfer means of the detection of the abnormality, and when the transfer means receives the notification from the external device, it changes the threshold value.

12. A transfer system according to any one of claims 6 to 11, further comprising a storage means for storing the second performance data collected from the network device, and the transfer means, in response to a request from the external device, transfers the second performance data stored in the storage means that has not been transferred to the external device to the external device.

13. A transfer method comprising: collecting first performance data that serves as a basis for transfer from a network device and second performance data that indicates the performance of the network device; transferring information about the second performance data according to the amount of change between the first performance data and the second performance data and a threshold; and changing the first performance data that serves as a basis according to the second performance data.

14. The transfer method according to claim 13, wherein, in the transferring, if the amount of change is equal to or greater than the threshold, the second performance data is transferred to the external device, and if the amount of change is less than the threshold, the second performance data is not transferred to the external device.

15. The transfer method according to claim 14, wherein when the second performance data is transferred to the external device, the second performance data is used as the first performance data that serves as the basis for transfer from the network device in the changing step.

16. The transfer method according to claim 15, wherein, in the transfer, when a notification that an abnormality has been detected is received from the external device, the threshold value is changed.

17. A transfer method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the second performance data collected from the network device is stored, and in the transferring, at least the second performance data that has been stored but not transferred to the external device is transferred to the external device in response to a request from the external device.

Images