JP3779477B2 - Network management system and remote monitoring control device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network management system for performing monitoring control on an information communication network compliant with, for example, an SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) standard or SONET (Synchronous Optical Network), and an in-station monitoring apparatus used in the network management system The present invention relates to a monitoring control device and a remote monitoring control device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the increase in communication demand in recent years, the scale of information communication networks has been steadily expanding. Recently, for example, an existing network in each country is connected in a ring shape with an ultra-high-speed international optical fiber cable to form a new large-scale network.
[0003]
In general, in a communication network, it is necessary to provide a network management system (NMS) for safe operation of the network, ensuring security, reducing operation costs, and the like. In the international network as described above, for example, each country's own network is managed in each country, and then the monitoring and control devices of each country are connected by a dedicated line (network management dedicated line), and the entire network is managed jointly. The form which performs is taken. A node such as an optical transmission terminal device to be managed is called a monitored device.
[0004]
By the way, in the conventional network management system, monitoring control for the monitored device and the network is performed by a monitoring control device (hereinafter referred to as NME) in charge of network level monitoring control. However, a single NME can be subject to monitoring control up to two ring networks (up to 16 monitored devices) in view of its performance.
[0005]
FIG. 25 shows a conventional hierarchy of supervisory control modes. In this figure, supervisory control devices (NME) WS1, WS2,... Are installed in a plurality of stations ST1, ST2,..., And these supervisory control devices (NME) WS1, WS2... Constitute a network supervisory control system (NMS). This shows that the device level and network level monitoring control was performed by this NMS. Here, the monitored devices N1, N2,... At each station are composed of a plurality of NEs (Network Elements).
[0006]
FIG. 26 shows a connection example between the monitoring control device NME and the monitored device N. This figure shows a case where four stations each having monitored devices N1 and N5, N2 and N6... Are connected in a ring shape, and a two-ring network is monitored and controlled by one NME. In other words, both the rings (all monitored devices N1 to N8) can be controlled by monitoring from both the monitoring control devices WS1 and WS2.
[0007]
However, the above configuration has the following problems. That is, with the recent explosive increase in communication demand, it is clear that the number of rings constituting the system increases, for example, 8 rings, 16 rings, 32 rings, and so on. The number of cars is also expected to increase. Therefore, the number of NMEs necessary for monitoring and controlling the entire system also increases such as 4, 8, 16, and so on.
[0008]
For this reason, in the future network system whose capacity is increased, there are concerns such as a shortage of operators for operating the NME and an increase in the space for installing the NME.
[0009]
As the number of monitored devices in the network increases, the processing load on the NME increases dramatically. If this exceeds the limit, a fatal problem may occur for the network due to factors such as the time taken to transmit information. For this reason, some urgent measures are required.
[0010]
On the other hand, in this type of network system, there are cases where a plurality of NMEs exist in the system and their functions are controlled by remote operation. An apparatus for performing remote operation operates under the X protocol, for example, and is referred to as an X terminal. Here, the terminal is referred to as a remote monitoring control device.
[0011]
By the way, conventionally, in order to avoid contention, the remote monitoring and control device can communicate information with only one monitoring and control device at the same time. This means that when using the function (manager function) of the supervisory control device, the function can be activated only by either the supervisory control device or the remote supervisory control device. Therefore, for example, when the manager function is used on the X terminal side, it is necessary to terminate the function on the monitoring control device side.
[0012]
Conventionally, due to such a necessity, the operator of the monitoring control device and the operator of the remote monitoring control device have contacted in advance to perform an operation to avoid a conflict. For this reason, there are problems such as complicated operations, heavy human load, and prolonged processing time.
[0013]
Further, because the simultaneous communication cannot be performed, the content of the message notified from the monitored device (transmission device) is displayed (in real time) only on either the monitoring control device or the remote monitoring control device. For this reason, it takes time to acquire information, and there is a possibility that the operator may miss the timing for performing an appropriate operation, which is inconvenient in operation.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the conventional network management system, it is necessary to increase the number of monitoring control devices to be installed as the network to be managed increases. For this reason, there is a concern that not only there will be a shortage of operators and a shortage of installation space, but also a fatal problem for the network may occur.
[0015]
When using a remote monitoring control device, it is necessary to avoid contention with the monitoring control device (for the manager function of the monitoring control device itself). There was a possibility that it could not be obtained.
[0017]
    The purpose of the present invention is toA network management system that enables a remote monitoring and control device to immediately access a plurality of monitoring and control devices and obtain real-time information, thereby enabling the operator to properly perform the necessary operations, and monitoring control It is to provide a device and a remote monitoring control device.
[0021]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present inventionA monitoring control device that collects information for network management from monitoring targets existing in an information communication network and has a management function for the information communication network, and a remote monitoring control device for remotely performing operation control for the management function A network management system comprising:
  When receiving an operation request for requesting the monitoring control device to operate the monitoring target from the remote monitoring control device,
(1) When there is no risk of conflict with the remote monitoring control device that sent out this operation request
(2) When receiving permission from the operator of the device
A first operation right acquisition / transfer control means for sending a permission response to the requesting remote monitoring control device only at the time of (1) or (2);
  When an operation request for requesting an operation to the monitoring target is received from the monitoring control device to the remote monitoring control device,
(3) When there is no risk of conflict with the monitoring control device that sent out this operation request
(4) When receiving permission from the operator of the device
A second operation right acquisition / transfer control means for sending an authorization response to the requesting supervisory control device only in the case of (3) or (4);
  When the supervisory control device receives the permission response from the second operation right acquisition / transfer control meansOr when a predetermined time has passed since the operation request was sent without receiving the permission response.A first monitoring control unit that performs monitoring control on the monitoring target, and the remote monitoring control device receives the permission response from the first operation right acquisition / transfer control unit;Or when a predetermined time has passed since the operation request was sent without receiving the permission response.A second monitoring control unit that executes monitoring control for the monitoring target is provided.
[0022]
  By doing so, access from both the remote monitoring control device and the monitoring control device to the monitoring target is performed exclusively. For this reason, the remote monitoring control device and the monitoring control device can acquire necessary information in real time without fear of competition. Therefore, the operators of both apparatuses can perform appropriate operations without delay.In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the permission response, the monitoring control device (or the remote monitoring control device) that is the operation request source can perform monitoring control on the monitoring target. That is, when there is no response, the operation right is forcibly transferred. This makes it possible to continue to operate the network monitoring control function even when the partner station operator is absent or the partner monitoring control apparatus is out of order.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information communication network according to the first embodiment of the present invention. That is, in the present embodiment, a ring network in which m transmission devices N1 to Nm are connected in a ring shape via the high-speed line FL is taken as an example. Of information transmitted through the high-speed line FL, information on an arbitrary channel is dropped by the transmission apparatuses N1 to Nm and sent to a communication apparatus (not shown) such as a multiplexing apparatus.
[0024]
Here, each of the transmission devices N1 to Nm is connected to the in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em, respectively. These in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em are realized as general-purpose workstations, for example, and perform monitoring control closed in the station.
[0025]
Each of the in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em is connected to a monitoring control device WS1 and a router R1, a monitoring control device WS2 and a router R2,..., A monitoring control device WSm and a router via a local area network (LAN) (not labeled). Connected to Rm. The monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm are realized as general-purpose workstations, for example, and perform monitoring control in units of networks. Here, the routers R1 to Rm are connected to each other via the dedicated line ML. Information communication between the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm is realized through the dedicated line.
[0026]
Then, the transmission device N1, the in-station monitoring device E1, the monitoring control device WS1, the router R1,..., The transmission device Nm, the in-building monitoring device Em, the monitoring control device WSm, and the router Rm are combined into a station ST1. , ST2, ..., STm.
[0027]
The number of each device does not need to correspond one-to-one, and can take any network form according to needs.
[0028]
In FIG. 2, the structure of the monitoring apparatus E1-Em in a building is shown. That is, the in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em include an operation unit 1 including a mouse and a keyboard, a display unit 2 such as a display, and an interface unit (I / F) 3 that realizes an interface function during communication, A storage unit 4 storing a program related to supervisory control, a main control unit 5 for controlling the operation unit 1, the display unit 2, and the interface unit (I / F) 3 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 4; It has.
[0029]
The storage unit 4 stores an in-station database 4a in a predetermined storage area in addition to the known contents such as the control program. The in-station database 4a is used to store alarm information, various setting information, and the like collected when the own apparatus performs monitoring control closed in the station building as a database.
[0030]
On the other hand, the main control unit 5 is realized, for example, as a microcomputer. In addition to known control means such as functions related to information communication with each connected transmission device and LAN, the monitoring control means 5a, Communication control means 5b.
[0031]
The supervisory control means 5a is responsible for functions related to the acquisition and processing of management information in units of stations to which it belongs, that is, performs supervisory control closed within a station. The monitoring control means 5a stores and accumulates the acquired management information in the in-station database 4a. The communication control means 5b performs control for sending the monitoring information stored in the in-station database 4a to the requesting monitoring control device in response to requests from the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm.
[0032]
FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm. That is, the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm include an operation unit 6 including a mouse and a keyboard, a display unit 7 such as a display, an interface unit (I / F) 8 that realizes an interface function during communication, and monitoring control. And a main control unit 10 that controls the operation unit 6, display unit 7, and interface unit (I / F) 8 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 9. ing.
[0033]
The storage unit 9 stores a network database 9a in a predetermined storage area in addition to known contents such as the control program.
On the other hand, the control unit 10 is realized as a microcomputer, for example, in addition to known control means such as a function related to information communication with the transmission apparatuses N1 to Nm and a function related to acquisition and processing of management information. The monitoring control means 10a and the communication control means 10b are provided.
[0034]
The monitoring control unit 10a has a function related to acquisition and processing of management information in units of networks. That is, the monitoring control means 10a does not directly perform management information acquisition control for each monitored device, but only reads management information stored in the in-station database 4a of the in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em. . Based on the read management information, monitoring control is executed in units of networks.
The communication control means 10b sends a data acquisition request to each of the in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em, and executes control related to collection of information for network management.
[0035]
Next, the operation in the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hierarchy of the monitoring control mode in the present embodiment. In this figure, the stations ST1 and ST2 are taken as an example, and monitoring control at the equipment level (unit of station) is first performed by the monitoring apparatuses E1 and E2 installed in the stations ST1 and ST2, respectively. , N2 and monitoring control at the network level is performed by mutual cooperation between the in-station monitoring devices E1 and E2 and the monitoring control devices WS1 and WS2. That is, the NME performs monitoring control of the entire network via the in-station monitoring device.
[0036]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a request / response message relationship between the monitored device (NE), the in-station monitoring device, and the NME. In FIG. 5, a request message from the station monitoring device to the monitored device is directly transmitted to the monitored device via the LAN in the station, and the response is returned to the station monitoring device (solid line in the figure). ). On the other hand, a request message from the NME to the monitored device is received once by the in-building monitoring device, and the in-building monitoring device transfers it to the monitored device. A response message from the monitored apparatus to the NME is also transmitted to the NME via the in-station monitoring apparatus (double line in the figure). In addition, the dotted line in a figure shows transmission / reception of the message between NME and the monitoring apparatus in a building.
[0037]
Next, the control procedure in the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing equipment level monitoring control on the monitored apparatus (NE) from the in-station monitoring apparatus. Here, it is assumed that the in-station monitoring device E1 performs monitoring control on the monitored device in the station ST1, but the same procedure is performed in other stations.
[0038]
In FIG. 6, when an operation by the operator is performed via the operation unit 1 of the in-station monitoring device E1 (step S61), the in-station monitoring device E1 creates a request message for the target monitored device, This request message is transmitted via the LAN (step S62). This request message includes a message requesting notification of the operating state of the monitored apparatus.
[0039]
On the other hand, when the monitored device receives the transmitted request message (step S63), it performs processing on this message (step S64), creates a response message, and sends this response message to the inside of the station via the LAN. It transmits to the monitoring apparatus E1 (step S65).
[0040]
Then, the in-house monitoring device E1 receives this sent response message (step S66), and the reading result of the information described in this response message is displayed on the display unit 2 of the in-house monitoring device E1. (Step S67).
[0041]
Next, referring to FIG. 7, when the NME performs network level monitoring control (for example, data retrieval for each monitored device: this data is stored in the in-building database 4a of the in-building monitoring device). The procedure of will be described. Here, it is assumed that the monitoring control device (NME) WS1 performs monitoring control on the monitored device in the station ST1 via the in-station monitoring device E1, but the same applies to other stations. The steps are taken.
[0042]
In FIG. 7, when the operator of the monitoring control device WS1 performs an operation via the operation unit 6 (step S71), the monitoring control device WS1 applies to the target in-station monitoring device (here, the in-station monitoring device E1). A request message is created, and this request message is transmitted via the LAN (step S72). This request message includes a message requesting data search of the monitored apparatus. When a message is sent to the in-station monitoring device of another station, this message is transmitted from the LAN to the target station via the router R1 and the dedicated line ML.
[0043]
On the other hand, when the station monitoring device E1 receives the transmitted request message (step S73), it is determined whether the request message is a message addressed to the own device (that is, the station monitoring device E1) or to the monitored device. Is determined (step S74).
[0044]
If it is determined that the message is to the monitored device (Y), the request message is transferred to the monitored device (step S75). When this monitored device receives this request message (step S76), it executes processing for this message (step S77), creates a response message, and sends this response message to the in-building monitoring device E1 via the LAN. Transmit (step S78).
[0045]
When the in-office monitoring device E1 receives this transmitted response message (step S79), the in-office monitoring device E1 determines whether or not this response message is addressed to the NME (step S710). . Here, if it is determined that it is addressed to the NME (Y), this response message is transmitted to the NME (step S711). The NME receives this response message (step S712), and displays the reading result of the information described in this response message on the display unit 7 (step S713).
[0046]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S710 that the response message is not addressed to the NME (and therefore addressed to the own device) (N), the in-building monitoring device E1 displays the reading result of the information described in the response message on the display unit 2 (Step S716).
[0047]
If it is determined in step S74 that it is addressed to the in-station monitoring device E1 (N), the in-building monitoring device E1 that has received this request message performs processing for this message (step S714). Then, a response message is created, and this response message is transmitted to the requesting supervisory control device WS1 (step S715). Again, when sending a message addressed to another station, communication is performed from the router R1 via the dedicated line ML.
Thereafter, the supervisory control device WS1 receives this response message in step S712, and thereafter the same processing is performed.
[0048]
Next, a procedure for notifying the monitoring control apparatus of various types of information about the monitored apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 8, data such as alarm information and performance information relating to the own device is first collected in the monitored device (step SS81). Next, the monitored apparatus creates a transmission message based on these pieces of information, and transmits this transmission message to the in-station monitoring apparatus (step S82).
[0049]
On the other hand, after receiving these messages (step S83), the in-station monitoring device writes and accumulates various information described in this message in the in-building database 4a (step S84). In addition, the information is displayed on the display 2 of the in-station monitoring device (step S85), and the received message is transferred (transmitted) to the NME (step S86).
[0050]
After receiving the message (step S87), the NME only displays information on the display device 7 (step S88). In other words, the received information is not stored in the network database here.
[0051]
As described above, in this embodiment, the in-station monitoring devices N1 to Nm are provided in the stations ST1 to STm, respectively. Then, monitoring control is performed at the equipment level (station building unit) by the station monitoring device. And the monitoring control in a network level (the whole network) is implement | achieved by giving and receiving the message between the monitoring control apparatuses WS1-WSm and the monitoring apparatuses N1-Nm in a building.
[0052]
In this way, the in-station monitoring device only needs to have a device level monitoring control function, and the monitoring control device only needs to have a network level monitoring control function, and the functional load is distributed. Therefore, for example, one in-station monitoring device and one monitoring control device in each network building, the number of devices necessary for performing network monitoring without interfering with the monitoring control function. Reduction can be achieved.
[0053]
That is, in the configuration of FIG. 1, as an example, a case is shown in which each station has a monitoring control device. However, it is also possible in the present embodiment to combine these monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm. .
As a result, it is possible to reduce the load on the monitoring control device that performs monitoring control at the network level without restricting the functions related to network monitoring, and without increasing the number of monitoring control devices. It becomes possible to cope with large scale.
[0054]
(Another example of the first embodiment)
Here, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, another example for reducing the processing load of the monitoring control apparatus will be described. In the description so far, the in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em are provided, and the method of reducing the processing load by distributing functions with the monitoring control device has been described. Here, a method of reducing the amount of transmission data and communication traffic by changing the configuration of the response message sent from the in-station monitoring device to the monitoring control device, thereby reducing the processing load will be described.
[0055]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for transmitting a message from the in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em to the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm in this other example. Here, the in-station monitoring device E1 and the monitoring control device WS1 are mainly used. In FIG. 9, in-station monitoring apparatus E1 receives a transmission message from the monitored apparatus (NE) in step S91. With this as an opportunity, the in-station monitoring device E1 sets a timer of, for example, 5 seconds (step S92). Next, the in-station monitoring device E1 enters a state of waiting for reception of another transmission message (step S93), and n (n may be an arbitrary number from the NE before the time-out or a predetermined number) Is sent in advance (step S94).
[0056]
Thereafter, the in-station monitoring device E1 performs a process of combining the data included in the received message into one (step S95). In this step, as shown in FIG. 10, the header (Header: H) of each sent message is interpreted and reconstructed into one header. A plurality of data (Data: D) are arranged in the order of arrival, for example, and the reconstructed header is added to form one datagram.
[0057]
Then, the in-station monitoring device E1 transmits this set of data to the monitoring control device (NME) WS1 (step S96). By doing so, it is possible to reduce the amount of data related to message notification and communication traffic, and it is possible to reduce the processing load on the monitoring control device. In addition, since the timer is set, the monitoring control apparatus can detect an event occurring in the monitored apparatus without delay.
[0058]
Note that the function for grouping data may be provided to the communication control means 5b in the in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em, and the function for interpreting the data for each monitored device from the received data is the monitoring control device. What is necessary is just to give to the communication control means 10b in WS1-WSm.
[0059]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, parts common to the above are given the same reference numerals, and only different parts will be described here.
[0060]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information communication network according to the second embodiment of the present invention. That is, in this embodiment, a plurality (m) of ring networks, monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm that perform monitoring control on these ring networks, and remote monitoring that is positioned above the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm. Consider an information communication system comprising a control device RM. Each ring network (not labeled) includes a plurality of transmission apparatuses N11 to N1p, N21 to N2g,..., Nm1 to Nmr (p, g, and r are arbitrary numbers).
[0061]
Here, the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm are connected to the remote monitoring control device RM via, for example, a LAN. Although not shown, the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm and the remote monitoring control device RM can be connected by other arbitrary communication means such as a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet or a public communication network. It is.
[0062]
The remote monitoring control device RM is realized as, for example, a general-purpose workstation, and is a device for operating the manager functions of the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm in a remote place. The X protocol is used for communication with the monitoring control device. Also referred to as X terminal for exclusive use.
[0063]
FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the remote monitoring control device RM. That is, the remote monitoring control device RM includes an operation unit 11 including a mouse and a keyboard, a display unit 12 such as a display, an interface unit (I / F) 13 that realizes an interface function during communication, and remote monitoring. A storage unit 14 that stores programs related to control, and a central processing unit 15 that controls the operation unit 11, display unit 12, and interface unit (I / F) 13 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 14. I have.
[0064]
The central processing unit 15 is realized as a microcomputer, for example, and in addition to known control means such as a function related to information communication with a monitoring control device via a LAN (or WAN), the display control means 15a. Communication control means 15b and operation right acquisition / transfer control means 15c.
[0065]
The display control means 15a is responsible for control when displaying various data relating to the collected network monitoring on the display unit 12. The new functions are as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the monitor control devices that can be connected are distinguished, and an object (icon) for designating whether to issue a connection request or an end request to each of the monitor control devices. The function to display, the function which shows the supervisory control apparatus currently connected as shown in FIG. 23, and the function which is performing the process of the supervisory control apparatus which is a present process partner as shown in FIG. It is a function to display with the name. Details of the screens shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 will be described later.
[0066]
The communication control means 15b bears a function related to information communication between the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm and the transmission devices N11 to N1p, N21 to N2g,..., Nm1 to Nmr. The new functions are as follows. That is, the communication control means 15b periodically sends out connection requests to each of the monitoring control devices designated for connection by the operator. When there is a response to this, control is performed for setting a communication link with the monitoring control apparatus that is the response source.
[0067]
The operation right acquisition / transfer control means 15c is responsible for control related to the acquisition or transfer of the operation right for the transmission devices N11 to N1p, N21 to N2g,..., Nm1 to Nmr with the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm. . That is, the operation right acquisition / transfer control means 15c responds to the request for acquisition of the operation right for the transmission devices N11 to N1p, N21 to N2g,..., Nm1 to Nmr, corresponding to the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm (for example, the transmission devices N11 to N1p). This is sent to the monitoring control device WS1) (in response to the operation of the operator). Then, an operation right is acquired in response to a response message from the other party, and monitoring control for the target transmission apparatus can be performed only when the operation right is not acquired.
[0068]
FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm. That is, the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm include an operation unit 16 including a mouse and a keyboard, a display unit 17 such as a display, an interface unit (I / F) 18 that realizes an interface function for communication, and a remote control. A storage unit 19 that stores a program related to monitoring control, and a processing unit 20 that controls the operation unit 16, the display unit 17, and the interface unit (I / F) 18 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 19. I have.
[0069]
The processing unit 20 is realized, for example, as a microcomputer, and in addition to known control means such as a function related to information communication with the remote monitoring control device RM via a LAN (or WAN), display control means 20a, communication control means 20b, and operation right acquisition / transfer control means 20c.
[0070]
The display control means 20a is responsible for control when displaying various data related to the collected network monitoring on the display unit 17. The communication control means 20b bears a function related to information communication between the remote monitoring control device RM and the transmission devices N11 to N1p, N21 to N2g, ..., Nm1 to Nmr.
[0071]
The operation right acquisition / transfer control means 20c is responsible for control related to acquisition or transfer of the operation right for the transmission devices N11 to N1p, N21 to N2g,..., Nm1 to Nmr with the remote monitoring control device RM. That is, the operation right acquisition / transfer control means 20c sends an operation right acquisition request for the transmission devices N11 to N1p, N21 to N2g,..., Nm1 to Nmr to the remote monitoring control device RM (in response to an operation by the operator). . Then, an operation right is acquired in response to a response message from the other party, and monitoring control for the target transmission apparatus can be performed only when the operation right is not acquired.
[0072]
Next, the operation in the above configuration will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a data flow between the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control device WS1, and between the monitoring control device WS1 and the transmission devices N11 to N1p (the same applies to other monitoring control devices and transmission devices). is there. In FIG. 14, for example, a message from the transmission apparatus N11 is notified to the monitoring control apparatus WS1, and the monitoring control apparatus WS1 notifies the remote monitoring control apparatus RM of the message. Then, the data received by the remote monitoring control device RM is displayed on the display 12 as monitoring information.
[0073]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating processing performed among the remote monitoring control device RM, the monitoring control device WS1, and the transmission devices N11 to N1p (also in other monitoring control devices and transmission devices). Control (for example, a request for sending management information) to the transmission apparatus (for example, N11) can be performed from either the remote monitoring control apparatus RM or the monitoring control apparatus WS1, but in order to avoid contention at that time, the remote monitoring control apparatus RM And the manager WS1 perform exclusive processing by performing a sequence process described later. This characterizes this embodiment. The device (remote monitoring control device RM or monitoring control device WS1) that has acquired the operation right by this sequence processing can control the transmission device.
[0074]
Next, various sequence processes performed between the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a connection sequence between the remote monitoring control device RW and the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm (here, WS1 to WS3 are taken as an example) in the present embodiment. In FIG. 16, it is assumed that an operator who handles the remote monitoring control device RM performs a designation operation on the monitoring control device WS1. Then, the remote monitoring control device RM sends a connection request to the monitoring control device WS1. Upon receiving this connection request, the monitoring control device RM confirms the partner from the request source information written in the connection request, and then returns a connection response. Similar processing is performed when a designation operation is performed on the other monitoring control devices WS2 and WS3.
[0075]
By repeating such processing with a plurality of monitoring control devices in the system (time sharing processing or online real-time processing), the remote monitoring control device RM can be simultaneously connected to the plurality of monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm. Thus, it becomes possible to monitor and control a plurality of networks.
[0076]
FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating the transfer of operation rights between the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm at the normal time. Now, it is assumed that the operation right for the transmission apparatus (for example, N11) is held by the monitoring control apparatus WS1. When the remote monitoring control device RM wants to acquire the operation right, first, from this state, an operation right acquisition request is issued to the monitoring control device WS1. Receiving this, the monitoring control device WS1 displays on the display unit 17 a message indicating that an operation right acquisition request has arrived from the remote monitoring control device RM. In response to this, when the operator of the monitoring control device WS1 performs an operation indicating an intention of OK (operation right transfer), an operation right acquisition permission response is returned from the monitoring control device WS1 to the remote monitoring control device RM. As a result, the right of operation is transferred to the remote monitoring control device RM, and thereafter, the remote monitoring control device RM performs monitoring control on the transmission device N11.
[0077]
FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing the transfer of the operation right between the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm at the time of abnormality. In the assumption of FIG. 17, when an operation to the effect that transfer of operation right is not permitted is performed on the monitoring control device WS1 side in response to an operation right acquisition request from the remote monitoring control device RM, remote monitoring is performed from the monitoring control device WS1. An operation right acquisition non-permission response is returned to the control device RM. In response to this, a message such as “Not authorized by the monitoring control device” is displayed on the display unit 12 of the remote monitoring control device RM. In this case, it is not possible to perform monitoring control on the transmission apparatus N11 from the remote monitoring control apparatus RM.
[0078]
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a normal sequence when processing is terminated by a request from the monitoring control device WS1 while the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control device WS1 are connected. In FIG. 19, the monitoring control device WS1 first sends a processing end request to the remote monitoring control device RM. Receiving this, the remote monitoring control device RM displays a message on the display unit 12 indicating that a termination request has arrived from the monitoring control device WS1. In response to this, when the operator performs an operation indicating OK (permission), a process end permission response is returned to the monitoring control device WS1, and a processing end process is executed on the remote monitoring control device RM side. The supervisory control device WS1 receives the process end permission response and executes the process end process.
[0079]
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a sequence at the time of abnormality when the process is terminated by a request from the monitoring control device WS1 while the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control device WS1 are connected. In FIG. 20, the monitoring control device WS1 sends a processing end request to the remote monitoring control device RM. Receiving this, the remote monitoring control device RM displays a message on the display unit 12 indicating that a termination request has arrived from the monitoring control device WS1. In response to this, when the operator performs an operation indicating non-permission, a process end non-permission response is returned to the monitoring control device WS1. In response to this, the monitoring control device WS1 does not execute the process end process and continues the process.
[0080]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a sequence in the case where the monitoring control device WS1 is out of order or the operator of the monitoring control device WS1 is absent when the operation right is transferred. In FIG. 21, it is assumed that an operation right acquisition request is sent from the remote monitoring control device RM to the monitoring control device WS1. Here, the remote monitoring control device RM sets a timer for a predetermined time when sending this request.
[0081]
If the monitoring control device WS1 is out of order or the operator of the monitoring control device WS1 is absent, the timer times out when a response to the operation right acquisition request is not returned. Then, the remote monitoring control device RM displays a message indicating that there is no response on the display unit 12 and forcibly transfers the operation right.
[0082]
In this way, by forcibly transferring the operation right when there is no response, the network monitoring control function can be continued even if the operator of the other station is absent or the monitoring and control device of the other party is out of order. Can be operated.
[0083]
Here, FIGS. 22 to 24 show display contents on the display unit 12 of the remote monitoring control device RM when the above-described processes are performed. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 12 when the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices (WS1 to WS3) are not connected (startup screen). In the screen of FIG. 22, the operator designates a monitoring control device that the operator desires to connect to and clicks a connection button, thereby executing connection processing with the designated monitoring control device. When the connection is completed, as shown in FIG. 23, a display indicating that the connection is being made is performed for each monitoring control device. If the connection could not be established, a message to that effect is displayed in the footer (lower part) of the screen.
[0084]
FIG. 24 is an example of a function screen of the remote monitoring control device RM, for example, a screen for controlling the transmission device from the remote monitoring control device RM or a screen for displaying a message received from the transmission device. This screen is characterized by the name of the supervisory control device that is the current processing partner displayed next to the function name (indicating the function being executed) in the header (upper part). By displaying the name of the monitoring control device, it is easy for the operator of the remote monitoring control device RM to recognize which monitoring control device screen is displayed and which network information is displayed. become.
[0085]
Thus, in this embodiment, the operation right acquisition / transfer control means 15c and 20c are provided in the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm, respectively. Only when the permission response to the operation right acquisition request sent to each other is received, the monitoring control for the desired transmission device (monitored device) can be performed. Further, the communication control means 15a and 20a are provided in the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm, respectively, and a continuous communication link is set by periodically sending connection requests to each other.
[0086]
In this way, exclusive control between the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm is realized, and there is no risk of competition, and real-time information acquisition can be performed between the devices. Become. Therefore, the operator of each apparatus can perform a necessary operation at an appropriate timing.
[0087]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
[0088]
In the first embodiment, the various data transmitted from the in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em are not stored in the network database 9a of the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm. It is of course possible to accumulate this depending on the ability of the system.
[0089]
Further, in each sequence of the second embodiment, the sequence from the case where the operation right is on the monitoring control apparatus side has been described, but the sequence from the case where the operation right is on the remote monitoring control apparatus RM side is also the same. .
[0090]
In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as a network configuration.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the present invention,The remote monitoring control device can immediately access a plurality of monitoring control devices. Therefore, real-time information acquisition can be performed, and each operator of the remote monitoring control device and the monitoring control device can appropriately perform necessary operations.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information communication network according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of the in-station monitoring devices E1 to Em in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hierarchy of supervisory control modes in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a request / response message relationship among a monitored device (NE), an in-station monitoring device, and an NME in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing device-level monitoring control on the monitored device (NE) from the in-house monitoring device.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure when an NME performs network level monitoring control.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure when notifying the monitoring control apparatus of various types of information about the monitored apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the station monitoring apparatus in another example of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a reconfiguration example of a transmission message in another example of the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information communication network according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a block configuration diagram of a remote monitoring control device RM in FIG.
13 is a block configuration diagram of the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data flow between a remote monitoring control device and a monitoring control device, and between the monitoring control device and a transmission device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing processing performed between the remote monitoring control device, the monitoring control device, and the transmission device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a connection sequence between the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices WS1 to WS3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing a transfer of operation rights between the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm at the normal time (permission time) in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing the transfer of operation rights between the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices WS1 to WSm at the time of abnormality (during disapproval) in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram at normal time when processing is terminated by a request from the monitoring control device WS1 while the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control device WS1 are connected in the second embodiment of the present invention; .
FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram at the time of abnormality when processing is terminated by a request from the monitoring control device WS1 while the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control device WS1 are connected in the second embodiment of the present invention; .
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a sequence in the case where the supervisory control device WS1 is out of order or the operator of the supervisory control device WS1 is absent when transferring the operation right in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 12 when the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices (WS1 to WS3) are not connected in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 12 when the remote monitoring control device RM and the monitoring control devices (WS1 to WS3) are connected in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a function screen of a remote monitoring control device RM in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a hierarchy of conventional monitoring control modes.
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a conventional example of connection between a monitoring control device NME and a monitored device N.
[Explanation of symbols]
N1 to Nm ... transmission device
FL ... High speed line
R1-Rm ... Router
ML ... dedicated line
ST1 to STm ...
E1-Em ... Monitoring equipment in the building
1 ... operation part
2 ... Display section
3 ... Interface part (I / F)
4 ... Memory
4a ... Database in the office
5 ... Main control section
5a: Monitoring control means
5b: Communication control means
WS1 to WSm: Monitoring and control device
6 ... Operation part
7 ... Display section
8 ... Interface part (I / F)
9 ... Memory part
9a ... Network database
10. Control unit
10a: Monitoring control means
10b: Communication control means
N11-N1p, N21-N2g, Nm1-Nmr ... Transmission device
RM: Remote monitoring and control device
11 ... operation part
12 ... Display section
13 ... Interface part (I / F)
14 ... Storage unit
15 ... Central processing unit
15a ... supervisory control means
16b: Communication control means
16 ... operation part
17 ... Display section
18 ... Interface part (I / F)
19 ... Memory part
20 ... processing part
20a ... Display control means
20b: Communication control means

Claims (5)

A monitoring control device that collects information for network management from monitoring targets existing in an information communication network and has a management function for the information communication network, and a remote monitoring control device for remotely performing operation control for the management function In a network management system comprising
Provided in the monitoring control device, when an operation request for requesting an operation to the monitoring target is received from the remote monitoring control device;
(1) When there is no risk of conflict with the remote monitoring and control apparatus that sent out the operation request (2) When permission is received from the operator of the own apparatus Only when the request source is remote (1) or (2) First operation right acquisition / transfer control means for sending a permission response to the monitoring control device;
Provided in the remote monitoring control device, when an operation request for requesting an operation to the monitoring target is received from the monitoring control device;
(3) When there is no risk of conflict with the supervisory control device that sent out this operation request (4) When receiving permission from the operator of the own device Only in the case of (3) or (4), supervisory control of the request source Second operation right acquisition / transfer control means for sending a permission response to the device;
A first monitoring control unit which is provided in the monitoring control device and executes monitoring control on the monitoring target only when the permission response is received from the second operation right acquisition / transfer control unit;
A second monitoring control unit that is provided in the remote monitoring control device and executes monitoring control for the monitoring target only when the permission response is received from the first operation right acquisition / transfer control unit;
A communication link provided in the remote monitoring control device between the own device and the monitoring control device designated by the operator of the own device is maintained in an established state at least until there is a termination instruction from the operator of the own device. A network management system comprising communication control means.   The communication control means repeatedly sends a communication link connection request to the monitoring control device designated by the operator of the own device, and keeps the communication link established by receiving a response to the sent request. The network management system according to claim 1. A monitoring control device that collects information for network management from monitoring targets existing in an information communication network and has a management function for the information communication network, and a remote monitoring control device for remotely performing operation control for the management function In the remote monitoring and control device used in a network management system comprising:
When an operation request for requesting an operation to the monitoring target is received from the monitoring control device,
(3) When there is no risk of conflict with the supervisory control device that sent out this operation request (4) When receiving permission from the operator of the own device Only in the case of (3) or (4), supervisory control of the request source Second operation right acquisition / transfer control means for sending a permission response to the device;
Means for sending an operation request for requesting an operation to the monitoring target to the monitoring control device;
A second monitoring control means for executing an operation on a monitoring target for which an operation is requested only when a permission response to the operation request is received from the monitoring control device of the destination of the operation request by this means;
Communication control means for maintaining a communication link between the own device and the monitoring and control device designated by the operator of the own device at least until an end instruction of the operator of the own device is given. A remote monitoring and control device characterized.   The communication control means repeatedly sends a communication link connection request to the monitoring control device designated by the operator of the own device, and keeps the communication link established by receiving a response to the sent request. The remote monitoring and control apparatus according to claim 3. An indicator,
The information processing apparatus further comprises display control means for displaying identification information of a monitoring control device positioned above a monitoring target that is an operation target at the present time on the display unit in association with the type of the operation. Item 5. The remote monitoring and control device according to Item 4.

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