JP3186922B2 - Network management system and method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network management system and method, and more particularly, to collects and manages information from a communication network including an exchange and a data multiplexing device and displays the state of the communication network. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network management system for displaying on a screen, a system and a method for supporting creation of a hierarchical network map group in which a communication network is simulatedly represented on a screen by a picture.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to efficiently operate and maintain a communication network, information on the configuration and operation status of the communication network is collected, and based on the information, a display device simulating a communication network is displayed on a screen. There is known a network management system for displaying an operation state. In particular, it takes a huge amount of work time to manually create a network map simulating a communication network on a display screen, while ensuring consistency with the configuration information of a large-scale and complicated communication network. Load is required.

In order to facilitate the creation, a technique for interactively or automatically supporting the creation of a network map is disclosed in the document I-I-E-I, Network (1988), 29th. Page to page 36 (IEEE, Netw
ork (1988) PP29-36), Hewlett-Packard Journal (1990) pp. 60-65 (HEWLETT-PACKARD JOURNAL (1990) PP60-6).
5) and IBM, Systems Journal (1)
992) pages 223 to 250 (IBM SYSTEMS JO)
URNAL (1992) PP223-250).

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned prior art supports the creation of a hierarchical map based on a specific map hierarchical form defined by a vendor (predetermined form) or supports a hierarchical map. Is automatically generated.

For this reason, when a user wants to express in a different map hierarchical form, or in a network having configuration information that is a different management protocol specification that cannot be expressed as it is on the provided map hierarchical form as it is. What to manage (for example,
To express the SNMP management information for the OSI management information), the user must manually create all or a part of the map.

Accordingly, it is impossible to support the construction of a hierarchical form adapted to the user's preference, and it is a map creation support based on a hierarchical form that cannot reflect a management target group having configuration information of various standard management protocol specifications. And forcing the user to use the vendor-supplied map hierarchy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a network management system for collecting, managing and displaying configuration and operation information of a communication network, and to support the creation of a hierarchical network map for a monitoring screen. Under the information, a map hierarchy adapted to the user's preference, such as a standard specific physical hierarchy, a logical hierarchy, or a user's own hierarchy which has been widely used so far. An object of the present invention is to provide a network management system and method capable of constructing a configuration.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A network according to the present invention is provided.
In the network management system and method, the control protocol specification identifiers, instance identifiers, class identifiers, and attributes, which are parameters that are the basis of the hierarchical division of the view map and are related to the components of the communication network, By defining a parameter group such as an identifier or an attribute value for each visual field level, a user can set a map hierarchical form, and based on the parameter group defined as such. By judging the identity of the type or the identity of the parameter values, the components of the communication network are grouped to perform a map division for each view level, thereby generating a map hierarchical relationship between different view levels. Then, a map group of each visual field level is automatically laid out.

Further, a background image of each visual field hierarchy level serving as a component of a network map, an icon representing a component of a communication network, and a symbol representing a set of component groups grouped under specific conditions. Means for allowing a user to interactively define display elements such as a display element and a configuration information frame, display elements, configuration information, and a group of standard map hierarchies, which are commonly used map hierarchies. A means for storing a parameter library, a means for collecting configuration information of a communication network, and a means for defining the collected configuration information or configuration information interactively input by a user in accordance with the configuration information frame are provided.

Further, in order to support the creation of a hierarchical map for monitoring, a user interactively sets a plurality of parameters or a combination of a plurality of parameters for defining a map hierarchy form by a logical expression or selects a library. Means for automatically generating a map hierarchy relationship based on a group of data and means for laying out a hierarchical network map group according to the created map hierarchy are provided in independent configurations.

As an additional means for a more preferable form, in a means for automatically generating a map hierarchy relation, a map hierarchy form to be conformed is already defined, and a parameter for defining the hierarchy form is different because management protocol specifications are different. -In order to represent a management object having no parameter group on the hierarchical form, a parameter similar to a specified parameter is used by a user.
Is provided, or a means for estimating similar parameters and a means for automatically generating a map hierarchical relationship capable of synthesizing the management target on a map based on the similar parameters.

[0012]

By automatically generating a map hierarchical relationship based on parameter settings and laying out a group of hierarchical network maps according to the hierarchical relationship, the map hierarchical form can be customized by specifying parameters. It is possible to support the creation of a hierarchical network map of various hierarchical forms adapted to the user's preference and intended use.

Further, since the layout of the hierarchical network map group according to the automatic generation of the map hierarchical relationship and the layout of the hierarchical network maps are made independent, the layout of the map is not affected by the difference in the map hierarchical form. Creation of maps of various hierarchical forms can be supported by common map layout means.

Further, the means for selecting a library, the relationship between map hierarchies, and the means for laying out a map are pre-registered when creating a network map based on a standard or representative map hierarchy that has been generally used. It is sufficient to select a desired map hierarchical form defining parameter from the library, and a conventional map can be created by an easy operation.

Further, by means of setting or estimating similar alternative parameters in a prescribed map hierarchical form, which is an additional means, a management object having a different specification of configuration information is added or mixed from the beginning as a representation object on the map. In this case, the use of the substitute parameters can generate a map hierarchy relationship that is approximately consistent with the map hierarchy configuration using only the prescribed parameters. In this manner, it is possible to support the creation of a hierarchical network map expressed in a unified manner.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 First, the structure of a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a network management system according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the communication network 101 of the managed object and the network management system 10
Consists of two.

The network management system 102 includes a communication control unit 103, a database 104, a standard map parameter library 105, a network memory 106, a program memory 113, a CRT 114, a keyboard 115, and a mouse. 116, an I / O control unit 117, and a CPU 118.

The communication control unit 103 collects configuration information on components constituting the communication network 101. The database 104 is a database for storing configuration information and display information. Standard map parameter library 105
Is a library in which a group of parameters defining a standard and representative map hierarchical form which has been generally and widely used in the past is stored as a library. The work memory 106 is
Database 104 or parameter library 10
5 is a memory for retrieving necessary information and temporarily storing it, and for storing a work area and a result for a configuration / map definition / creation process.

The program memory 113 includes a map hierarchy creation support processing unit 107 for constructing a map hierarchy, and a hierarchical map automatic generation unit 10 for automatically laying out each map.
8. Configuration information definition unit 109, display element / configuration information frame
Network configuration information definitions such as a system definition unit 110, a configuration collection processing unit 111 that collects configuration information from the communication network 101, and a definition / display control unit 112 that controls configuration / map definition processing and display processing. And a processing group (program group) for supporting creation of a hierarchical network map displayed on the screen of the CRT.

The CRT 114 is for displaying a configuration / map definition / creation screen. Keyboard 115
The mouse 116 is for inputting definition information and setting and selection of parameters related to the definition of the map hierarchy.
The I / O control unit 117 includes a CRT 114, a keyboard 11
5 and the input / output of the mouse 116 are controlled. CPU118
Controls input / output, memory, database and library, and controls each program.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the map hierarchy creation support processing unit 107 in the network management system 102 according to the present embodiment. Map hierarchy creation support processing unit 107
Are the map generation condition setting unit 201 and the hierarchical condition setting unit 2
02, a hierarchy condition library selection unit 203, and a visual field hierarchy generation unit 204.

The map generation condition setting unit 201 sets generation conditions such as creation of a new map or synthesis with an existing map, selection of a standard map or a customized map. The hierarchical condition setting unit 202 sets condition parameters for map hierarchical division that define the map hierarchical structure.
The hierarchical condition library selection unit 203 selects condition parameters that define a standard map from the standard map parameter library. The visual field hierarchy generation unit 204 automatically generates a hierarchical relationship of the hierarchical map.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 23, an example of the operation in the case where the network management system of the present embodiment supports the creation of a user-specific hierarchical map will be described.

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of a hierarchical map creation support process in the network management system of FIGS. 1 and 2.

First, display elements such as a background image, a symbol, and an icon, which constitute a display screen of a configuration information frame and a network map, which define configuration information items common to component types for each management protocol specification, are displayed. / Created / registered by the configuration information frame definition unit 109 (301).

The creation and registration of the configuration information frame will be described. First, FIG. 4 (OSI specification) and FIG. 6 (SNMP
Table format 401, 6 for each specification as shown in
01 and an attribute reference list for each specification as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 from the database 104 to the work memory 106.
And display it on the CRT 114. The user
For each definition item, a mouse 116 is selected from reference lists 501 and 701 indicating definition value candidates registered in advance.
(Eg, Lo of numbers 502 and 702 in FIGS. 5 and 7)
cation-address). Key instead of mouse 116
It may be set by inputting from the board 115.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show an example in which the definition values of the respective definition items are set. After the definition is completed, the configuration information frames 801 and 901 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are registered in the database 104 from the work memory 106. The above configuration information frame creation / registration processing is performed for each component type.

The creation and registration of a display element group will be described. In the definition of the display element group, the keyboard 115 and the mouse 1
16, an icon group, which is a display expression of each component, is created for each specification and each component type (for the OSI specification, for each class ID value, for the SNMP specification, for each device name value), A symbol or a background image, which is an aggregated expression obtained by grouping or abstracting an icon group, is created and registered in the database 104.

Next, the configuration information defining unit 109 allows the user to define configuration information that is individual for each component, either interactively or by collection through communication (302).

First, the case where the user performs the operation interactively will be described. The user inputs a component type to be defined by using a keyboard 115 or a mouse 116. The system determines the configuration information frame 80 corresponding to the input component type (ie, the component type to be set).
1,901 (previously defined and registered in process 301)
Is retrieved from the database 104 and the work memory 106 is retrieved.
To be stored. Then, the configuration information frames 801 and 901
The definition attribute information 802 and 902 are extracted, and the configuration information table formats 1001 and 1201 including the definition attribute information in the definition item as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 are generated on the work memory 106. It is also displayed on the CRT 114.

The user can enter the definition items 1002 and 120
2, the defined values 1003 and 1203 are selected and input by using the keyboard 115 or the mouse 116. At this time, for the attribute information for which the range of possible values is determined, an allowable value is registered in advance in the database 104 for each attribute, and the attribute values are defined in FIGS. The attribute value reference lists 1101 and 1301 as shown are displayed as guidance, and the user can display the attribute value reference lists 1101 and 1301.
An attribute value is selected from 1,1301 (for example, 1102 is selected in the list of FIG. 11 and 1302 is selected in the list of FIG. 13).
Is selected) to determine the value.

Note that default values are selected and set for dynamic attributes 1402 and 1502 that are dynamically changed during operation. After the information setting by the user is completed, the configuration information tables 1401 and 1501 set in the work memory 106 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 are stored in the database 104. The above processing is performed for each of all the components of the communication network to be defined.

A case where the configuration information is collected by communication will be described. First, the user operates the keyboard 115 or the mouse 11.
6, a request for collecting configuration information is sent to the configuration information definition unit 109. The configuration information definition unit 109 includes the configuration collection processing unit 11
1, the configuration collection processing unit 111 collects configuration information from the communication network 101 via the communication control unit 103 using a management information collection protocol (CMIP, SNMP, etc.) for each management protocol specification, Work memory 106
To be stored. After collecting the configuration information, the configuration information definition unit 1
In step 09, the configuration information table for each component type is extracted from the database 104, and the collected configuration information is set as a defined value on the configuration information table.
Stored in the storage 104.

Next, the map generation condition setting unit 201 allows the user to interactively set the conditions for creating a hierarchical map (303).

More specifically, FIG.
The setting window 6 is taken out to the work memory 106 and displayed on the CRT 114. The user interactively selects each setting item with the mouse 116. After the selection is completed, the setting window is displayed on the database 104. Store. For example, in the case of a button selection as shown in FIG. 16 (a button in which a button painted black is selected), the “generation type” is “new creation” and the “map type” is “custom map hierarchical form”. A new hierarchical map unique to the user is created.

When the combination with the existing map is selected, in the next layering condition setting (304), the map definition parameter group of the existing map is retrieved from the database 104 and set. It will be displayed in the state where it was set.
Subsequent operations are the same as in the case of new creation. The case where the registered standard map hierarchical form is selected as the map type will be described later.

Next, a group of parameters (management protocol specification identifier, instance identifier, class identifier, attribute, and their attributes, which define the hierarchical form of the created hierarchical map, are created by the hierarchical condition setting unit 202. The user interactively sets the name and the value of each attribute) (304).

More specifically, a setting window as shown in FIG. 17 is first taken out from the database 104 to the work memory 106 and displayed on the CRT 114. User
The user interactively selects each setting item with the mouse 116 and the keyboard 115 and key-inputs parameters. After the setting of the parameter group is completed, the set parameter group is stored in the database 104. As a result, a group of icons / symbols displayed on a map at each view hierarchy level in which the management target of the communication network is grouped / abstracted.
That is, the viewpoint of abstraction and abstraction is defined.

For example, in the case of the parameter setting as shown in FIG. 17, first, the parameters 1701 corresponding to level 1 are "Standa
rd (SNMP) "・ Parameter 1703 corresponding to level 2 is“ network number () @Standard (SNMP) ”・ Parameter 1705 corresponding to level 3 is“ connection router identification name () Standard ( SNMP) "-Parameter 1707 corresponding to level 4 employs an attribute" IP address @ Standard (SNMP) ".

In addition, for the management object in which the above-mentioned reference parameter does not exist, as an alternative parameter, an alternative parameter 1702 corresponding to level 1 is "
Class ID (upper instance ()) ∩Standard (OS
I) "-The alternative parameter 1704 corresponding to level 2 is"
Upper instance () @Standard (OSI) "-The alternative parameter 1706 corresponding to level 3 is"
Top instance () ∩Location-address () Stan
dard (OSI) ”-An alternative parameter 1708 corresponding to level 4 is“
Class ID (Equipment) ∩Standard (OSI) ”attribute is adopted.

As a result, a four-layer hierarchical map employing the instance identifiers, class identifiers, and attributes as shown in FIG. 17 is created. Here, ∩ means a logical product of a group of parameters, and it is possible to set a logical condition of a plurality of parameters by such a logical expression (a logical symbol other than the logical product may be used).

In setting the parameters,
When only the parameter name is used, it means that the management target is grouped based on the presence or absence of the parameter name.
) Means that the management target is grouped for each of the possible values of the parameter name, and the parameter name (parameter value) means the parameter This means that grouping is performed when the name matches or does not match the designated parameter value.

Further, when the logical condition matches the condition of a plurality of parameters by OR operation, the management protocol specification identifier, the class identifier, the attribute, the instance identifier, and the attribute value are arranged in the order of the superordinate concept. Parameters shall be adopted.

The setting shown in FIG. 17 is based on a hierarchical form in which the management target of the SNMP specification is expressed in the form of segments, networks, and the Internet, and has different specifications.
It is a setting example of a parameter group for generating a layered map in a unified form that conforms to the management target of the SI specification as much as possible.

Next, a necessary map group, a display element group on each map, and a relation between a display element on the upper map and a lower map (view hierarchy relation) by the view hierarchy generation unit 204 at each view hierarchy level of the hierarchical map. Is automatically generated (305).

FIG. 18 is an image diagram of the visual field hierarchy generation processing. The generation of the view hierarchy is generated from the lower order to the upper order. Here, the parameter defining the highest hierarchical level 1 is Zclass (c), the parameter defining the hierarchical level 2 is Yclass (), the parameter defining the hierarchical level 3 is Xattribute (), and the lowest hierarchical level. 4 is Xattribute.

In the case of FIG. 18, first, a network component to be displayed is extracted based on the presence or absence of a parameter Xattribute that defines the lowest level (1801), and Xattr is selected.
A map group of the lowest layer (hierarchy level 4) is specified as a map group representing the group of constituent elements based on the identity of the value of ibute (1802).

Next, the specification of the map group of the hierarchy level 3 is as follows.
The Ylevel of the component is specified by grouping a group of maps of the hierarchy level 4 representing the component having the same value (1803). At this time, the display element group of each map of the hierarchical level 3 represents a set of the constituent elements in each of the grouped lower maps, and the display element in the map of the hierarchical level 3 and the display element group of the hierarchical level. From the correspondence relationship with the map of No. 4, a map hierarchy relationship between the hierarchy levels 3 and 4 is generated.

The subsequent hierarchical relationships of the upper hierarchical level are generated by executing the same processing as the hierarchical level 3 up to the highest level, and as a result of these processes, the visual field hierarchical relationship of the entire hierarchical map is generated.

Hereinafter, details of such a visual field hierarchy generation process will be described for each step.

<Step 1>; visual field hierarchy generation unit 204
Is based on a parameter defining the lowest level in the hierarchical condition parameter group, and is defined on the map from all the definition configuration information table groups 1401 and 1501 in the database 104. The management object to be displayed is extracted, and a display icon corresponding to each management object is extracted from the class ID (OSI specification) or the device name (SNMP specification) of the extracted configuration information table of the management object. It is specified from 104 (1801 in FIG. 18).

For example, in the case of the condition setting shown in FIG. 17, the management target having the IP address as information in the SNMP specification among all the definition management target groups by using the lowest level (level 4) parameters 1707 and 1708. Alternatively, a management target group, which is an Equipment class in the OSI specification, is extracted, and each of them becomes a display icon.

<Step 2>; visual field hierarchy generation unit 204
Is 1 from the lowest level in the hierarchical condition parameter group.
On the basis of the parameter at the next higher level, the management target corresponding to the display icon obtained in the pre-processing is grouped based on the identity of the parameter value (180 in FIG. 18).
2). Each group corresponds to one map, and the groups
The display icon group within the map is a display icon expressed on the map.

For example, in the case of the condition setting shown in FIG. 17, a group of groups whose connection router identification names match in the SNMP specification or higher-level instances in the OSI specification are specified by the level 3 parameters 1705 and 1706. And Location
A group of groups having the same value of -address is generated, and each group is set as one map, and the display icons in the group are set as display icons expressed on the map. The map group of the hierarchy level 4 and the display icon group on each map are specified. When the level one level higher than the lowest level is the highest level, the process proceeds to step 5. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 3.

<Step 3>; visual field hierarchy generation unit 204
However, the group obtained by the pre-processing based on the parameter at the level one level higher than the pre-processing in the hierarchical condition parameter group has the group to be managed belonging to the group. Further grouping is performed based on the identity of the parameter values. Also,
A symbol representing each of the groups of groups obtained in the pre-processing is generated, grouped according to the group unit in the present processing, and the correspondence between the generated symbols and the corresponding group of the pre-processing ( Generate a map hierarchy (180 in FIG. 18)
3).

For example, in the case of the condition setting shown in FIG. 17, the group of the pre-processing group is symbolized, the correspondence between the symbol and the group is generated, and the level 2 parameter 17 is set.
According to 03, 1704, the generated symbol group is regrouped if the network number is the same in the SNMP specification or the value of the upper instance is the same in the OSI specification, and the hierarchy level 3 map Correspondence (hierarchical relationship) between the group and the symbol group on each map and between each symbol and the map of the hierarchy level 4 is generated.

<Step 4> The process of step 3 is repeated up to the highest level parameter.

<Step 5>: A symbol corresponding to each group obtained in the preprocessing is generated and associated with one top-level map, and a correspondence between each symbol and a group of hierarchical level 2 maps ( Hierarchical relationship).

By the above processing, in the case of the condition setting shown in FIG. 17, a map hierarchical form as shown in FIG. 19 is generated. The map hierarchical form is generated as an upper symbol / lower map correspondence table 2001 as shown in FIG. 20 and registered in the database 104.

Next, the hierarchical map in the hierarchical form generated as described above is automatically laid out by the hierarchical map automatic generation unit 108 (306).

This automatic layout is performed in the database 104
With reference to the upper symbol / lower map correspondence table 2001 registered in the above table, a network topology using the corresponding icon or symbol as a node is laid out for each map. The layout algorithm is described in the prior art document IBM, Systems Journal (1992), pp. 223 to 250 (IBM SYSTEM).
S JOURNAL (1992) PP223-250).

After all the maps have been created, they are registered in the database 104. For example, in the case of the condition setting in FIG.
A hierarchical map in a hierarchical form as shown in FIG. 21 is generated. This map shows the PBX and TDM networks managed by the OSI specification for the hierarchical form based on the LAN segment level, network level, internet level, and root level management domains managed by the SNMP specification. , A site (office) level, a network level for each management area, a subnet level for each network type, and a hierarchically synthesized map based on a root level management domain. That is, the examples of FIGS. 17 and 21 described here are examples in which the management target group of the SNMP specification and the OSI specification can be expressed in an approximately unified logical hierarchical form.

Next, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG.
7, FIG. 21, FIG. 22, and FIG. 23, an example of the operation in the case of supporting the creation of a typical and standard hierarchical map that has been widely used in the past will be described.

The operation of the system is the same as that for supporting the creation of a map in a user-specific hierarchical form as described above.
In the configuration, parameter table groups 2201, 202,... Defining the representative / standard hierarchical map hierarchical form as shown in FIG. 22 are registered in advance in the standard map parameter library 105 for each map hierarchical form name. Keep it. In the operation, the map generation condition setting process (303)
At times, a registered standard map hierarchical form is selected as a map type on the setting screen of FIG.

In FIG. 16, when the registered standard map hierarchical form is selected and the OK button on the setting screen is pressed, the hierarchical condition library selecting section 203 displays the map hierarchical form name registered in the standard map parameter library 105. Is read and displayed as a registered standard map hierarchical form name list 2301 as shown in FIG. When the user selects a specific map hierarchical form name with the mouse 116, a parameter group defining the specific map hierarchical form is retrieved from the standard map parameter library 105, and the basic hierarchical division on the screen of FIG. Is set as a condition parameter,
Is displayed. As a result, the hierarchization condition in the standard map hierarchy form is set (304).

For example, if the Internet logical map is selected from the list of FIG. 23 as the map hierarchical form, the field of view is determined by the segment, network, internet, and route which are standard as the LAN network map. A logical hierarchical map corresponding to the left part of FIG. 21 is created. Subsequent operations are the same as in the case of support for creating a map in a user-specific hierarchical form.

According to the configuration and operation of the present embodiment as described above, the parameter group that defines the map hierarchical form can be used by the user.
, It is possible to support the creation of a monitoring hierarchical map that is not a fixed map hierarchical form provided by the vendor but has a map hierarchical form according to the user's preference and usage. In addition, since a parameter group can be set by logical conditions and a similar alternative parameter group can be set, it is possible to guarantee a variety of hierarchical forms that can be generated, and the configuration information differs due to different management protocol specifications. It is possible to provide an approximately unified map hierarchical form even with a managed group to be managed.

Further, the map hierarchy creation support processing section 107
And the layered map automatic generation unit 108 are independent, so that the map layer generation support processing unit 107 performs processing corresponding to various map layer forms, and the hierarchy provided by the layered map automatic generation unit 108 A form-independent network topology-layout algorithm can be used in common, and there is no need to prepare a layout algorithm for each hierarchical form, and an efficient map creation support module can be constructed.

When a map of a conventional representative form is created, a parameter group for defining an existing representative / standard map hierarchical form can be easily set by selecting a library. It is possible to realize a hierarchical map creation support that can also handle a group of map hierarchies used for types, vendor types, management protocol specification types, and the like.

(Embodiment 2) Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, in creating a map relating to managed objects having different management protocol specifications, a user can select a similar parameter group of hierarchical condition parameters. 1, 2, 3, and 24 in the case of automatically setting, instead of setting interactively,
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The system configuration and operation are the same as those in the first embodiment. However, in the configuration, the parameters of the map layer configuration setting parameter group used in the layering condition setting as shown in FIG. The inter-data similarity correspondence table 2401 is registered in the database 104. In the operation, the user does not interactively set similar substitute conditions during the layering condition setting process (304), but the user sets the basic layering division condition parameter group by keyboard. Do 1
15, the layering condition setting unit 202 outputs parameters similar to the input parameters to the database 104.
The above similarity correspondence table 2401 is searched and automatically set as similarity substitution condition parameters.

With the above configuration and operation, when creating a map for a management target having a different management protocol specification, a similar parameter is automatically set if a user sets a parameter for one of the management protocol specifications. Is set. This eliminates the need for the user to consider and set similar parameters, and realizes easy-to-use hierarchical map creation support.

[0075]

According to the present invention, the configuration / state information of the communication network is collected and managed, hierarchized according to the inclusion relation of the geographical, physical, and logical views, and the abstraction level is determined between the view hierarchy levels. In a network management system that displays the configuration and status of a communication network on a screen by using a network map group having a different expression, a standard map hierarchical form that has been generally used in the past is library selection. Also you
Depending on the user's preference and intended use, the customized map hierarchy form is not a fixed map hierarchy form provided by the vendor, but a map creation support function for each form by setting the map hierarchy form definition parameter group. It is possible to provide a map creation support function capable of creating a monitoring network map of various hierarchical forms without providing the map. In addition, even for the management target groups managed by different management protocol specifications, it can be approximately synthesized into a map of expression that is unified into a specific hierarchical form, creating a hierarchical map with good visibility and consistency There is an effect that can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network management system to which a network management system and method according to the present invention are applied.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a map hierarchy creation support processing unit.

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of a hierarchical map creation support process.

FIG. 4 is an example of an OSI configuration information frame format.

FIG. 5 is an example of an OSI attribute reference list.

FIG. 6 is an example of an SNMP configuration information frame format.

FIG. 7 is an example of an SNMP attribute reference list.

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of an OSI configuration information frame.

FIG. 9 is an embodiment of an SNMP configuration information frame.

FIG. 10 is an example of an OSI configuration information table format.

FIG. 11 is an example of an OSI attribute value reference list.

FIG. 12 is an example of an SNMP configuration information table format.

FIG. 13 is an example of an SNMP attribute value reference list.

FIG. 14 is an embodiment of an OSI configuration information table.

FIG. 15 is an example of an SNMP configuration information table.

FIG. 16 is an example of a map generation condition setting screen.

FIG. 17 is an example of a map hierarchy condition setting screen.

FIG. 18 is an image diagram showing a visual field hierarchy generation method.

FIG. 19 is an example of a generation map hierarchy.

FIG. 20 is an example of an upper symbol / lower map correspondence table.

FIG. 21 is an example of a created hierarchical map.

FIG. 22 is an embodiment of a standard map parameter table.

FIG. 23 is an example of a standard map hierarchy form selection screen.

FIG. 24 is an embodiment of a similar parameter correspondence table.

[Description of Reference Codes] 101: communication network, 102: network management system,
104: display / configuration information database, 105: standard map parameter library, 113: program memory, 114: CRT, 115: keyboard, 116: mouse, 117: I / O control unit, 118 ... CPU.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhiko Nagai 1099 Ozenji Temple, Aso-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Hitachi, Ltd.System Development Laboratory (72) Inventor Hiroaki Sumi 3-10-22, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Prefecture No. Within Hitachi Chubu Software Co., Ltd. Address: Software Development Division, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Yutaka Fukushima 216 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Within the Information and Communication Division, Hitachi, Ltd. (56) References JP-A-4-13347 (JP, A) JP-A-5-83253 (JP, A) JP-A-5-265893 (JP, JP-A-4-8049 (JP, A) JP-A-2-148951 (JP, A) JP-A-5-323867 (JP, A) JP-A-4-76651 (JP, A) 1994 Spring Meeting of the Society of Japan B-650 "Study on a Support Tool for Creating Map for Monitoring in Network Management System" (1994-3-10) 1990 IEICE Spring Convention B-606 "A Study on HMI for Network Management" (1990-3-5) 1990 IEICE Spring National Convention B-607 "Human Machine Interface in Network Configuration Management" (1990-3-5) (58) Fields surveyed (Int. . ^7, DB name) H04L 12/24 - 12/26 G06F 12/00 G06F 13/00 353 H04M 3/00

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A network which collects and manages the configuration and state of a communication network, hierarchizes them according to the inclusion relation of a geographical, physical, or logical view, and expresses different levels of abstraction among the view hierarchy levels. In a network management system for displaying the configuration and status of the communication network on a screen by a group of maps, means for defining, for each component of the communication network, configuration information of the component; A group of parameters serving as a reference for division, such as management protocol specification identifiers, instance identifiers, class identifiers, and attributes of the components of the communication network, and parameters such as the values of these identifiers and attributes. Means for setting a map hierarchical form by defining a data group for each visual field level, and a base for the map hierarchical division by referring to configuration information of all the constituent elements of the communication network. By judging the identity of the parameter type or the identity of the parameter value based on the parameter group defined as, the components of the communication network are grouped to perform map division of each visual field level, A network management system, comprising: means for generating a map hierarchical relationship between different visual field levels; and means for automatically laying out a map group for each visual field level. 2. A network which collects and manages the configuration and state of a communication network, hierarchizes them according to the inclusion relation of a geographical, physical or logical view, and expresses different levels of abstraction among the view hierarchy levels. In a network management system for displaying the configuration and status of the communication network on a screen by a group of map maps, a configuration information frame defining configuration information items of each component of the communication network is created, and a network map is created. A display element / configuration information frame defining means for performing a user interaction to create a background image of each hierarchical level constituting a display screen and a display element such as a symbol or an icon expressing a component of a communication network; A configuration information collection processing unit that collects configuration information of components of the communication network to be managed, and configuration information that is individual for each component of the communication network to be managed, In accordance with the above-mentioned configuration information frame using the configuration information input in the user interaction, a configuration information defining means for defining and a parameter group for defining a map hierarchical form in the user interaction are set. -A map hierarchy creation support processing means for automatically creating a map hierarchy relationship based on the data group; and a hierarchical map automatic creation means for laying out a hierarchical network map group according to the created map hierarchy. Network management system. 3. A network which collects and manages the configuration and state of a communication network, hierarchizes them according to the inclusive relation of geographical, physical, or logical views, and expresses different levels of abstraction among the view hierarchy levels. In a network management system for displaying the configuration and status of the communication network on a screen by a group of map maps, a configuration information frame defining configuration information items of each component of the communication network is created, and a network map is created. A display element / configuration information frame defining means for performing a user interaction to create a background image of each hierarchical level constituting a display screen and a display element such as a symbol or an icon expressing a component of a communication network; A standard map parameter that stores, as a library, a group of parameters that define a standard and representative standard map hierarchy.
A configuration library that collects the configuration information of the components of the communication network to be managed, and configuration information that is individual for each component of the communication network to be managed. A configuration information defining means for defining the configuration information in accordance with the configuration information frame using the configuration information input in the user dialogue; and whether to generate a map in a user-specific map hierarchical form in the user dialogue. Or map generation condition setting means for setting map generation conditions indicating whether map generation is performed using the standard map hierarchy form in the standard map parameter library. A layering condition setting means for setting a parameter group defining a map layer form in a user interaction when conditions are set to generate a map in a unique map layer form; When the map generation condition setting means sets a condition for generating a map using the standard map hierarchy form in the standard map parameter library, the map hierarchy form is converted from the standard map parameter library by user interaction. A layering condition library selecting means for selecting and reading out a parameter group defining the map hierarchical form; and a parameter group set by the layering condition setting means or selected by the layering condition library selecting means. View hierarchy generating means for automatically generating a map hierarchical relation based on the set of parameters, and a hierarchical map automatic generating means for laying out a hierarchical network map group according to the automatically generated map hierarchical relation. A network management system. 4. A parameter group defining the map hierarchy form includes a combination of a plurality of parameters in a logical expression, and the parameter groups are combined by a logical sum when a map hierarchy relationship is generated. In the case of a logical condition, a hierarchical relation is generated by preferentially adopting parameters of a superordinate concept in the order of management protocol specification identifier, class identifier, attribute, instance identifier, and attribute value. 3. The network management system according to any one of 3. 5. A parameter group that defines the map hierarchy form includes a parameter group that is a basic criterion of map hierarchy division and a similar alternative parameter for application to a management target having no such parameter. When expressing a management target that does not have the above-mentioned basic parameter group due to differences in management protocol specifications on a specified map hierarchical form, the specified map is based on the above-mentioned alternative parameters. The network management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the management targets are combined in a hierarchical form. 6. The network management system according to claim 5, further comprising: means for estimating a corresponding alternative parameter group based on the basic reference parameter group. 7. A method for creating a hierarchical network map displayed on a management system screen for monitoring the status of a network in which various types and forms are mixed.
A parameter defining a map hierarchy, a parameter similar to the defined parameter, or a parameter library defining a group of specific map hierarchy on the network management system according to any one of the above. Is set or selected in a user dialogue, a specific physical map hierarchical form, a specific logical map hierarchical form, or a user
A network management method characterized by automatically generating a monitoring map in a unified hierarchical form according to any of the individual specification map hierarchical forms. 8. A network which collects and manages the configuration and state of a communication network, hierarchizes them according to the inclusion relation of geographical, physical, or logical views, and expresses different levels of abstraction among the view hierarchy levels. A network management method for displaying the configuration / state of the communication network on a screen by a group of maps; defining, for each component of the communication network, configuration information of the component; A group of parameters serving as a reference for division, such as management protocol specification identifiers, instance identifiers, class identifiers, and attributes of the components of the communication network, and parameters such as the values of these identifiers and attributes. Setting a map hierarchy by defining a data group for each visual field level, and referring to the configuration information of all the constituent elements of the communication network, By judging the identity of the parameter type or the identity of the parameter value based on a parameter group defined as a standard, the components of the communication network are grouped to perform map division at each visual field level. Generating a map hierarchical relationship between different visual field levels; and automatically laying out a map group of each visual field level. 9. A network which collects and manages the configuration and state of a communication network, hierarchizes them according to the inclusive relation of geographical, physical or logical views, and expresses different levels of abstraction among the view hierarchy levels. In the network management method for displaying the configuration and status of the communication network on a screen by a group of network maps, a configuration information frame defining configuration information items of each component of the communication network is created, and a network map is created. A display element / configuration information frame defining step of performing, through user interaction, a display element such as a symbol or an icon representing a background image of each hierarchical level constituting a display screen and a communication network element; A configuration information collection processing step of collecting configuration information of components of the communication network to be managed; and configuration information that is individual for each component of the communication network to be managed. A configuration information defining step for defining the configuration information frame using the configuration information input in the user interaction, and a parameter group for defining a map hierarchical form in the user interaction; A map hierarchy creation support processing step of automatically creating a map hierarchy relationship based on the parameter group; and a hierarchical map automatic creation step of laying out a hierarchical network map group according to the created map hierarchy. Characteristic network management method. 10. A network that collects and manages the configuration and state of a communication network, hierarchizes them according to the inclusion relation of a geographical, physical, or logical view, and expresses different levels of abstraction among the view hierarchy levels. In the network management method for displaying the configuration and status of the communication network on a screen by a group of network maps, a configuration information frame defining configuration information items of each component of the communication network is created, and a network map is created. A display element / configuration information frame defining step of performing, through user interaction, a display element such as a symbol or an icon representing a background image of each hierarchical level constituting a display screen and a communication network element; A configuration information collection processing step of collecting configuration information of the components of the communication network to be managed; and configuration information that is individual for each component of the communication network to be managed. Is a configuration information defining step for defining in accordance with the configuration information frame using the configuration information input in the user interaction, and generating a map in a user-specific map hierarchical form in the user interaction. Is performed, or a map is generated using a standard map hierarchy form in a standard map parameter library in which a parameter group defining a standard and representative standard map hierarchy form is stored as a library. A map generation condition setting step for setting a map generation condition; and a user dialogue when conditions are set in the map generation condition setting step to generate a map in a user-specific map hierarchical form. A layering condition setting step for setting a parameter group defining a map layer form; and the standard map parameter setting in the map generation condition setting step. When a condition is set to generate a map using the standard map hierarchical form in the library, a map hierarchical form is selected from the standard map parameter library by user interaction, and a parameter defining the map hierarchical form is selected. Based on the layering condition library selecting step of reading the group and the parameter group set in the layering condition setting step or the parameter group selected in the layering condition library selecting step, the map hierarchical relationship is determined. A network management method comprising: an automatically generated view hierarchy generation step; and a hierarchical map automatic generation step of laying out a hierarchical network map group according to an automatically generated map hierarchy relationship.