JP2011188443A - Device and method for managing band, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately start communication even when it is impossible to keep a required band in a band-assured network. <P>SOLUTION: The method for managing the band is performed through a server managing the band of the communication in the band-assured network. The method includes steps: for receiving the data of the lowest band and the required band; for determining whether or not the band is in a predetermined condition to suppress communication data quantity at the initiating point of communication, based on the data about the communication data quantity or the data about utilizing bandwidth in each of path in the network; for specifying the possibly ensuring widest band based on the data in a band-data storage, and determining whether or not the band is wider than the lowest band, when it is determined that the band is not in the predetermined condition; and for transmitting an allocation command including the narrower data of the specified band and the required band to a router relating to the communication, when the band is determined as wider than the lowest band. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present technology relates to a technology for managing a bandwidth in a network.

  NGN (Next Generation Network) has a bandwidth guarantee function. That is, when communicating by connecting to the NGN, it is guaranteed that the communication can be continued in the band once secured. On the other hand, NGN cannot start communication when the required bandwidth cannot be secured. Therefore, if the requested bandwidth cannot be secured, the user must try to connect to the NGN again. In addition, the waiting time until communication is started may be very long depending on the communication status in NGN.

  By the way, there is a technique for adjusting a band used for communication. Specifically, a communication control device provided in the transmission-side or reception-side multimedia processing device accepts a new communication start request from an application. If the unused bandwidth is equal to or greater than the average bandwidth (the bandwidth required by the application), the average bandwidth is allocated to the application bandwidth. On the other hand, if the unused band is less than the average band, the band compression process is performed. If the band compression process is successful, the communication start success is notified to the application. If the band compression process fails, the communication start failure is notified to the application.

  However, the above technique manages the bandwidth allocated to a plurality of applications in the multimedia processing apparatus, and cannot be directly applied to bandwidth management in a network.

JP-A-7-248980

  Therefore, an object of the present technology is to provide a technology for appropriately starting communication even when a required bandwidth cannot be secured in a bandwidth-guaranteed network.

  This bandwidth management method is executed by a computer that manages a bandwidth allocated to communication in a network that starts communication after securing a bandwidth to be used. The bandwidth management method includes: (A) receiving a bandwidth allocation request including data of a minimum bandwidth, which is a minimum bandwidth used in specific communication, and data of a specific communication request bandwidth; and (B) Start specific communication based on the data stored in the trend data storage unit that stores data related to the amount of communication data in the network for each time slot or the bandwidth data storage unit that stores data related to the bandwidth used in each path of the network A first determination step for determining whether or not the communication data amount is to be suppressed at a time point to be performed; and (C) when it is determined in the first determination step that the communication data amount is not the predetermined state, it is stored in the band data storage unit. Based on the data on the bandwidth used in each path of the network, the widest available for a particular communication A second determination step of determining a region and determining whether or not the widest band that can be secured is wider than the minimum band; and (D) a second determination step when it is determined in the second determination step that the band is wider than the minimum band Transmitting a bandwidth allocation instruction including data of the narrowest bandwidth of the widest bandwidth that can be secured and the requested bandwidth that is specified in (1) to a router related to the specific communication.

  This network connection method is a method for performing communication by connecting to a network for starting communication after securing a band to be used. Then, (A) the present network connection method, in response to a communication request, a specific communication request band related to the communication request and a minimum band that is a minimum band specified according to the specific communication type, (B) transmitting a communication start request including data of a specific communication request band and minimum band and data of a communication partner to a server managing communication in the network; and (C) a server. And setting to limit the amount of data transmitted in the specific communication according to the allocated bandwidth when receiving the data of the allocated bandwidth allocated to the specific communication in response to the communication start request.

  In a bandwidth-guaranteed network, communication can be appropriately started even when the required bandwidth cannot be secured.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a network according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the resource control server. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the terminal. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the protocol list storage unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the protocol list storage unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the protocol list storage unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the media list storage unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the trend data storage unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the resource data storage unit. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the system according to the embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 11 is a processing flow of processing performed when communication is started. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the structure of an IP packet. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the structure of an IP packet. FIG. 14 is a processing flow of processing performed when communication is started. FIG. 15 is a processing flow of processing performed when communication is started. FIG. 16 is a processing flow of allocated bandwidth determination processing. FIG. 17 is a processing flow of processing performed when communication is started. FIG. 18 is a processing flow of processing performed after the start of communication. FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of a computer.

  A conceptual network diagram according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, a network 12 including edge routers 71 and 73 and, for example, nodes n1 to n5 that are routers, are connected to a resource control server (sometimes called RACF (Resource Access Control Facility)) 1 and SIP (Session An Initiation Protocol (Server) server 3 and an authentication server (sometimes called NACF (Network Attachment Control Functions)) 5 are connected. In the network 12, nodes n 1 and n 2 are connected to the edge router 71. Nodes n3 and n4 are connected to the node n1. Nodes n3 and n5 are connected to the node n2. An edge router 73 is connected to the nodes n4 and n5.

  Routing in the network 12 is centrally controlled by the resource control server 1, the SIP server 3 and the authentication server 5. Hereinafter, a network including the resource control server 1, the SIP server 3, the authentication server 5, the edge routers 71 and 73, and the nodes n1 to n5 is referred to as an NGN network.

  A home gateway 91 is connected to the edge router 71 via a UNI (User-Network Interface) (not shown). Further, terminals 111 to 115 are connected to the home gateway 91 via a network 11 which is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). Similarly, a home gateway 93 is connected to the edge router 73 via a UNI (not shown). Further, terminals 131 to 135 are connected to the home gateway 93 via the network 13 which is a LAN, for example. The terminals 111 to 135 are, for example, telephones, televisions, and personal computers (PCs), and handle various data such as audio data, video data, and text data.

  FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the resource control server 1. The resource control server 1 includes a protocol list storage unit 101, a media list storage unit 102, a trend data storage unit 103, a resource data storage unit 104, a reception unit 105, a transmission unit 106, an allocated bandwidth determination unit 107, And a resource data updating unit 108.

  The receiving unit 105 and the transmitting unit 106 receive and transmit data. The allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 performs an allocated bandwidth determination process described later based on data stored in the protocol list storage unit 101, the media list storage unit 102, and the trend data storage unit 103. The resource data update unit 108 updates the data stored in the resource data storage unit 104.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the terminals 111 to 135. The terminals 111 to 135 include a header information setting unit 15. The header information setting unit 15 performs a process of setting the bandwidth and communication type data as communication headers in the communication data. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the header information setting unit 15 is provided in the terminals 111 to 135 to perform processing. However, the processing units having functions equivalent to the header information setting unit 15 are provided as home gateways 91 and 93. It is also possible to carry out the processing by providing it.

  Note that the SIP server 3, the authentication server 5, the edge routers 71 and 73, and the nodes n1 to n5 are the same as the conventional ones, and will not be described in detail here.

  4 to 6 show examples of data stored in the protocol list storage unit 101. FIG. 4 and 5 include a TCP port number column, a TCP protocol name column, and an NGN ACTION (bandwidth specifying method) column. If the corresponding protocol does not exist, the value of the line in which “default” is registered as the TCP protocol name is used. In the NGN ACTION column, data indicating a method for specifying a band to be allocated is stored. “Down” indicates that the lowest bandwidth is allocated. “Up” indicates that the widest band that is wider than the lowest band and can be secured is allocated. However, if the required bandwidth can be secured, the required bandwidth is allocated. The minimum band is a minimum band used for communication (for example, a minimum band that ensures communication quality). The requested bandwidth is a bandwidth required by a terminal that starts communication (for example, a bandwidth required by an application of a terminal that starts communication).

  In addition, the example of FIG. 6 includes a UDP port number column, a UDP protocol name column, and an NGN ACTION column. The data format is the same as in FIGS.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of data stored in the media list storage unit 102. In the example of FIG. 7, a media name column and an NGN ACTION column are included. If the corresponding media does not exist, the value in the row in which “default” is registered as the media name is used. The data registered in the NGN ACTION column is the same as in FIGS.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of data stored in the trend data storage unit 103. In the example of FIG. 8, a time column and a trend column are included. “Busy” indicates that the amount of communication data in the NGN network is large and the amount of communication data should be suppressed. “Not busy” indicates that the amount of communication data need not be suppressed.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of data stored in the resource data storage unit 104. The example of FIG. 9 includes a section column, a bandwidth column, a used bandwidth column, and a remaining bandwidth column. Thus, the resource data storage unit stores data for each path between edge routers in the NGN network. The data stored in the resource data storage unit 104 is updated, for example, periodically by the resource data update unit 108.

  FIG. 10 shows a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the system according to the embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 10 shows a series of operations from when an authentication request is made by the originating terminal (eg, terminal 111) until communication data is transmitted and received between the originating terminal and the terminating terminal (eg, terminal 131). Explain.

  First, the calling terminal transmits a calling authentication request to the authentication server 5 (step (1)). The authentication server 5 confirms whether the originating terminal is a legitimate terminal. If the authentication is successful, the authentication server 5 transmits an authentication success notification to the originating terminal (step (2)). The authentication success notification includes the originating terminal and the IP address of the SIP server 3.

  Next, the calling terminal transmits a communication start request to the SIP server 3 (step (3)). The communication start request includes data on the minimum bandwidth and the requested bandwidth, communication type data, and data on the called terminal (for example, a telephone number).

  Upon receiving the communication start request, the SIP server 3 transmits a called side authentication request to the authentication server 5 (step (4)). The authentication server 5 confirms whether the called terminal is a legitimate terminal. When the authentication is successful, the authentication server 5 transmits an authentication success notification to the SIP server 3 (step (5)). The authentication success notification includes the IP address of the called terminal. The authentication server 5 has a database that stores an IP address and a telephone number in association with each other, and specifies an IP address using the database.

  Next, the SIP server 3 transmits a bandwidth allocation request to the resource control server 1 (step (6)). The bandwidth allocation request includes minimum bandwidth and requested bandwidth data, communication type data, and originating and terminating IP addresses. Further, the SIP server 3 establishes a connection between the originating terminal and the terminating terminal.

  On the other hand, when receiving the bandwidth allocation request, the resource control server 1 performs an allocated bandwidth determination process. The allocated bandwidth determination process will be described later in detail. Then, the resource control server 1 transmits a bandwidth allocation instruction to the originating edge router (for example, edge router 71) and the terminating edge router (for example, edge router 73) (step (7)). The IP addresses of the source and destination edge routers are specified by a routing table, for example. In FIG. 10, only the originating and terminating edge routers are shown, but a bandwidth allocation instruction is also transmitted to nodes (for example, nodes n1 and n4) on the communication path. Then, the originating edge router and the terminating edge router start monitoring so as not to communicate beyond the notified allocated bandwidth.

  Then, the resource control server 1 transmits a communication start instruction to the originating and terminating terminals (step (8)). The originating and terminating terminals start communication (step (9)). When communication data is transmitted exceeding the allocated bandwidth, the edge router discards the excess communication data (step (10)).

  Next, processing contents of the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 18. First, processing performed when communication is started will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 17. Here, a case where the terminal 113 and the terminal 135 start communication will be described as an example.

  First, the terminal 113 (hereinafter referred to as a calling side terminal) transmits a calling side authentication request to the home gateway 91 (hereinafter referred to as a calling side home gateway) (FIG. 11: Step S1). The calling side home gateway receives the calling side authentication request from the calling side terminal and transfers it to the edge router 71 (hereinafter referred to as the calling side edge router) (step S3). Further, the calling-side edge router receives the calling-side authentication request from the calling-side home gateway and transfers it to the authentication server 5 (step S4).

  Then, the authentication server 5 receives the calling side authentication request from the calling side edge router (step S5). Further, the authentication server 5 performs an authentication process (step S7), and determines whether the authentication process is successful (step S8). If the authentication process fails (step S8: No route), the authentication server 5 performs a disconnection process (step S9). For example, the originating terminal is notified that the authentication process has failed. On the other hand, when the authentication process is successful (step S8: Yes route), the authentication server 5 transmits an authentication success notification including the IP address of the SIP server 3 to the originating edge router (step S10).

  Note that either the TCP protocol or the UDP protocol may be used for the originating authentication request and the authentication success notification. The structure of an IP packet in IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) is shown in FIGS. FIG. 12 shows the structure of an IP packet containing TCP data, and FIG. 13 shows the structure of an IP packet containing UDP data. In step S10, the IP address of the SIP server 3 is set, for example, in the data part in FIGS.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 11, the calling-side edge router receives the authentication success notification from the authentication server 5 and transfers it to the calling-side home gateway (step S11). In addition, the originating home gateway receives the authentication success notification from the originating edge router and forwards it to the originating terminal (step S12). Then, the calling terminal receives an authentication success notification from the calling home gateway (step S13). Thereafter, the processing shifts to the processing in FIG. 14 via terminals A to D.

  The processing after terminals A to D will be described with reference to FIG. First, the calling side terminal issues a communication start request including data on the minimum band and requested band, communication type data, and identification data (for example, a telephone number) of the terminal 135 (hereinafter referred to as the called side terminal) that is the communication partner. It transmits to the side home gateway (FIG. 14: step S15). The minimum bandwidth data, the required bandwidth data, and the communication type data are set in the data portion of the UDP packet. More specifically, an SAP (Session Announcement Protocol) header is set in the data part of the UDP packet, and data is set in a text payload following the SAP header by SDP (Session Description Protocol). In the present embodiment, for example, when the required bandwidth is 10000 Kbps (10 Mbps), the SDP parameter b is set to “b = AS: 10000”. For example, when the minimum bandwidth is set to 128 Kbps, the SDP parameter b is set to “b = X-MN: 128”. For example, when text data is transmitted using telnet, the SDP parameter m is set to “m = text 23 telnet”. Further, the IP address of the calling terminal is set in the SDP parameter o, and the IP address of the SIP server 3 is set in the SDP parameter c.

  In step S15, the requested bandwidth data may be acquired from, for example, an application related to communication, or input from the user may be accepted. The lowest bandwidth data may be acquired from, for example, a data storage unit that stores the lowest bandwidth data for each type of communication, or may be input from the user.

  Next, the originating home gateway receives a communication start request from the originating terminal and forwards it to the originating edge router (step S17). The calling side edge router receives the communication start request from the calling side home gateway and transfers it to the SIP server 3 (step S18). Then, the SIP server 3 receives a communication start request from the originating edge router (step S19).

  Next, the SIP server 3 transmits a called side authentication request to the authentication server 5 (step S21). The authentication server 5 receives the called side authentication request from the SIP server 3 (step S23). Then, the authentication server 5 performs an authentication process (step S25), and determines whether the authentication process is successful (step S26). When the authentication process fails (step S26: No route), the disconnection process is performed (step S27). For example, the SIP server 3 is notified that the authentication process has failed. On the other hand, when the authentication process is successful (step S26: Yes route), the authentication server 5 transmits an authentication success notification including the IP address of the called terminal to the SIP server 3 (step S28). Then, the SIP server 3 receives an authentication success notification from the authentication server 5 (step S29). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG.

  The processing after the terminal E will be described with reference to FIG. First, the SIP server 3 transmits a bandwidth allocation request including the minimum bandwidth, the requested bandwidth, and the communication type data received in step S19 to the resource control server 1 (FIG. 15: step S31). Thereafter, the SIP server 3 establishes a connection between the calling terminal and the called terminal.

  Next, the receiving unit 105 of the resource control server 1 receives a bandwidth allocation request from the SIP server 3 (step S33). Then, the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 of the resource control server 1 performs an allocated bandwidth determination process (step S35).

  The allocated bandwidth determination process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 determines whether the communication data amount should be suppressed in the NGN network (FIG. 16: step S81). In step S81, the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 identifies the trend of the communication data amount state at the time of processing in step S81 from the trend data storage unit 103, and performs determination. Alternatively, an index representing the state of the communication data amount in the NGN network may be calculated using the data stored in the resource data storage unit 104, and the determination may be made.

  If it is determined that the amount of communication data should be suppressed (step S81: Yes route), the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 can be secured in the path between the originating edge router and the terminating edge router. The bandwidth is specified from the resource data storage unit 104. Then, the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 compares the data with the lowest bandwidth received in step S33, and determines whether the lowest bandwidth can be secured (step S85). When it is determined that the minimum bandwidth can be secured (step S85: Yes route), the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 determines the minimum bandwidth as the allocated bandwidth (step S89). When the amount of communication data is to be suppressed, it may take time until the required bandwidth can be secured, so communication is started quickly.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the minimum bandwidth cannot be secured (step S85: No route), the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 performs a disconnection process (step S87). For example, the resource control server 1 notifies the SIP server 3 that the bandwidth cannot be allocated, and the SIP server 3 notifies the calling and called terminals that communication cannot be started.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication data amount is not in a state to be suppressed (step S81: No route), the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 determines whether the communication should secure a predetermined or higher bandwidth (step S83). . In step S83, the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 identifies NGN ACTION corresponding to the communication type data (communication protocol or communication media data) received in step S33 from the protocol list storage unit 101 or the media list storage unit 102. If NGN ACTION is “up”, it is determined that the communication should ensure a predetermined or higher broadband, and if NGN ACTION is “down”, it is determined that the communication should not ensure a predetermined or higher broadband.

  And when it determines with it not being the communication which should ensure a more than predetermined wide band (step S83: No route), it transfers to the process of step S85. On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication should secure a predetermined or higher bandwidth (step S83: Yes route), the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 can secure the path between the originating edge router and the terminating edge router. The widest bandwidth is specified from the resource data storage unit 104 (step S91).

  Then, the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 determines whether the bandwidth specified in step S91 is equal to or greater than the lowest bandwidth (step S93). If it is determined that the bandwidth is less than the minimum bandwidth (step S93: No route), the processing proceeds to step S87 (disconnection processing).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the bandwidth is equal to or greater than the minimum bandwidth (step S93: Yes route), the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 compares the requested bandwidth data received in step S33 with the widest bandwidth that can be secured being equal to or less than the requested bandwidth. Is determined (step S95). When it is determined that the bandwidth is wider than the requested bandwidth (step S95: No route), the allocated bandwidth determining unit 107 determines the requested bandwidth as the allocated bandwidth (step S97). On the other hand, when it is determined that the bandwidth is equal to or less than the requested bandwidth (step S95: No route), the allocated bandwidth determination unit 107 determines the widest bandwidth that can be secured as the allocated bandwidth (step S99). This is to transmit as much data as possible. Then, the process returns to the original process.

  By performing the processing as described above, an appropriate band can be allocated according to the communication data amount and communication type in the NGN network.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 15, the transmission unit 106 of the resource control server 1 transmits a bandwidth allocation instruction including data of the allocated bandwidth determined in step S <b> 35 to the originating edge router and the terminating edge router (step S <b> 37). In step S37, a bandwidth allocation instruction is also transmitted to other nodes (routers) on the communication path.

  Then, the originating and terminating edge routers receive a bandwidth allocation instruction from the resource control server 1 (steps S39 and S41). In addition, the originating and terminating edge routers update a table (not shown) for managing the bandwidth allocated for communication so that the communication speed between the originating terminal and the terminating terminal does not exceed the allocated bandwidth. (Steps S43 and S45). Thereafter, the processing shifts to the processing in FIG. 17 via terminals F to H.

  The processing after the terminals F to H will be described with reference to FIG. The resource control server 1 transmits a communication start instruction including data of the allocated bandwidth determined in step S35 to the originating and terminating edge routers (step S47).

  Then, the calling side and called side edge routers receive a communication start instruction from the resource control server 1, and transfer them to the calling side and called side home gateways (steps S49 and S51). In addition, the calling side and called side home gateways receive communication start instructions from the calling side and called side edge routers and transfer them to the calling side and called side terminals (steps S50 and S52).

  Next, the caller and callee terminals receive communication start instructions from the caller and callee home gateways (steps S53 and S55). Then, the calling side and called side terminals start communication (steps S57 and S59). In steps S57 and S59, processing for changing the setting of the compression rate of data to be transmitted is performed so that communication is not performed at a communication speed exceeding the allocated bandwidth.

  By performing the processing as described above, communication can be started in a bandwidth-guaranteed network such as an NGN network even when the required bandwidth cannot be secured.

  Next, processing performed after starting communication will be described with reference to FIG. First, the calling terminal transmits communication data to the calling home gateway (step S61). The originating home gateway receives the communication data from the originating terminal and transfers it to the originating edge router (step S62).

  Then, the calling-side edge router receives communication data from the calling-side home gateway (step S63). Further, the calling-side edge router refers to a table for managing the allocated bandwidth, and determines whether communication data is transmitted exceeding the allocated bandwidth (step S65). When the allocated bandwidth is exceeded (step S65: Yes route), the calling-side edge router discards the excess communication data (step S67).

  On the other hand, when the allocated bandwidth is not exceeded (step S65: No route), the calling-side edge router transfers the communication data to the called-side edge router (step S69). The destination side edge router receives the communication data from the source side edge router and transfers it to the destination side home gateway (step S71). Although explanation is omitted here, processing similar to that performed by the originating edge router is also performed at the destination edge router and other nodes on the path.

  Then, the destination home gateway transfers the communication data to the destination terminal (step S72), and the destination terminal receives the communication data from the destination home gateway (step S73).

  By performing the processing as described above, the communication data amount is limited so as not to exceed the allocated bandwidth, and the communication data amount in the NGN network can be maintained in an appropriate state.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this technique was described, this technique is not limited to this. For example, the functional block diagrams of the resource control server 1 and the terminals 111 to 135 described above do not necessarily correspond to an actual program module configuration.

  Further, the configuration of each table described above is an example, and the configuration as described above is not necessarily required. Further, in the processing flow, the processing order can be changed if the processing result does not change. Further, it may be executed in parallel.

  In the example described above, the allocated bandwidth determination process determines whether or not the communication data amount in the NGN network should be suppressed in step S81, and determines whether or not the communication should secure a wide band in step S83. ing. However, it is also possible to omit the process of step S81 and perform the processes after step S83. In step S83, it is determined whether or not the amount of communication data in the NGN network should be suppressed. If the determination result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S91. If the determination result is negative, the process proceeds to step S85. Also good.

  The resource control server 1, the SIP server 3, the authentication server 5, and the terminals 111 to 135 display a memory 2501 (storage unit), a CPU 2503 (processing unit), and a hard disk drive (HDD) 2505 as shown in FIG. A display control unit 2507 connected to the device 2509, a drive device 2513 for the removable disk 2511, an input device 2515, and a communication control unit 2517 for connecting to a network are connected by a bus 2519. Application programs including the OS and the Web browser are stored in the HDD 2505, and are read from the HDD 2505 to the memory 2501 when executed by the CPU 2503. If necessary, the CPU 2503 controls the display control unit 2507, the communication control unit 2517, and the drive device 2513 to perform necessary operations. Further, data in the middle of processing is stored in the memory 2501 and stored in the HDD 2505 if necessary. Such a computer realizes various functions as described above by organically cooperating hardware such as the CPU 2503 and the memory 2501 described above with the OS and necessary application programs.

  The embodiments of the present technology described above are summarized as follows.

  This bandwidth management method is executed by a computer that manages a bandwidth allocated to communication in a network that starts communication after securing a bandwidth to be used. The bandwidth management method includes: (A) receiving a bandwidth allocation request including data of a minimum bandwidth, which is a minimum bandwidth used in specific communication, and data of a specific communication request bandwidth; and (B) Start specific communication based on the data stored in the trend data storage unit that stores data related to the amount of communication data in the network for each time slot or the bandwidth data storage unit that stores data related to the bandwidth used in each path of the network A first determination step for determining whether or not the communication data amount is to be suppressed at a time point to be performed; and (C) when it is determined in the first determination step that the communication data amount is not the predetermined state, it is stored in the band data storage unit. Based on the data on the bandwidth used in each path of the network, the widest available for a particular communication A second determination step of determining a region and determining whether or not the widest band that can be secured is wider than the minimum band; and (D) a second determination step when it is determined in the second determination step that the band is wider than the minimum band Transmitting a bandwidth allocation instruction including data of the narrowest bandwidth of the widest bandwidth that can be secured and the requested bandwidth that is specified in (1) to a router related to the specific communication.

  As a result, in a network (for example, NGN) in which communication is started after securing the band to be used, if it is not necessary to suppress the amount of communication data, the band is as wide as possible while guaranteeing the minimum band. Can be assigned to start communication.

  Further, when it is determined in the first determination step that the state is the predetermined state, the minimum bandwidth for the specific communication is stored based on the data on the bandwidth used in each path of the network stored in the bandwidth data storage unit. A third determination step for determining whether or not it is possible to secure a bandwidth allocation instruction including data of the lowest bandwidth when it is determined in the third determination step that the minimum bandwidth can be secured. May be further included. When the amount of communication data in the network is large, it may take time until the required bandwidth can be secured. If the minimum bandwidth is allocated as described above, communication can be started quickly.

  The band allocation request described above may further include communication type data for specifying the communication type of a specific communication. And when it determines with it not being a predetermined state in a 1st determination step, the 4th determination step which determines whether communication type data represents the communication type which should ensure a more than predetermined band is further provided. If it is determined in the first determination step that it is determined that the state is not a predetermined state and it is determined in the fourth determination step that the communication type data represents a communication type that should ensure a predetermined or higher bandwidth, Two determination steps may be performed. When a bandwidth required for communication is wide, a bandwidth as wide as possible is allocated while guaranteeing a minimum bandwidth.

  Further, if it is determined in the first determination step that the state is not a predetermined state, and it is determined in the fourth determination step that the communication type data does not indicate that the communication type should ensure a predetermined bandwidth or more, the third determination You may make it implement a step. When the bandwidth required for communication is not wide, the minimum bandwidth is secured and communication is started quickly.

  The communication type data described above may be data related to a communication protocol or data related to a communication medium. For example, when the communication protocol is a text data transfer protocol or when the communication medium is a telephone, the communication does not need to ensure a wide band. On the other hand, for example, when the communication protocol is a multimedia communication protocol or when the communication medium is video, the communication should ensure as wide a bandwidth as possible.

  Also, in the reception step described above, the bandwidth allocated for communication between the originating edge router connected to the originating terminal of the specific communication and the terminating edge router connected to the terminating terminal of the specific communication A bandwidth allocation request may be received for the transmission side, and a bandwidth allocation instruction may be transmitted to at least the originating edge router and the terminating edge router in the transmission step described above. This is because the bandwidth is monitored at least at both ends of the route.

  This network connection method is a method for performing communication by connecting to a network for starting communication after securing a band to be used. Then, according to the communication request, the present network connection method specifies a request band for specific communication related to the communication request and a minimum band that is a minimum band specified according to the type of the specific communication. A step of transmitting a communication start request including data of a request bandwidth and a minimum bandwidth of a specific communication and data of a communication partner to a server managing communication in the network; and a specific response according to the communication start request from the server And setting so as to limit the amount of data transmitted in a specific communication according to the allocated bandwidth when data of the allocated bandwidth allocated to the communication is received.

  As a result, in a network (for example, NGN) in which communication is started after securing a band to be used, communication can be started even when the requested band cannot be secured. This network connection method can be executed by, for example, a terminal that performs communication or a home gateway that is connected to a terminal that performs communication.

  A program for causing a computer to perform the processing according to the above method can be created. The program can be a computer-readable storage medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like. It is stored in a storage device. The intermediate processing result is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a main memory.

  The following supplementary notes are further disclosed with respect to the embodiments including the above examples.

(Appendix 1)
A bandwidth management method executed by a computer that manages a bandwidth allocated to the communication in a network that starts communication after securing a bandwidth to be used,
Receiving a bandwidth allocation request including data of a minimum bandwidth, which is a minimum bandwidth used in specific communication, and data of a request bandwidth of the specific communication;
Based on the data stored in the trend data storage unit that stores data related to the amount of communication data in the network for each time zone or the data stored in the bandwidth data storage unit that stores data related to the bandwidth used in each path of the network A first determination step for determining whether or not a communication data amount is in a predetermined state at the time of starting communication;
If it is determined in the first determination step that it is not in the predetermined state, it is reserved for the specific communication based on the data regarding the bandwidth used in each path of the network stored in the bandwidth data storage unit. A second determination step of identifying the widest possible band and determining whether or not the widest band that can be secured is wider than the lowest band;
When it is determined in the second determination step that the bandwidth is wider than the minimum bandwidth, the bandwidth allocation includes data of the narrower bandwidth of the widest secureable bandwidth specified in the second determination step and the requested bandwidth Sending an instruction to a router associated with the particular communication;
Bandwidth management method.

(Appendix 2)
When it is determined in the first determination step that the state is the predetermined state, for the specific communication based on the data regarding the bandwidth used in each path of the network stored in the band data storage unit A third determination step for determining whether or not the minimum bandwidth can be secured;
When it is determined in the third determining step that the minimum bandwidth can be secured, a step of transmitting a bandwidth allocation instruction including data of the minimum bandwidth to a router related to the specific communication;
The bandwidth management method according to appendix 1, further comprising:

(Appendix 3)
The bandwidth allocation request further includes communication type data for specifying the communication type of the specific communication,
A fourth determination step for determining whether or not the communication type data represents a communication type for which a bandwidth equal to or greater than a predetermined value is to be determined if it is determined in the first determination step that the state is not the predetermined state; In addition,
If it is determined in the first determination step that it is not in the predetermined state, and it is determined in the fourth determination step that the communication type data represents a communication type that should ensure the predetermined bandwidth or more, The bandwidth management method according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the second determination step is performed.

(Appendix 4)
When it is determined in the first determination step that it is not in the predetermined state and it is determined in the fourth determination step that the communication type data does not represent a communication type that should ensure the predetermined bandwidth or more, The bandwidth management method according to appendix 3, wherein the third determination step is performed.

(Appendix 5)
The bandwidth management method according to appendix 3 or 4, wherein the communication type data is data related to a communication protocol or data related to a communication medium.

(Appendix 6)
In the receiving step, the bandwidth assigned to communication between the originating edge router connected to the originating terminal of the specific communication and the terminating edge router connected to the terminating terminal of the specific communication Receive the allocation request,
The bandwidth management method according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein, in the transmission step, the bandwidth allocation instruction is transmitted to at least the originating edge router and the terminating edge router.

(Appendix 7)
A program for connecting to a network to start communication after securing the bandwidth to be used,
In response to the communication request, a step of specifying a specific communication request band related to the communication request and a minimum band that is a minimum band specified according to the specific communication type;
Transmitting a communication start request including data of the specific communication request bandwidth and minimum bandwidth and communication partner data to a server managing communication in the network;
A step of setting to limit the amount of data transmitted in the specific communication according to the allocated band when data of the allocated band allocated to the specific communication is received from the server in response to the communication start request When,
A program that causes a computer to execute.

(Appendix 8)
A program for causing a computer to manage a bandwidth allocated to the communication in a network that starts communication after securing a bandwidth to be used,
Receiving a bandwidth allocation request including data of a minimum bandwidth, which is a minimum bandwidth used in specific communication, and data of a request bandwidth of the specific communication;
Based on the data stored in the trend data storage unit that stores data related to the amount of communication data in the network for each time zone or the data stored in the bandwidth data storage unit that stores data related to the bandwidth used in each path of the network A first determination step for determining whether or not a communication data amount is in a predetermined state at the time of starting communication;
If it is determined in the first determination step that it is not in the predetermined state, it is reserved for the specific communication based on the data regarding the bandwidth used in each path of the network stored in the bandwidth data storage unit. A second determination step of identifying the widest possible band and determining whether or not the widest band that can be secured is wider than the lowest band;
When it is determined in the second determination step that the bandwidth is wider than the minimum bandwidth, the bandwidth allocation includes data of the narrower bandwidth of the widest secureable bandwidth specified in the second determination step and the requested bandwidth Sending an instruction to a router associated with the particular communication;
For causing the computer to execute.

(Appendix 9)
A bandwidth management device that manages a bandwidth allocated to the communication in a network that starts communication after securing a bandwidth to be used,
A receiving unit that receives a bandwidth allocation request including data of a minimum bandwidth that is a minimum bandwidth used in specific communication and data of a request bandwidth of the specific communication;
Based on the data stored in the trend data storage unit that stores data related to the amount of communication data in the network for each time zone or the data stored in the bandwidth data storage unit that stores data related to the bandwidth used in each path of the network It is determined whether or not the communication data amount is to be suppressed at the time of starting communication. When it is determined that the communication data amount is not the predetermined state, each of the networks stored in the band data storage unit is determined. A determination unit that identifies the widest band that can be secured for the specific communication based on data on the bandwidth used in the path, and determines whether or not the widest band that can be secured is wider than the minimum band;
When the determination unit determines that the bandwidth is wider than the minimum bandwidth, the specification of a bandwidth allocation instruction including data of the narrowest bandwidth of the widest bandwidth that can be secured and the requested bandwidth specified by the determination portion A transmission unit that transmits to a router related to the communication of
A bandwidth management device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Resource control server 3 SIP server 5 Authentication server 71,73 Edge router 91,93 Home gateway 11,12,13 Network 111,113,115,131,133,135 Terminal

Claims (9)

A bandwidth management method executed by a computer that manages a bandwidth allocated to the communication in a network that starts communication after securing a bandwidth to be used,
Receiving a bandwidth allocation request including data of a minimum bandwidth, which is a minimum bandwidth used in specific communication, and data of a request bandwidth of the specific communication;
Based on the data stored in the trend data storage unit that stores data related to the amount of communication data in the network for each time zone or the data stored in the bandwidth data storage unit that stores data related to the bandwidth used in each path of the network A first determination step for determining whether or not a communication data amount is in a predetermined state at the time of starting communication;
If it is determined in the first determination step that it is not in the predetermined state, it is reserved for the specific communication based on the data regarding the bandwidth used in each path of the network stored in the bandwidth data storage unit. A second determination step of identifying the widest possible band and determining whether or not the widest band that can be secured is wider than the lowest band;
When it is determined in the second determination step that the bandwidth is wider than the minimum bandwidth, the bandwidth allocation includes data of the narrower bandwidth of the widest secureable bandwidth specified in the second determination step and the requested bandwidth Sending an instruction to a router associated with the particular communication;
Bandwidth management method. When it is determined in the first determination step that the state is the predetermined state, for the specific communication based on the data regarding the bandwidth used in each path of the network stored in the band data storage unit A third determination step for determining whether or not the minimum bandwidth can be secured;
When it is determined in the third determining step that the minimum bandwidth can be secured, a step of transmitting a bandwidth allocation instruction including data of the minimum bandwidth to a router related to the specific communication;
The bandwidth management method according to claim 1, further comprising: The bandwidth allocation request further includes communication type data for specifying the communication type of the specific communication,
A fourth determination step for determining whether or not the communication type data represents a communication type for which a bandwidth equal to or greater than a predetermined value is to be determined if it is determined in the first determination step that the state is not the predetermined state; In addition,
If it is determined in the first determination step that it is not in the predetermined state, and it is determined in the fourth determination step that the communication type data represents a communication type that should ensure the predetermined bandwidth or more, The bandwidth management method according to claim 1, wherein the second determination step is performed. When it is determined in the first determination step that it is not in the predetermined state and it is determined in the fourth determination step that the communication type data does not represent a communication type that should ensure the predetermined bandwidth or more, The bandwidth management method according to claim 3, wherein the third determination step is performed. The bandwidth management method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the communication type data is data related to a communication protocol or data related to a communication medium. In the receiving step, the bandwidth assigned to communication between the originating edge router connected to the originating terminal of the specific communication and the terminating edge router connected to the terminating terminal of the specific communication Receive the allocation request,
The bandwidth management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the transmission step, the bandwidth allocation instruction is transmitted to at least the originating edge router and the terminating edge router. A program for connecting to a network to start communication after securing the bandwidth to be used,
In response to the communication request, a step of specifying a specific communication request band related to the communication request and a minimum band that is a minimum band specified according to the specific communication type;
Transmitting a communication start request including data of the specific communication request bandwidth and minimum bandwidth and communication partner data to a server managing communication in the network;
A step of setting to limit the amount of data transmitted in the specific communication according to the allocated band when data of the allocated band allocated to the specific communication is received from the server in response to the communication start request When,
A program that causes a computer to execute. A program for causing a computer to manage a bandwidth allocated to the communication in a network that starts communication after securing a bandwidth to be used,
Receiving a bandwidth allocation request including data of a minimum bandwidth, which is a minimum bandwidth used in specific communication, and data of a request bandwidth of the specific communication;
Based on the data stored in the trend data storage unit that stores data related to the amount of communication data in the network for each time zone or the data stored in the bandwidth data storage unit that stores data related to the bandwidth used in each path of the network A first determination step for determining whether or not a communication data amount is in a predetermined state at the time of starting communication;
If it is determined in the first determination step that it is not in the predetermined state, it is reserved for the specific communication based on the data regarding the bandwidth used in each path of the network stored in the bandwidth data storage unit. A second determination step of identifying the widest possible band and determining whether or not the widest band that can be secured is wider than the lowest band;
When it is determined in the second determination step that the bandwidth is wider than the minimum bandwidth, the bandwidth allocation includes data of the narrower bandwidth of the widest secureable bandwidth specified in the second determination step and the requested bandwidth Sending an instruction to a router associated with the particular communication;
For causing the computer to execute. A bandwidth management device that manages a bandwidth allocated to the communication in a network that starts communication after securing a bandwidth to be used,
A receiving unit that receives a bandwidth allocation request including data of a minimum bandwidth that is a minimum bandwidth used in specific communication and data of a request bandwidth of the specific communication;
Based on the data stored in the trend data storage unit that stores data related to the amount of communication data in the network for each time zone or the data stored in the bandwidth data storage unit that stores data related to the bandwidth used in each path of the network It is determined whether or not the communication data amount is to be suppressed at the time of starting communication. When it is determined that the communication data amount is not the predetermined state, each of the networks stored in the band data storage unit is determined. A determination unit that identifies the widest band that can be secured for the specific communication based on data on the bandwidth used in the path, and determines whether or not the widest band that can be secured is wider than the minimum band;
When the determination unit determines that the bandwidth is wider than the minimum bandwidth, the specification of a bandwidth allocation instruction including data of the narrowest bandwidth of the widest bandwidth that can be secured and the requested bandwidth specified by the determination portion A transmission unit that transmits to a router related to the communication of
A bandwidth management device.

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