JP4207657B2 - Logical path control method, relay server, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an online system in which a host computer and a terminal communicate with each other via a relay server, and more particularly to a technique that enables efficient use of a communication path and improvement of reliability.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an online system consisting of business terminals and host computers connected via a network, the number of business terminals and the amount of communication are steadily increasing with the spread of the client-server model or the three-layer model. Often problematic.
[0003]
As a conventional technique that enables efficient use of a communication path, a technique is known in which a communication path is divided into two layers, a physical path layer and a logical path layer, and the physical path is shared by a plurality of logical paths. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0004]
The online system described in Patent Document 1 connects a host computer and a plurality of terminals via a relay server, and further shares a physical path connecting the host computer and the relay server by a plurality of logical paths. Thus, the communication path can be used effectively. That is, even when the host computer communicates with a plurality of terminals, only one physical path is required between the host computer and the relay server, so that the communication path can be used effectively. In the online system described in Patent Document 1, in order to improve reliability, when a plurality of physical paths are set between the relay server and the host computer and a message is transmitted and received, Messages are transmitted and received using a normal physical path among a plurality of physical paths.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-300177 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0007]
However, the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration that can withstand a failure of a physical path, but has a configuration that cannot withstand a failure of a host computer that processes a business program. For example, when the entire computer system stops due to a physical failure or the business program execution means stops due to a logical failure, the business terminal becomes a communication failure and may continue to process the business requested by the terminal. It becomes impossible.
[0008]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a case where a failure occurs in a physical path even when a failure occurs in a host computer in an online system in which a terminal and a host computer communicate via a relay server. Even so, it is to enable continuation of communication.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The logical path control method according to the present invention achieves the above object,
A logical path control method in an online system in which a terminal and a plurality of host computers are connected via a relay server,
Each between the relay server and each host computer, The path depends on the communication protocol A physical path connection step for connecting by a plurality of physical paths;
In response to a connection request from the terminal, each between the relay server and each host computer A path obtained by logically dividing a physical path A connection step of setting a logical path and connecting the terminal and each host computer via a logical path for each set host computer;
When the relay server receives a message from the terminal, the relay server selects a logical path corresponding to a host computer in which no failure has occurred from among the logical paths for each host computer set in the connection step. One physical path is selected from a plurality of physical paths connecting the host computer corresponding to the selected logical path and the own relay server, and the message is transmitted using the selected physical path and the selected logical path. Sending to the host computer.
[0010]
More specifically, the logical path control method according to the present invention is:
The relay server includes a collection step of collecting whether the status of each host computer is in operation, standby, or failure; and
When selecting a logical path in the message transmission step, a logical path corresponding to a host computer whose status collected in the collecting step is in operation is selected.
[0011]
In addition to the method described above, the logical path selection method is
The relay server includes a collection step of collecting a busy rate of each host computer; and
When selecting a logical path in the message sending step, a method of selecting a logical path corresponding to a host computer having the smallest busy rate collected in the collecting step may be employed.
[0012]
In addition, the logical path control method according to the present invention can cope with a failure of the relay server.
A logical path control method in an online system comprising a terminal, a plurality of host computers, and a plurality of relay servers each connecting the terminal and the plurality of host computers,
Between each of the relay servers and each of the host computers, Communication path according to the communication protocol A physical path connection step for connecting by a plurality of physical paths;
Of each of the relay servers, the relay server that has received the connection request from the terminal is between the own relay server and each of the host computers. A path obtained by logically dividing a physical path A connection step of setting a logical path and connecting the terminal and each host computer via a logical path for each set host computer;
A logical path corresponding to a host computer in which a failure has not occurred among the logical paths for each of the host computers set in the connection step by the relay server that has received the message from the terminal among the relay servers. And selecting one physical path from a plurality of physical paths connecting the host computer corresponding to the selected logical path and the own relay server, and selecting the selected physical path and the selected logical path. Using a message sending step to send the message to a host computer;
Each relay server collects terminal information about each terminal connected to the host computer via a logical path from each host computer;
When there is a terminal that is not connected to the host computer by a logical path through the relay server, among the terminals indicated by the terminal information collected in the collection step of the relay server, each relay server, And a failure countermeasure logical path connection step of connecting the terminal and each of the host computers via a logical path via a self-relay server.
[0013]
[Action]
In the present invention, among the logical paths set between the relay server and each host computer, a plurality of logical paths corresponding to the host computer in which no failure has occurred and the host computer are set. Since messages are sent using one of the physical paths, communication is possible regardless of whether a failure occurs in the host computer or a physical path. Can continue.
[0014]
Further, in the present invention, each relay server collects terminal information about each terminal connected to the host computer via a logical path from each host computer, and the relay server itself includes the terminal indicated by the collected terminal information. If there is a terminal that is not connected to the host computer depending on the logical path via the relay server, the terminal and each host computer are connected via a logical path via the local relay server. It is possible to easily cope with the failure.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
[Configuration of Example]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a system including an active host computer and a standby host computer, such as a hot standby system. Referring to FIG. 1, the first embodiment of the present invention is shared by a plurality of host computers (hosts) 1a and 1b, a relay server 2, a plurality of business terminals 3a and 3b, and each host computer 1a and 1b. The database (DB) 4 is configured.
[0017]
The host computers 1a and 1b and the terminals 3a and 3b establish a logical communication path via the relay server 2 and communicate with each other.
[0018]
The host computers 1a and 1b have path management means 11 and 11 ', physical path status tables 12 and 12', logical path status tables 13 and 13 ', business program execution means 14 and 14', and a console 15 respectively. 15 ′ and recording media K1a and K1b.
[0019]
The physical path status table 12 manages the status of each physical path connecting the host computer 1a and the relay server 2. The physical path status table 12 ′ manages the status of each physical path connecting the host computer 1 b and the relay server 2. 2A and 2B show examples of contents of the physical path status tables 12 and 12 ′.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the physical path status tables 12 and 12 ′ include items “physical path definition name”, “group”, “physical path status”, “local physical address”, “ The other party's physical address. Of these, “physical path definition name”, “group”, “local physical address”, and “other physical address” are definition information registered in advance to define (specify) the physical path, and the rest The “physical path status” is status information that changes according to the status of the physical path. “Physical path definition name” indicates the definition name assigned to the physical path, “Group” indicates the group to which the physical path belongs, and “Physical path status” indicates that the physical path is currently in the “connected” status. "Self-side physical address" and "Destination-side physical address" represent the address of the host computer connected by the physical path and the address of the relay server.
[0021]
Also, the physical path state tables 12 and 12 ′ shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B have four entries of entry numbers “1” to “4”, respectively. It manages the status of physical paths defined (specified) by “physical path definition name”, “group”, “local physical address”, and “partner physical address”. For example, in the example of FIG. 2A, the entry with the entry number “1” includes the physical path definition name “P1-SERVER”, the group name “SERVER”, the local physical address “10.1.1.1 (10000)”, This indicates that the physical path defined by the counterpart physical address “10.1.1.3 (30011)” is currently in the “connected” state. In the example of FIG. 2B, the entry with the entry number “4” includes the physical path definition name “P4-SERVER”, the group name “SERVER”, the local physical address “10.1.1.2 (10000)”, This indicates that the physical path defined by the counterpart physical address “10.1.1.3 (30024)” is currently in an “unconnected” state.
[0022]
The logical path status table 13 manages the status of the logical path connecting the host computer 1a and the terminal. Further, the logical path state table 13 ′ manages the state of the logical path that connects the host computer 1b and the terminal. 3A and 3B show examples of contents of the logical path status tables 13 and 13 ′.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the logical path status tables 13 and 13 ′ include items “logical path definition name”, “terminal definition name”, “group”, “logical path status”, “logical Path identifier ". Of these, "logical path definition name", "terminal definition name", and "group" are definition information registered in advance to define a logical path, and the remaining "logical path status" and "logical path identifier" Is state information that changes according to the state of the logical path. “Logical path definition name” indicates the definition name assigned to the logical path, “Terminal definition name” indicates the terminal definition name assigned to the terminal using the logical path, and “Group” indicates the logical path. Indicates the group name of the group to which the physical path that can be used for communication belongs, and “Logical path status” indicates whether the logical path is currently in “connected” or “not connected” status “Logical path identifier” indicates an identifier assigned to the logical path.
[0024]
Also, the logical path status tables 13 and 13 ′ shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B have three entries of entry numbers “1” to “3”, respectively. It manages the status of logical paths defined by “name”, “terminal definition name”, and “group”. For example, in the example of FIG. 3A, the entry with the entry number “1” has a logical path defined by the logical path definition name “L1”, the terminal definition name “TERM-A”, and the group name “SERVER”. This indicates that the current state is “connected” and “LID-H1-00001” is assigned as the logical path identifier. In the example of FIG. 3B, the entry of entry No. “2” has a logical path defined by the logical path definition name “L2”, the terminal definition name “TERM-B”, and the group “SERVER”. This indicates that the current state is “unconnected”. Note that no logical path identifier is set for an entry whose logical path status is “not connected”.
[0025]
The path management unit 11 includes physical path control units 111a to 111c, a path selection unit 112, and logical path control units 113a to 113c. The path management means 11 ′ has a similar configuration.
[0026]
The physical path control units 111 a to 111 c control the physical path to the relay server 2. The physical path control means 111a to 111c are dynamically generated / disappeared as the physical path is connected / disconnected. The physical path control means 111a to 111c change the physical path state in the corresponding entry of the physical path state table 12 to “connected” at the time of generation, and change to “not connected” at the time of disappearance.
[0027]
The logical path control means 113a to 113c control the logical path to the relay server 2. The logical path control means 113a to 113c are dynamically generated / disappeared as the logical path is connected / disconnected. At the time of generation, the logical path control means 113a to 113c generate a logical path identifier for identifying the logical path, store the logical path identifier in the corresponding entry of the logical path state table 13, and corresponding logical path control on the relay server 2. The logical path identifier is distributed to the means 213a to 213c.
[0028]
The path selection unit 112, in response to a request from the logical path control units 113a to 113c, selects the physical paths in the “group” to which the logical paths managed and controlled by the logical path control units 113a to 113c belong. , Has a function of selecting one physical path in the “connected” state. More specifically, when a request specifying “group” is passed from the logical path control means 113a to 113c, the physical path state table 12 is searched using the “group” as a key, and belongs to the “group”. And a function of selecting one physical path whose physical path state is “connected”.
[0029]
The business program execution unit 14 stores a plurality of business programs 141a and 141b and a control business program 142, and has a function of selecting and executing a business program according to a message transmitted from a business terminal. The business programs 141a and 141b can refer to and update the database 4 connected to the plurality of host computers 1a and 1b. The control business program 142 is a business program customized for control, and is executed only by an execution request from the control terminal control means 242 and has a function of returning control data.
[0030]
The console 15 has a function of inputting various commands to the host computer 1a according to the operation of the operator.
[0031]
The recording medium K1a is a disk, semiconductor memory, or other recording medium, and stores a program for causing the host computer 1a to function as part of the online system. This program is read by the host computer 1a and its operation is controlled to realize the path management means 11, the physical path status table 12, the logical path status table 13, and the business program execution means 14 on the host computer 1a.
[0032]
The relay server 2 includes a path management unit 21, a physical path status table 22, a logical path status table 23, a terminal management unit 24, a host information collection unit 25, a terminal status table 26, and a logical path selection unit 27. A console 28 and a recording medium K2 are provided.
[0033]
The physical path status table 22 manages the status of each physical path connecting the relay server 2 and the host computers 1a and 1b. The structure is equivalent to the physical path status tables 12 and 12 ′ on the host computers 1a and 1b. FIG. 4 shows an example of the contents of the physical path status table 22. In the example of FIG. 4, the physical path belonging to the group “H1” is a physical path connecting the relay server 2 and the host computer 1a, and the physical path belonging to the group “H2” is the relay server 2 and the host computer 1b. Is a physical path connecting the two.
[0034]
The logical path status table 23 manages the status of the logical path connecting the terminal and the host computers 1a and 1b. The structure is equivalent to the logical path status tables 13 and 13 ′ on the host computers 1a and 1b. FIG. 5 shows an example of the contents of the logical path status table 23. In the example of FIG. 5, the logical path belonging to the group “H1” is a logical path connecting the terminal and the host computer 1a, and the logical path belonging to the group “H2” is connecting the terminal and the host computer 1b. It is a logical path.
[0035]
The terminal status table 26 manages definition information and status information of business terminals and control terminals. FIG. 6 shows an example of the contents of the terminal status table 26. Referring to FIG. 6, “terminal definition name”, “terminal type”, and “group” are definition information, and “terminal status”, “terminal identifier”, “logical path identifier”, and “group status” are status information. is there.
[0036]
“Terminal type” indicates whether the type of the terminal is “business terminal” or “control terminal”. “Group” indicates a group to which a logical path that can be used by the terminal belongs. “Terminal state” indicates whether the terminal is currently in a “connected” state or an “unconnected” state. For a terminal in the “connected” state, a “terminal identifier” is stored. The “logical path identifier” prepared for each “group” indicates a logical path identifier assigned to a logical path in a connected state. “Group status” indicates the status of host computers connected by logical paths belonging to the group. In this embodiment, whether the host computer is active / standby / unknown is indicated by “active”, “standby”, and “unknown (failed)”.
[0037]
In the example of FIG. 6, the entry No. “1” indicates that the business terminal having the terminal definition name “TERM-A” is a host using two logical paths belonging to the groups “H1” and “H2”. It shows that communication with the computers 1a and 1b can be performed. In this entry, the logical path identifier of the logical path belonging to the group “H1” is “LID-H1-00001”, and the logical path identifier of the logical path belonging to the group “H2” is “LID-H2-00001”. It is shown that. The logical path identifier is generated and distributed by the host computers 1a and 1b when the logical path is connected. The logical path status tables 13 and 13 'on the host computers 1a and 1b and the logical path status on the relay server 2 are used. It matches the logical path identifier stored in Table 23.
[0038]
The path management unit 21 includes physical path control units 211a to 211f, a path selection unit 212, and logical path control units 213a to 213f.
[0039]
The physical path control units 211a to 211c control the physical path to the host computer 1a, and the physical path control units 211d to 211f control the physical path to the host computer 1b. These are dynamically generated / disappeared as the physical path is connected / disconnected. At the time of generation, the physical path control units 211a to 211f change the corresponding “physical path state” on the physical path state table 22 to the “connected” state.
[0040]
The logical path control means 213a to 213c controls the logical path to the host computer 1a, and the logical path control means 213d to 213f controls the logical path to the host computer 1b. These are dynamically generated / disappeared as the logical path is connected / disconnected. The logical path control means 213a to 213f store the logical path identifiers distributed from the logical path control means 113a to 113c and 113a ′ to 113c ′ on the host computers 1a and 1b in the logical path state table 23.
[0041]
The path selection unit 212 selects the physical paths in the “group” to which the logical paths managed and controlled by the logical path control units 213a to 213f belong according to the request from the logical path control units 213a to 213f. , Has a function of selecting one physical path in the “connected” state. More specifically, when a request specifying “group” is passed from the logical path control means 213a to 213f, the physical path state table 22 is searched using the “group” as a key, and belongs to the “group”. And a function of selecting one physical path whose physical path state is “connected”.
[0042]
The terminal management unit 24 includes business terminal control units 241a and 241b and a control end control unit 242.
[0043]
The business terminal control means 241a and 241b manage and control the connection status of the business terminals 3a and 3b. These are dynamically generated / disappeared with connection / disconnection of the business terminals 3a, 3b.
[0044]
The business terminal control means 241a and 241b generate a terminal identifier for identifying the business terminal at the time of generation, store the terminal identifier in the terminal status table 26, and distribute the terminal identifier to the business terminals 3a and 3b.
[0045]
The control terminal control means 242 manages and controls the control terminal connection state. The control terminal is a terminal that is logical and does not exist, and is used by the host information collecting means 25. The control terminal control means 242 dynamically generates / disappears as the control terminal is connected / disconnected.
[0046]
At the time of generation, the control terminal control means 242 generates a terminal identifier for identifying the control terminal, stores it in the terminal status table 26, and distributes the terminal identifier to the host information collection means 25.
[0047]
The logical path selection unit 27 has a function of selecting a logical path. More specifically, the logical path selection unit 27 refers to the terminal state table 26 when the message with the terminal identifier added from the business terminal control unit 241a, 241b or the control terminal control unit 242, and sends the message. Select a logical path suitable for transfer.
[0048]
The host information collecting means 25 collects host information by periodically starting the control business programs 142 and 142 ′ through a logical control terminal. In this embodiment, “active”, “standby”, and “unknown” are collected as host information.
[0049]
The console 28 inputs various commands to the relay server 2 according to the operation of the operator.
[0050]
The recording medium K2 is a disk, semiconductor memory, or other recording medium, and stores a program for causing the relay server 2 to function as part of the online system. This program is read by the relay server 2 and its operation is controlled so that the path management unit 21, the physical path state table 22, the logical path state table 23, the terminal management unit 24, the host information collection are performed on the relay server 2. Means 25, terminal status table 26, and logical path selection means 27 are realized.
[0051]
[Description of operation of embodiment]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0052]
The host computers 1a and 1b are connected to the business terminals 3a and 3b via the relay server 2. A physical communication path (physical path) is connected between the host computers 1a and 1b and the relay server 2 to perform communication.
[0053]
First, the operation when connecting physical paths will be described. The physical path connection processing is started by inputting a physical path connection command from the console 28 of the relay server 2 or inputting a physical path connection command from the consoles 15 and 15 ′ of the host computers 1a and 1b. Note that the physical path connection command includes the physical path definition name of the physical path in order to specify the physical path that requests connection.
[0054]
Now, for example, if a physical path connection command is input from the console 15 of the host computer 1a, the path management means 11 searches the physical path state table 12 using the physical path definition name included in the command as a key. Then, “own side physical address” and “partner side physical address” registered corresponding to the physical path definition name are acquired. Thereafter, the physical path is connected according to the address.
[0055]
When the physical path is connected, the path management unit 11 on the host computer 1a and the path management unit 21 on the relay server 2 use physical path control units (for example, 111a and 211a) for managing and controlling a new physical path. Generate.
[0056]
The physical path control means 111a and 211a confirm the physical address of the connected physical path, and set the “physical path status” of the corresponding entry (entry with matching physical address) in the physical path status tables 12 and 22 to the “connected” status. Change to Thereby, the connection of the physical path is completed. The same processing is performed when a physical path connection command is input from the other consoles 15 'and 28.
[0057]
Next, an operation when the business terminals 3a and 3b transmit a connection request to the relay server 2 will be described.
[0058]
Now, for example, if the business terminal 3b transmits a connection request to the relay server 2, this connection request is received by the terminal management means 24 in the relay server 2. A processing example of the terminal management means 24 is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0059]
When the terminal management unit 24 receives the connection request from the business terminal 3b, the terminal management unit 24 refers to the terminal status table 26 and selects an entry whose terminal status is “unconnected” from among the entries whose terminal type is “business terminal”. (S701, S702). For example, if the contents of the terminal status table 26 are as shown in FIG. 6, the entry of entry No. “2” is searched as the corresponding entry. If the corresponding entry cannot be found, the connection failure is notified to the requesting business terminal 3b (S702 is NO, S708), and the process is terminated.
[0060]
Now, for example, if the entry No. “2” is searched as a corresponding entry in step S702, the terminal management unit 24 refers to the entry and finds an unprocessed group for which no logical path is set. It is determined whether or not it exists (S703). In this example, two groups “H1” and “H2” are set in the entry No. “2”, and two logical paths belonging to the groups “H1” and “H2” are set. However, at present, no logical path is set (no logical path identifier is set). Accordingly, since the determination result in step S703 is YES, the terminal management unit 24 selects one of the unprocessed groups, the selected group (for example, the group “H1”), and the entry number “2”. The logical path connection request including the terminal definition name “TERM-B” stored in the entry “” is passed to the path management means 21 (S704).
[0061]
When the logical path connection request including the group “H1” and the terminal definition name “TERM-B” is passed from the terminal management means 24, the path management means 21 receives the group “H1” and the terminal definition name “TERM-B”. The logical path status table 23 is searched using and as a key to find an entry whose logical path status is “not connected” (S81 in FIG. 8). For example, if the contents of the logical path state table 23 are as shown in FIG. 5, the entry with the entry number “2” is searched for. Thereafter, the path management unit 21 generates a new logical path control unit (for example, the logical path control unit 213b) that manages and controls the logical path to be connected this time (S82).
[0062]
When generated, the logical path control unit 213b changes the logical path state in the corresponding entry of the logical path state table 23 to “connected” and requests the path selection unit 212 to select a physical path to be used. To do. At this time, the logical path control means 213b designates the group “H1” (the group included in the logical path connection request) and requests the selection of the physical path. As a result, the path selection unit 212 searches the physical path state table 22 to find an entry in which the group “H1” is set and the physical path state is “connected”. The physical path defined by the found entry becomes the physical path used for logical path connection (S83). For example, if the contents of the physical path state table 22 are as shown in FIG. 4, one of the entries No. “1” to “3” (entry No. “1”) is entered. Is selected). Here, specifying a “group” for logical path connection by defining each host computer 1a, 1b belonging to another group is equivalent to specifying the host computer implicitly.
[0063]
Thereafter, the logical path control unit 213b passes a logical path connection request including the group “H1” and the terminal definition name “TERM-B” to the path selection unit 212. As a result, the path selection unit 212 transmits the logical path connection request to the host computer 1a through the physical path control unit 211b that manages the physical path selected in step S83 (S84).
[0064]
The logical path connection request sent to the host computer 1a via the physical path control unit 211b in the relay server 2 is received by the physical path control unit 111b corresponding to the physical path control unit 211b. When the physical path control unit 111b receives the logical path connection request, the path management unit 11 refers to the physical path state table 12 and acquires the group to which the physical path control unit 111b belongs (FIG. 9, S91). . The physical path control means 111a, 111b,... Correspond to the entry numbers “1”, “2”,. Therefore, if the contents of the physical path status table 12 are as shown in FIG. 2, the path management unit 11 acquires the group “SERVER”.
[0065]
Thereafter, the path management means 11 searches the logical path status table 13 using the group “SERVER” acquired in step S91 and the terminal definition name “TERM-B” included in the logical path connection request as a key. An entry whose path status is “not connected” is searched (S92). If the contents of the logical path state table 13 are as shown in FIG. 3, the entry with the entry number “2” is searched for.
[0066]
Next, the path management unit 11 generates a new logical path control unit (for example, the logical path control unit 113b) that manages and controls the logical path to be connected this time.
[0067]
The newly generated logical path control means 113b generates a logical path identifier (for example, LID-H1-00003) that can uniquely identify a new logical path and that is not repeatedly used. The logical path identifier is stored in the corresponding entry of the logical path status table 13 (the entry found in S92), and the logical path status is changed to “connected” (S93, S94). As a result, as shown in FIG. 10A, the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” is stored in the entry of the entry No. “2” in the logical path state table 13 and the logical path state “ Connection "is stored. Further, the logical path control means 113b distributes the logical path identifier to the corresponding logical path control means 213b through the physical path control means 111b and 211b (S95).
[0068]
The logical path control means 213b stores the logical path identifier distributed from the host computer 1a in the corresponding entry of the logical path status table 23 (FIG. 8, S85). As a result, the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” is stored in the entry of the entry number “2” in the logical path state table 23 as shown in FIG.
[0069]
Thereafter, the logical path control unit 213b returns the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” to the terminal management unit 24 (step S86). The logical path connection process is thus completed.
[0070]
When the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” of the newly connected logical path is returned from the logical path control means 213b, the terminal management means 24 stores it in the corresponding entry in the terminal status table 26 (FIG. 7, S705, S706). In this example, as shown in FIG. 12, the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” is stored as the logical path identifier of the logical path belonging to the group “H1” in the entry No. “2”. Will be.
[0071]
Thereafter, the terminal management unit 24 searches the entry No. “2” entry in the terminal state table 26 and determines whether there is an unprocessed group for which no logical path is set (S703). In this example, since no logical path is set for the group “H2”, a logical path connection request including the group “H2” and the terminal definition name “TERM-B” is passed to the path management means 21 (S704). .
[0072]
As a result, the path management means 21 performs the same processing as steps S81 to S84 (see FIG. 8) described above, and sends a logical path connection request including the group “H2” and the terminal definition name “TERM-B” to the group. It transmits to the host computer 1b corresponding to “H2”.
[0073]
When the path management means 11 ′ in the host computer 1b receives a logical path connection request including the group “H2” and the terminal definition name “TERM-B” from the relay server 2, the above steps S91 to S95 ( 9), the logical path identifier (for example, “LID-H2-00003”) of the logical path to be connected this time is stored in the logical path status table 13 ′ and returned to the relay server 2. To do. As a result, the contents of the logical path state table 13 ′ are as shown in FIG.
[0074]
When the logical path identifier “LID-H2-00003” is returned from the host computer 1b, the path management means 21 in the relay server 2 performs the same processing as steps S85 and S86 (see FIG. 8) described above, and performs logical processing. The path identifier “LID-H2-00003” is stored in the corresponding entry of the logical path status table 23, and the logical path identifier “LID-H2-00003” is returned to the terminal management means 24. As a result, the contents of the logical path status table 23 are as shown in FIG.
[0075]
When the logical path identifier “LID-H2-00003” is returned from the path management means 21, the terminal management means 24 stores it in the corresponding entry of the terminal status table 26 (FIGS. 7, S705, S706). In this example, as shown in FIG. 12, the logical path identifier “LID-H2-00003” is stored as the logical path identifier of the logical path belonging to the group “H2” in the entry No. “2”. Will be.
[0076]
Thereafter, the terminal management unit 24 searches the entry No. “2” entry in the terminal state table 26 and determines whether there is an unprocessed group for which no logical path is set (S703). In this example, there is no unprocessed group (NO in S703), so the terminal management unit 24 manages the business terminal control unit (for example, business terminal control unit) for managing and controlling the business terminal 3b that is the connection request source. 241b) is generated. The generated business terminal control unit 241b generates a terminal identifier (for example, TID-00003) that can uniquely identify the terminal and is not repeatedly used, and stores it in the corresponding entry of the terminal status table 26. At the same time, it is distributed to the business terminal 3b (S707). As a result, the terminal identifier “TID-00003” is stored in the entry No. “2” of the terminal state table 26 as shown in FIG.
[0077]
The business terminal 3 b stores the terminal identifier “TID-00003” distributed from the relay server 2. Thereafter, the terminal identifier “TID-00003” is assigned to the message transmission / reception between the business terminal 3b and the relay server 2 to perform communication in which the other party is identified.
[0078]
Next, an operation when a message is transmitted from the business terminals 3a and 3b to the host computer will be described by taking as an example a case where a message is transmitted from the business terminal 3b. It is assumed that a terminal identifier “TID-00003” is assigned to the business terminal 3b.
[0079]
When transmitting the message to the host computer, the business terminal 3b first adds the terminal identifier “TID-00003” to the message and then transmits the message with the terminal identifier “TID-00003” to the relay server 2.
[0080]
A message from the business terminal 3b is passed to the logical path selection unit 27 through the corresponding business terminal control unit 241b. A processing example of the logical path selection means 27 is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0081]
When the message from the business terminal 3b is passed through the business terminal management unit 241b, the logical path selection unit 27 extracts the terminal identifier “TID-00003” added thereto, and extracts the extracted terminal identifier “TID-00003”. "Is used as a key to search the terminal status table 26 (FIG. 13, S131, S132).
[0082]
If the entry in which the terminal identifier “TID-00003” is stored cannot be found, a message reception failure is notified to the business terminal 3b via the business terminal control means 241b (NO in S133, S138). . On the other hand, if an entry in which the terminal identifier “TID-00003” is stored can be found, the terminal type stored in the entry is “business terminal” or “control terminal” Is checked (S134). Now, for example, if the contents of the terminal status table 26 are as shown in FIG. 12, the entry No. “2” is searched for in step S132, so that the terminal type is “business terminal” in step S134. It will be recognized that.
[0083]
If the logical path selection unit 27 recognizes that the terminal type is “business terminal” in step S134, the logical path identifier stored in the entry of entry No. “2” indicates that the corresponding group status is “active”. It is checked whether or not there is an item that is “medium” (S135). If there is no logical path identifier whose corresponding group status is “in operation”, the business terminal 3b is notified of the message reception failure (S135 is NO, S138), and then the processing is terminated. . On the other hand, if there is a logical path identifier whose corresponding group status is “in operation”, the process of step S137 is performed. In this example, since the group state corresponding to the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” is “in operation”, the logical path control unit 27 performs the process of step S137. In step S137, the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” is added to the message from the business terminal 3b, and the logical path specified by the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” is managed and controlled. To the logical path control means 213b.
[0084]
When the message with the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” added is passed, the logical path control means 213b searches the logical path state table 23 using the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” as a key, The group to which the logical path specified by the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” belongs is recognized. Now, for example, if the contents of the logical path status table 23 are as shown in FIG. 11, the logical path control means 213b recognizes that the logical path belongs to the group “H1”.
[0085]
Thereafter, the logical path control unit 213b passes the group “H1” to the path connection unit 212 and requests selection of a physical path to be used. As a result, the path connection unit 212 searches the physical path state table 22 and selects one physical path in the connected state from among the physical paths belonging to the group “H1”. Now, for example, if the contents of the physical path status table 22 are as shown in FIG. 4, one of the physical paths defined by entries Nos. “1” to “3” is selected. become. Thereafter, the logical path control unit 213b sends the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” to the physical path control unit (for example, the physical path control unit 211b) corresponding to the physical path in the connection state selected by the path connection unit 212. Pass the appended message. As a result, the physical path control unit 211b transmits the message to the physical path control unit 111b in the corresponding host computer 1a. As described above, since a message is transmitted using one of a plurality of physical paths in a “connected” state that exist between the relay server 2 and the host computer 1a, Even in the event of a failure, it becomes possible to transmit a message using another physical path.
[0086]
When the physical path control unit 111b receives the message to which the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” is added, the path management unit 11 searches the logical path state table 13 and searches for the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003”. "Is stored, and a message is passed to the logical path control means (for example, logical path control means 113b) corresponding to the entry.
[0087]
When the logical path control unit 113b receives the message to which the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” is added, the logical path control unit 113b passes the message to the business program execution unit 14. The business program execution unit 14 activates a business program (for example, business program 141b) according to the message content and passes the message. The business program 141b uses the database 4 accessible from both the host computers 1a and 1b to process the business requested by the message, and returns the processing result to the logical path control unit 113b. When the processing result is returned to the logical path control unit 113b, the business program execution unit 14 also returns the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” added to the message.
[0088]
When the processing result and the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” are returned, the logical path control unit 113b searches the logical path state table 13 using the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” as a key, The group to which the logical path specified by the path identifier “LID-H1-00003” belongs is recognized. Now, for example, if the contents of the logical path state table 13 are as shown in FIG. 10A, the logical path control means 113b recognizes that the logical path belongs to the group “SERVER”.
[0089]
Thereafter, the logical path control unit 113b passes the group “SERVER” to the path connection unit 112 and requests selection of a physical path to be used. As a result, the path connection unit 112 searches the physical path state table 12 and selects one physical path in the connected state from the physical paths belonging to the group “SERVER”. Now, for example, if the contents of the physical path state table 12 are as shown in FIG. 2, one of the physical paths defined by entries Nos. “1” to “3” is selected. become. Thereafter, the logical path control unit 113b sends the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” to the physical path control unit (for example, the physical path control unit 111b) corresponding to the physical path in the connection state selected by the path connection unit 112. The processing result with the added is passed. As a result, the physical path control unit 111b transmits the processing result to the corresponding physical path control unit 211b.
[0090]
When the physical path control unit 211b receives the processing result to which the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” is added, the path management unit 21 searches the logical path state table 23 and searches for the logical path identifier “LID-H1- The entry storing “00003” is searched, and the processing result is passed to the logical path control means (for example, logical path control means 213b) corresponding to the entry.
[0091]
When the processing result with the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003” added is passed, the logical path control means 213b searches the logical path state table 23 and corresponds to the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00003”. Acquires the terminal definition name that has been registered. Now, for example, if the contents of the logical path status table 23 are as shown in FIG. 11, the terminal definition name “TERM-B” is acquired. Thereafter, the logical path control unit 213b adds the terminal definition name “TERM-B” to the processing result and passes it to the terminal control unit 24. As a result, the terminal control unit 24 uses the business terminal control unit 241 corresponding to the terminal definition name “TERM-B” to return the processing result to the business terminal 3b that is the message transmission source.
[0092]
As described above, the message transferred to the host computer 1a is transferred to the business program execution means 14. On the host computer 1a, a plurality of messages received through a certain logical path are messages from the same terminal. It is guaranteed that there is. Further, by setting the logical path definition name as the common name in the host computers 1a and 1b, it is guaranteed that the message received through the logical path having the common logical path definition name is a message from the same terminal. For example, a message received through a logical path having the logical path definition name “L1” is guaranteed to be a message from a business terminal having “TERM-A” as the terminal definition name, and the host computer 1a or the host computer 1b It can be determined that the messages are received from the same terminal. That is, it is possible to perform business processing in which the business terminals 3a and 3b are identified across a plurality of host computers.
[0093]
Next, a method for setting the “group status” in the terminal status table 26 will be described. The setting of the “group state” is performed by the host information collecting unit 25, and an example of the processing is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0094]
The host information collecting unit 25 periodically performs the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the host information collection unit 25 refers to the terminal state table 26 and determines whether or not the logical path between the host computers 1a and 1b has been connected (S1401). That is, it is determined whether or not the logical path is already connected based on whether or not the logical path identifier is set.
[0095]
If the logical path is not already connected, a connection request is output to the terminal management means 24 (S1401 is NO, S1402). As a result, the terminal management unit 24 performs the same operation as when a connection request is received from the business terminals 3a and 3b, and logical paths are set between the host computer 1a and the host computer 1b. At the same time, the control terminal control means 242 is generated and a terminal identifier (eg, “TID- # CTRL #”) is distributed (FIG. 7, S701, S709 to S715). Thereafter, the terminal management unit 24 performs the process of step S1403.
[0096]
On the other hand, if the logical path is already connected, the process of step S1403 is immediately performed. In step S1403, a message requesting activation of the control business program is passed to the control terminal control means 242. At that time, the distributed terminal identifier “TID- # CTRL #” is added to the message.
[0097]
The control terminal control unit 242 passes the message from the host information collection unit 25 to the logical path selection unit 27.
[0098]
When the message from the host information collection unit 25 is passed through the control terminal control unit 242, the logical path selection unit 27 extracts the terminal identifier “TID- # CTRL #” added thereto, and this extracted terminal The terminal status table 26 is searched using the identifier “TID- # CTRL #” as a key (FIG. 13, S131, S132). Now, for example, if the contents of the terminal status table 26 are as shown in FIG. 12, the terminal identifier “TID- # CTRL #” is stored in the entry of the entry No. “3”, and the terminal of the entry Since the type is “control terminal” (S133, S134), the logical path selection unit 27 sets the logical path identifiers “LID-H1-00002” and “LID-H2-00002” stored in the entry. A message is passed to the logical path control means (logical path control means 213c and 213f) corresponding to (S136). At this time, the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00002” is added to the message passed to the logical path control unit 213c, and the logical path identifier “LID-H2-00002” is added to the message passed to the logical path control unit 213f. Append.
[0099]
As a result, the same processing as when the messages from the business terminals 3a and 3b are transmitted to the host computers 1a and 1b is performed, and the message from the host information collecting means 25 is the business program execution means 14 of the host computers 1a and 1b. , 14 '. As a result, the business program execution means 14 and 14 'activate the control business programs 142 and 142'.
[0100]
The control business programs 142 and 142 ′ use a logical path control to display a message indicating “active” if the host computers 1a and 1b of the own system are active, and a message indicating “standby” if the host computers 1a and 1b are active. The information is returned to the host information collecting means 25 via the means 113c and 113c ′. At that time, the control educational programs 142 and 142 ′ add logical path identifiers “LID-H1-00002” and “LID-H2-00002” to the message.
[0101]
When a message indicating “in operation” is returned, the host information collection unit 25 returns the group corresponding to the logical path identifier added to the message from among the group states stored in the terminal state table 26. The status is changed to “in operation” (S1405 to S1407).
[0102]
When a message indicating “waiting” is returned, the group status corresponding to the logical path identifier added to the message among the group statuses stored in the terminal status table 26 is set to “waiting”. (S1405, S1406, S1408).
[0103]
In addition, the group status corresponding to the logical path for which no message is returned for a certain period of time is updated to “unknown” (S1404 is YES, S1409).
[0104]
As described above, the host information collection unit 25 is used to periodically collect host information ("active" and "standby") from each of the host computers 1a and 1b, and a terminal status table according to the collected host information. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in a host computer that is in operation, operations can be continued using another host computer. For example, when a failure occurs in the host computer 1a when the host computers 1a and 1b are “operating” and “standby”, respectively, the host computer 1b becomes “operating”. This is reflected in the terminal status table 26 by the processing periodically performed by the host information collecting means 25, and thereafter, the message is transferred through the logical path connected to the host computer 1b. Even when a failure occurs in the “running” host computer 1a, it is possible to continue the business process using another host computer 1b.
[0105]
Other Embodiments of the Invention
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a system that distributes business processing to a plurality of host computers, such as a load balancing cluster system.
[0106]
This embodiment is realized by making the following changes (1) to (4) in the first embodiment.
[0107]
(1) Instead of the terminal status table 26, a terminal status table 26a having the configuration shown in FIG. 15 is used. The difference between the terminal state table 26a and the terminal state table 26 is that an item “group busy rate” is included instead of the item “group state”. The group busy rate is an index indicating the busyness (load) of the host computer.
[0108]
(2) The host information collecting unit 25 is caused to perform the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0109]
(3) The logical path selection unit 27 is caused to perform the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0110]
(4) When receiving a message from the host information collecting means 25, the control business programs 142 and 142 ′ return a message indicating the busy rate of the host computers 1a and 1b.
[0111]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Here, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.
[0112]
The host information collecting unit 25 periodically performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the host information collection unit 25 refers to the terminal state table 26a and determines whether or not the logical path between the host computers 1a and 1b is already connected (S161).
[0113]
If the logical path is not already connected, a connection request is output to the terminal management means 24 (S161 is NO, S162). As a result, processing similar to that described above is performed, logical paths are connected to the host computer 1a and to the host computer 1b, and the control terminal control means 242 is generated to generate a terminal identifier (for example, , "TID- # CTRL #") is distributed. Thereafter, the terminal management unit 24 performs the process of step S163.
[0114]
On the other hand, if the logical path is already connected, the process of step S163 is immediately performed. In step S163, a message requesting activation of the control business program is passed to the control terminal control means 242. At that time, the distributed terminal identifier “TID- # CTRL #” is added to the message.
[0115]
The control terminal control unit 242 passes the message from the host information collection unit 25 to the logical path selection unit 27.
[0116]
When the message from the host information collection unit 25 is passed through the control terminal control unit 242, the logical path selection unit 27 extracts the terminal identifier “TID- # CTRL #” added thereto, and this extracted terminal The terminal status table 26a is searched using the identifier “TID- # CTRL #” as a key (FIG. 17, S171, S172). Now, for example, assuming that the contents of the terminal status table 26a are as shown in FIG. 15, the terminal identifier “TID- # CTRL #” is stored in the entry No. “3”, and the terminal of the entry Since the type is “control terminal” (S 173, S 174), the logical path selection means 27 uses the logical path identifiers “LID-H1-00002” and “LID-H2-00002” stored in the entry. A message is passed to the logical path control means (logical path control means 213c and 213f) corresponding to (S177). At this time, the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00002” is added to the message passed to the logical path control unit 213c, and the logical path identifier “LID-H2-00002” is added to the message passed to the logical path control unit 213f. Append.
[0117]
As a result, the same processing as described above is performed, and the message from the host information collecting means 25 is passed to the business program executing means 14, 14 'of the host computers 1a, 1b. As a result, the business program execution means 14 and 14 'activate the control business programs 142 and 142'.
[0118]
The control business program 142, 142 ′ returns a message indicating the busy rate of the host computer 1a, 1b of the own system to the host information collecting unit 25 via the logical path control unit 113c, 113c ′. At this time, the control business programs 142 and 142 ′ add the logical path identifiers “LID-H1-00002” and “LID-H2-00002” to the message.
[0119]
When a message indicating the busy rate is returned, the host information collection unit 25 returns the group busy rate corresponding to the logical path identifier added to the message among the group busy rates stored in the terminal state table 26a. Is changed to the busy rate represented by the message (S165 to S167). When the above processing is performed for messages sent from all the host computers 1a and 1b (YES in step S169), the processing ends. However, if there is a host computer that does not return a message even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the group busy rate corresponding to that host computer is changed to “unknown” (YES at S164, S168).
[0120]
Next, an operation when a message is transmitted from the business terminals 3a and 3b to the host computer will be described as an example of a case where a message is transmitted from the business terminal 3a. It is assumed that a terminal identifier “TID-00001” is assigned to the business terminal 3a.
[0121]
When transmitting the message to the host computer, the business terminal 3a first adds the terminal identifier “TID-00001” to the message, and then transmits the message with the terminal identifier “TID-00001” to the relay server 2.
[0122]
The message from the business terminal 3a is passed to the logical path selection unit 27 through the corresponding business terminal control unit 241a.
[0123]
When the message from the business terminal 3a is passed through the business terminal control unit 241a, the logical path selection unit 27 extracts the terminal identifier “TID-00001” added thereto, and extracts the extracted terminal identifier “TID-00001”. "Is used as a key to search the terminal status table 26a (FIG. 17, S171, S172).
[0124]
If the entry in which the terminal identifier “TID-00001” is stored cannot be found, a message reception failure is notified to the business terminal 3a via the business terminal control means 241a (S173 is NO, S178). . On the other hand, if the entry storing the terminal identifier “TID-00001” can be found, the terminal type stored in the entry is “business terminal” or “control terminal” Is checked (S174). Now, for example, assuming that the contents of the terminal status table 26a are as shown in FIG. 15, the entry No. “1” is found in step S172, so in step S174, the terminal type is “business terminal”. It will be recognized that.
[0125]
In step S174, when it is recognized that the terminal type is “business terminal”, the logical path selection unit 27 determines that the corresponding group busy rate is the lowest among the logical identifiers stored in the entry No. “1”. Is selected (S175). In this example, the group busy rates corresponding to the logical path identifiers “LID-H1-00001” and “LID-H2-00001” are “10%” and “20%”, respectively. LID-H1-00001 "will be selected. Thereafter, the logical path selection unit 27 adds the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00001” to the message from the business terminal 3a, and manages the logical path specified by the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00001”. To the logical path control means 213a that is currently in operation (S176). Thereafter, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed. As a result, the message from the business terminal 3a is sent to the host having the lowest busy rate in a plurality of related logical paths (logical paths with logical path identifiers “LID-H1-00001” and “LID-H2-00001”). It is transferred via a logical path connected to the computer. In other words, business processing according to the message can be performed on the host computer with the lowest busy rate. In addition, since the busy rate is periodically reviewed, the host computer that is the message transmission destination is switched when the busy rate is reversed. Thereby, the load can be leveled.
[0126]
[Other embodiments of the present invention]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The feature of this embodiment is that it can withstand a failure of the relay server.
[0127]
FIG. 18 is a block diagram of this embodiment. The differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are as follows (a) to (c).
[0128]
(A) A business terminal 3a ′ is provided instead of the business terminal 3a.
[0129]
In addition to the functions provided by the terminal 3a, the terminal 3a ′, when transmitting a logical path connection request to the relay server, sets the logical path to the relay server with the highest priority among the normally operating relay servers. Has a function of transmitting a connection request. Furthermore, in addition to the functions of the terminal 3a, the terminal 3a ′ transmits the message to the relay server with the highest priority among the normally operating relay servers when transmitting the message to the host computer. It has a function. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the priority order is in the order of the relay server 2a and the relay server 2b. That is, it is assumed that the priority order of the relay server 2a is the highest.
[0130]
(B) A host computer 1a 'or 1b' is provided instead of the host computer 1a or 1b.
[0131]
The difference between the host computers 1a and 1b and the host computers 1a ′ and 1b ′ is that the logical path status tables 13a and 13b are provided instead of the logical path status tables 13 and 13 ′, and the control business programs 142 and 142 are provided. In this case, control business programs 142a and 142b are provided in place of ', and recording media K1a' and K1b 'are provided.
[0132]
FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams showing examples of contents of the logical path status tables 13a and 13b. The item “terminal identifier” is added to the items included in the logical path status tables 13 and 13 ′.
[0133]
In addition to the functions provided in the control business programs 142 and 142 ′, the control business programs 142a and 142b receive a list request message from the host information collection means 25a and 25b, and the logical path status table 13a. , 13b, and a function that returns a message including a list of combinations of “terminal definition name”, “logical path identifier”, and “terminal identifier” in the entry whose logical path connection state is “connected” at that time Have
[0134]
The recording media K1a ′ and K1b ′ are disks, semiconductor memories, and other recording media, in which programs for causing the host computers 1a ′ and 1b ′ to function as part of the online system are recorded. This program is read by the host computers 1a ′ and 1b ′, and by controlling the operation thereof, the path management means 11 and 11 ′ and the physical path status tables 12 and 12 ′ are stored on the host computers 1a ′ and 1b ′. And logical path status tables 13a and 13b and business program execution means 14 and 14 '.
[0135]
(C) The business terminal 3a ′ and the host computers 1a ′ and 1b ′ are connected via the plurality of relay servers 2a and 2b.
[0136]
The difference between the relay servers 2a and 2b and the relay server 2 is that the host information collecting means 25a and 25b are provided instead of the host information collecting means 25, and the recording media K2a and K2b are provided instead of the recording medium K2. It is a point.
[0137]
The host information collecting units 25a and 25b have a function of periodically executing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 in addition to the functions provided in the host information collecting unit 25.
[0138]
The recording media K2a and K2b are disks, semiconductor memories, and other recording media, and a program for causing the relay servers 2a and 2b to function as part of the online system is recorded. This program is read by the relay servers 2a and 2b, and by controlling the operation thereof, the path management means 21 and 21 ', the physical path status tables 22 and 22', and the logical path status on the relay servers 2a and 2b. Tables 23 and 23 ', terminal management means 24 and 24', host information collection means 25a and 25b, terminal status tables 26 and 26 ', and logical path selection means 27 and 27' are realized.
[0139]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Here, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.
[0140]
Now, for example, it is assumed that the business terminal 3a ′ has transmitted a logical path connection request to the relay server 2a, 2b that is operating normally and having the highest priority (referred to as the relay server 2a). Then, in response to this logical path connection request, the same processing as described above is performed, and the logical path (logical logic) between the relay server 2a and the host computer 1a ′ is processed by the logical path control means 213a and the logical path control means 113a. A logical path having a path identifier “LID-H1-00001” is set, and a logical path (logical path) is established between the relay server 2a and the host computer 1b ′ by the logical path control unit 213c and the logical path control unit 113a ′. The logical path with the identifier “LID-H2-00001” is set. Furthermore, it is assumed that a terminal identifier (TID-00001) is assigned to the business terminal 3a ′ by the business terminal control unit 241a. In the present embodiment, the business terminal control means 241a transmits this terminal identifier “TID-00001” to the host computers 1a ′ and 1b ′ via the two logical paths described above. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the logical path control means 113a and 113a ′ in the host computers 1a ′ and 1b ′ use the terminal identifier “TID-00001” sent from the relay server 2a as shown in FIGS. Stored in the entries corresponding to the logical path identifiers “LID-H1-00001” and “LID-H2-00001” in the logical path status tables 13a and 13b.
[0141]
On the other hand, the host information collection means 25a and 25b in the relay servers 2a and 2b perform the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 at every predetermined time.
[0142]
Now, for example, it is assumed that the host information collecting unit 25b in the relay server 2b starts the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0143]
The host information collection unit 25b refers to the terminal state table 26 ′ and determines whether or not the logical path between the host computers 1a ′ and 1b ′ has been connected (S201).
[0144]
If the logical path is not already connected, a connection request is output to the terminal management unit 24 '(S201 is NO, S202). As a result, a logical path is connected to the host computer 1a ′ and to the host computer 1b ′, and a control terminal control unit 242 ′ is generated, and a terminal identifier (for example, “TID- # CTRL #”) is generated. Is distributed. Thereafter, the terminal management unit 24 ′ performs the process of step S203.
[0145]
On the other hand, if the logical path is already connected, the process of step S203 is immediately performed. In step S203, a message requesting transmission of the list is passed to the control terminal control means 242 ′. At that time, the distributed terminal identifier “TID- # CTRL #” is added to the message.
[0146]
The control terminal control unit 242 ′ passes the message from the host information collection unit 25b to the logical path selection unit 27 ′. When the message from the host information collection unit 25b is passed through the business terminal management unit 242 ′, the logical path selection unit 27 ′ extracts the terminal identifier “TID- # CTRL #” added thereto, and extracts this The terminal status table 26 ′ is searched using the terminal identifier “TID- # CTRL #” as a key (FIG. 13, S131, S132). As a result, since the terminal type is known as “control terminal”, a message requesting the list is transmitted to the host computers 1a ′ and 1b ′ (S134 and S136).
[0147]
The message from the host information collecting means 25 ′ is transferred to the business program execution means 14, 14 ′ of the host computers 1a ′, 1b ′. As a result, the business program execution means 14 and 14 'activate the control business programs 142a and 142b and pass a message requesting the list.
[0148]
The control business programs 142a and 142b refer to the logical path status tables 13a and 13b, respectively, and from all entries whose logical path connection status is “connected” at that time, the “terminal definition” stored therein A set of “name”, “logical path identifier”, and “terminal identifier” is extracted. Then, a message including the extracted set list is returned to the requesting host information collecting unit 25b. Note that the logical path identifier of the logical path used for the transmission is added to this message. Now, for example, assuming that the contents of the logical path status tables 13a and 13b are as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the control business program 142a is “TERM-A”, “LID-H1-00001”. ”,“ TID-00001 ”,“ # CTRL # ”,“ LID-H1-00002 ”,“ TID- # CTRL # ”,“ # CTRL # ”,“ LID-H1-00003 ”, A message including the “TID- # CTRL #” pair is returned to the host information collecting unit 25b, and the control business program 142b sets “TERM-A”, “LID-H2-00001”, and “TID-00001”. , "# CTRL #", "LID-H2-00002", "TID- # CTRL #" pair, "# CTRL #", "LID-H2-00003", "TID- # CTRL #" pair Will be returned to the host information collecting means 25b.
[0149]
For example, when receiving a message including the above list from the host computer 1a ′, the host information collecting unit 25b extracts the logical path identifier added thereto (S205). Thereafter, the host information collecting unit 25b determines whether or not an unprocessed set exists in the received message (S206). If it does not exist, it is determined whether or not messages from all groups (all host computers 1a ′ and 1b ′) have been received (S216). If it is determined that messages have been received from all the groups, the process is terminated. If not, the process returns to step S204.
[0150]
On the other hand, when it is determined that an unprocessed group exists in the message received from the host computer 1a ′, one unprocessed group is extracted (S207). Now, for example, assume that the extracted set includes a terminal definition name “TERM-A”, a logical path identifier “LID-H1-00001”, and a terminal identifier “TID-00001”. Thereafter, the logical path state table 23 ′ is searched, and whether the terminal specified by the terminal definition name “TERM-A” included in the extracted set is “service terminal” or “control terminal”. Is determined (S208).
[0151]
If it is determined that the terminal is a “control terminal”, the process returns to step S206. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is a “service terminal”, the logical path identifier extracted in step S205 in the entry corresponding to the terminal definition name “TERM-A” is referred to the terminal status table 26 ′. Whether the logical path identifier is set in the corresponding group (here, the logical path identifier is “H1” because it indicates the logical path between the host computer 1a ′ and the relay server 2b). Is determined (S209). The group corresponding to the logical path identifier extracted in step S205 can be obtained by searching the logical path status table 23 ′ using the logical path identifier as a key. For example, when the logical path identifier extracted in step S205 is “LID-H1-00001” and the content of the logical path status table 23 ′ is as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the group “H1” is searched, If the logical path identifier extracted in step S205 is “LID-H2-00001”, the group “H2” is searched.
[0152]
When the determination result in step S209 is YES, that is, the logical path identifier is stored in association with the group “H1” in the entry corresponding to the terminal definition name “TERM-A” in the terminal state table 26 ′. If yes, the process of step S213 is performed. On the other hand, when the determination result in step S209 is NO, that is, in the entry corresponding to the terminal definition name “TERM-A” in the terminal state table 26 ′, the area corresponding to the group “H1” is blank. If it is, it is recognized that the logical path connection process between the business terminal 3a ′ and the host computer 1a ′ has been performed by another relay server (a relay server other than the relay server 2b), and the process of step S210 is performed. I do. .
[0153]
In step S210, the logical path control means 213a ′ corresponding to the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00001” in the set to be processed is generated. In step S211, the logical path status table 23 ′ is grouped into the group “H1”. And the terminal definition name “TERM-A” as a key, and the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00001” in the above set is stored in the area corresponding to the group “H1” in the corresponding entry. In S212, the logical path identifier “LID-H1-00001” is stored in the area specified by the group “H1” and the terminal definition name “TERM-A” in the terminal state table 26 ′. As a result, a means for transmitting and receiving messages related to the corresponding logical path is established.
[0154]
Thereafter, it is checked whether or not the terminal identifier is stored in the entry corresponding to the terminal definition name “TERM-A” in the terminal state table 26 ′ (S213). If it is stored (YES in S213), the process returns to step S206. On the other hand, if it is not stored (NO in S213), the process of step S214 is performed.
[0155]
In step S214, the business terminal control means 241a ′ corresponding to the terminal identifier “TID-00001” in the set to be processed is generated, and in the next step S215, the terminal definition name “TERM-” in the terminal status table 26 ′ is generated. The terminal identifier “TID-00001” is stored in the entry corresponding to “A”, and then the process of step S206 is performed. As a result, a means for transmitting and receiving messages related to the corresponding business terminal 3a ′ is established in the relay server 2b. When the response time-out occurs (YES in S204), the host information collecting unit 25b ends the process.
[0156]
When a message is sent from the host computer 1b ′, the same processing as described above is performed.
[0157]
By performing the above processing in all the relay servers 2a and 2b, the terminal information that has been connected in a certain relay server can be reflected in all the relay servers 2a and 2b. Thus, the “terminal identifier” and the “logical path identifier” of the transfer destination given to the message received from the business terminal 3a ′ exist in the terminal status tables 26 and 26 ′ on all the relay servers 2a and 2b. Even through the relay servers 2a and 2b, transfer to the corresponding logical paths on the host computers 1a 'and 1b' becomes possible, and the business program can perform processing that identifies the business terminal.
[0158]
FIG. 21 shows the correspondence between the logical paths in FIG. 18 using the reference numerals in the drawing. For example, “213a” on the relay server 2a and “213a ′” on the relay server 2b both correspond to “113a” on the host computer 1a ′.
[0159]
At the time of failure of the relay server 2a, the business terminal 3a ′ transmits a message to the host computers 1a and 1b via the relay server 2b having the next highest priority, so even if a failure occurs in the relay server, the terminal It is possible to continue processing without interrupting the work from the start.
[0160]
Even when a relay server is dynamically added and a physical path is set between the host computers 1a and 1b, the terminal status tables 26 and 26 'are updated by the host information collecting means 25a and 25b. The message from the terminal can be immediately processed.
[0161]
Although not described in the above-described embodiment, the business terminal is connected to the relay server with the lightest load among the normally operating relay servers between the business terminal 3a ′ and the relay servers 2a and 2b. A load distribution switch for transmitting a logical path connection request from 3a ′ or a message may be provided. In this case, the business terminal 3a ′ does not need a function of outputting a message or logical path connection request in consideration of the priority of the relay server, and sends a message or logical path connection request to the load balancing switch. What is necessary is just to have the function to transmit. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the relay servers 2a and 2b are slightly changed to the relay server 2 in the first embodiment (the host information collecting unit 25 is not limited to the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. Although the relay server to which the processing shown in the flowchart is also added is used, the relay servers 2a and 2b are slightly changed to the relay server in the second embodiment (the host information collecting unit is changed to the flowchart of FIG. 16). In addition to the processing shown, a relay server to which processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 is also performed may be used.
[0162]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a logical path corresponding to a host computer in which no failure has occurred among logical paths set between a relay server and each host computer, and the above-described host computer. Since messages are sent using one of the physical paths that are set in between, even if a failure occurs in the host computer, a failure occurs in the physical path. Even if it exists, communication can be continued.
[0163]
In the present invention, each relay server collects terminal information about each terminal connected to the host computer via a logical path from each host computer, and the relay server self-relays in the terminal indicated by the collected terminal information. If there is a terminal that is not connected to the host computer via a logical path via the server, the terminal and each host computer are connected via a logical path via the local relay server. Can also be easily dealt with.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of contents of physical path status tables 12 and 12 ′.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of contents of logical path status tables 13, 13 ′.
4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a physical path status table 22. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a logical path state table 23;
6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a terminal state table 26. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the terminal management means 24;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the path management means 21;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the path management unit 11;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of logical path status tables 13, 13 ′.
11 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a logical path status table 23. FIG.
12 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a terminal state table 26. FIG.
13 is a flowchart showing a processing example of a logical path selection unit 27. FIG.
14 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the host information collecting means 25. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a terminal status table 26a used in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the host information collecting means 25 in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing example of a logical path selection unit 27 in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of logical path status tables 13a and 13b.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing example of host information collecting means 25a and 25b.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between logical path control means on the relay server side and logical path control means on the host computer side.
[Explanation of symbols]
1a, 1a ′, 1b, 1b ′... Host computer
11, 11 '... path management means
111a to 111d, 111a ′ to 111d ′, physical path control means
112, 112 '... Path selection means
113a to 113c, 113a ′ to 113c ′, logical path control means
12, 12 '... Physical path state table
13, 13 ', 13a, 13b ... Logical path status table
14, 14 '... business program execution means
141a, 141a ', 141b, 141b' ... business program
142, 142 ', 142a, 142b ... business program for control
15, 15 '... console
K1a, K1a ′, K1b, K1b ′... Recording medium
2, 2a, 2b ... relay server
21, 21 '... path management means
211a to 211f, 211a ′ to 211d ′, physical path control means
212, 212 '... Path selection means
213a to 213f, 213a ′ to 213d ′, logical path control means
22, 22 '... Physical path state table
23, 23 '... Logical path status table
24, 24 '... terminal management means
241a, 241b, 241a '... business terminal control means
242 and 242 '... control terminal control means
25, 25a, 25b ... Host information collecting means
26, 26 '... Terminal status table
27, 27 '... Logical path selection means
28, 28 '... console
3a, 3a ', 3b ... business terminal
4 ... Database
K2, K2a, K2b ... Recording medium

Claims (7)

A logical path control method in an online system in which a terminal and a plurality of host computers are connected via a relay server,
Each between the relay server and the respective host computer, a physical path connection step of connecting the physical path of a plurality of physical communication channels,
In response to a connection request from the terminal, the set of logical paths respectively between the relay server and the respective host computer, said each host computer and the terminal via the logic path for each host computer with said set Connecting step to connect,
Each of the host computers set in the connection step when the relay server collects whether the status of each of the host computers is operating, standby, or faulty, and a message is sent from the terminal A plurality of physical paths that select a logical path corresponding to the host computer whose collected state is in operation and connect the host computer corresponding to the selected logical path and the own relay server. A logical path control method comprising: a message transmission step of selecting one physical path from among the paths and transmitting the message to a host computer using the selected physical path and the selected logical path. . The logical path control method according to claim 1,
The relay server includes a collection step of collecting a busy rate of each host computer; and
A logical path control method comprising: selecting a logical path corresponding to a host computer having the smallest busy rate collected in the collecting step when selecting a logical path in the message sending step. A logical path control method in an online system comprising a terminal, a plurality of host computers, and a plurality of relay servers each connecting the terminal and the plurality of host computers,
Each between each relay server and the respective host computer, a physical path connection step of connecting the physical path of a plurality of physical communication channels,
Of said each relay server, the relay server receives the connection request from the terminal, sets a logical path to each between the the own relay server each host computer, the logical path for each host computer with said set A connection step of connecting the terminal and each of the host computers via
Among the relay servers, the relay server that has received the message from the terminal collects whether the status of each host computer is active, standby, or faulty, and sends a message from the terminal. When selected, a logical path corresponding to the host computer whose collected state is in operation is selected from the logical paths of the host computers set in the connection step, and the selected logical path is One physical path is selected from a plurality of physical paths connecting the corresponding host computer and the own relay server, and the message is transmitted to the host computer using the selected physical path and the selected logical path. A message sending step;
Each relay server collects terminal information about each terminal connected to the host computer via a logical path from each host computer;
When there is a terminal that is not connected to a host computer by a logical path through the relay server, among the terminals indicated by the terminal information collected in the collection step of the relay server, each relay server, A logical path control method comprising: a fault countermeasure logical path connection step for connecting the terminal and each of the host computers via a logical path via a self-relay server. A relay server that is a component of an online system in which a terminal and a plurality of host computers are connected via a relay server,
Each between its own relay server and the respective host computer, a physical path connection means for connecting the physical path of a plurality of physical communication channels,
In response to a connection request from said terminal, set a logical path to each between the the own relay server each host computer, and each host computer and the terminal via the logic path for each host computer with said set Connecting means for connecting,
Collecting whether the status of each host computer is active, standby, or faulty, and when a message is sent from the terminal , the logical path of each host computer set by the connection means The logical path corresponding to the host computer whose collected state is in operation is selected, and one of a plurality of physical paths connecting the host computer corresponding to the selected logical path and the local relay server is selected. A relay server comprising message transmission means for selecting one physical path and transmitting the message to a host computer using the selected physical path and the selected logical path. A relay server that is a component of an online system comprising a terminal, a plurality of host computers, and a plurality of relay servers each connecting the terminal and the plurality of host computers;
Each between its own relay server and the respective host computer, a physical path connection means for connecting the physical path of a plurality of physical communication channels,
When receiving a connection request from the terminal, sets a logical path to each between the the own relay server each host computer, and the terminal and through the logic path for each host computer to which the set each host computer Connecting means for connecting;
Collecting whether the status of each host computer is active, standby, or faulty, and when receiving a message from the terminal, from the logical path of each host computer set by the connection means , One physical path is selected from a plurality of physical paths connecting the host computer corresponding to the selected logical path and the own relay server while selecting a logical path corresponding to the host computer whose collected state is in operation. Message sending means for selecting a path and sending the message to a host computer using the selected physical path and the selected logical path;
Collecting means for collecting terminal information relating to a terminal connected to the host computer via a logical path from each host computer;
If there is a terminal that is not connected to a host computer by a logical path via the own relay server among the terminals indicated by the terminal information collected by the collecting means of the own relay server, the terminal and each of the hosts A relay server comprising a failure countermeasure logical path connection means for connecting a computer with a logical path via a local relay server. A program for realizing, by a computer, a relay server that is a component of an online system in which a terminal and a plurality of host computers are connected via a relay server,
The computer,
Physical path connection means respectively between the own relay server and the respective host computer, connected by a physical path is a plurality of physical communication channels,
In response to a connection request from said terminal, set a logical path to each between the the own relay server each host computer, and each host computer and the terminal via the logic path for each host computer with said set Connecting means to connect,
Collecting whether the status of each host computer is active, standby, or faulty, and when a message is sent from the terminal , the logical path of each host computer set by the connection means The logical path corresponding to the host computer whose collected state is in operation is selected, and one of a plurality of physical paths connecting the host computer corresponding to the selected logical path and the own relay server is selected. A program for selecting one physical path and causing it to function as a message transmission unit that transmits the message to a host computer using the selected physical path and the selected logical path. A program for realizing by a computer a relay server that is a component of an online system including a terminal, a plurality of host computers, and a plurality of relay servers each connecting the terminal and the plurality of host computers. And
The computer,
Physical path connection means respectively between the own relay server and the respective host computer, connected by a physical path is a plurality of physical communication channels,
When receiving a connection request from the terminal, sets a logical path to each between the the own relay server each host computer, and the terminal and through the logic path for each host computer to which the set each host computer Connection means to connect,
Collecting whether the status of each host computer is active, standby, or faulty, and when receiving a message from the terminal, from among the logical paths of the host computers set by the connection means , One physical path is selected from a plurality of physical paths connecting the host computer corresponding to the selected logical path and the own relay server while selecting a logical path corresponding to the host computer whose collected state is in operation. A message transmission means for selecting a path and transmitting the message to a host computer using the selected physical path and the selected logical path;
Collecting means for collecting terminal information relating to a terminal connected to the host computer via a logical path from each host computer,
If there is a terminal that is not connected to a host computer by a logical path via the own relay server among the terminals indicated by the terminal information collected by the collecting means of the own relay server, the terminal and each of the hosts A program for causing a computer to function as a failure countermeasure logical path connection means for connecting to a computer via a logical path via its own relay server.

Images