Patent Publication Number: US-2011072145-A1

Title: Network device performing connection check, network system, and frame transfer method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a network device performing a connection check, a network system, and a frame transfer method. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Real-time communication technology such as Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394 employs a transfer system using a cycle including real time data and best effort data (referred to hereinbelow as “cyclic transfer”).  FIG. 6  shows a standard cycle pattern. As shown in  FIG. 6 , cycles are repeated by taking predetermined 125 μs as one cycle. Packet data, that is, a frame, occupying a predetermined band within this one cycle is transferred between network devices. Here, the first half of one cycle is taken as a reserved transfer interval and the second half is taken as a free transfer interval. 
     The reserved transfer interval is used for real time data communication. In the reserved transfer interval, for example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a predetermined time, that is, bands  1  to  5  are reserved for frame transmission. Each of the reserved bands  1  to  5  is used only between set devices. Where frames A 1  to A 5  of real time data are arranged in the reserved bands  1  to  5 , a constant amount of data communication is possible within a constant time. A synchronization frame for synchronizing the network devices is disposed in the header of the reserved transfer interval (not shown in the figure). 
     By contrast, the free transfer interval is used for best effort data communication that has no real time property. In this interval, no band is reserved. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , when a band  6  of this interval is free during data transfer, a frame B 1  is arranged therein and data communication between the devices is performed. Frames B 2  to B 5  are similarly arranged in respective bands. 
     For example, a daisy-chain connection composed of network devices  11  to  14  shown in  FIG. 7  and a star connection composed of network devices  11 ,  12 ,  13 , and  15  can be considered as a network configuration that realizes a cyclic transfer. Each network device has a bridge function, and network devices  12 ,  13 , and  15  can transfer a frame transmitted from a network device on one side of the device to a network device on the other side. As a result, communication can be performed by using a bridge function even between the network devices that are not directly connected to each other. 
     There is a trend to applying the above-described cyclic transfer to Ethernet (registered trademark), which is a Local Area Network (LAN) standard, and high speed and high reliability of data communication with the cyclic transfer are sought for a LAN using the Ethernet (registered trademark). 
     A Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) specified in IEEE 802.1d and a Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) specified in IEEE 802.1w are available as network management protocols that take into account the recovery from a network failure. 
       FIG. 8  shows a schematic diagram of a typical network employing the RSTP. As shown in  FIG. 8 , in a network configured by network devices A to E, a frame called a Bridge Protocol Data Unit (BPDU) is periodically transmitted from network device A that is a root (also called “a master”) (see for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-13621 (JP-A-2006-13621)). The connection of all the network devices constituting the network can be checked with the BPDU. 
     When a failure occurs in a certain ground point of a network, no BPDU arrives therefrom to the destination. Accordingly, a general restoration operation from a failure is started according to a flowchart shown in  FIG. 9 . More specifically, for example, when a line disconnection occurs between network device C and network device D, the BPDU does not reach network device D (see  FIG. 8 ). As a result, network disconnection is detected (S 1 ). Network device D then starts a handshake with network device B via a redundant path on the root side shown by a broken line in  FIG. 8  (S 2 ). Network device B and network device D are physically connected, but the connection therebetween was blocked in order to avoid an endless loop of a frame. In response to a request from network device D, network device B activates the network connection between the two network devices. Thus, a new topology is created in the network. A frame indicating the topology change is sent from network device D and transmitted to all the devices (S 3 ). 
     Usually one BPDU is transmitted every 2 seconds. However, when the amount of data in the network is large, there is a risk of the BPDU transfer being delayed. The resultant problem is that the failure recovery is delayed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a network device performing a connection check, a network system, and a frame transfer method capable of restoring the network rapidly from a failure, regardless of the amount of data in the network. 
     The first aspect of the invention relates to a network device that transfers frames by repeating, in a constant cycle, a reserved transfer interval that is a time band, in which a frame is transferred with a reservation, and a free transfer interval that is a time band, in which a frame is freely transferred. The network device has a BPDU generation unit that generates a first BPDU and a BPDU transmission instruction unit that instructs to arrange the first BPDU in the reserved transfer interval and transmit the first. BPDU to a first other network device. 
     In the above-described aspect, a synchronization frame for synchronizing network devices within a network may be arranged in a header of the reserved transfer interval, and the first BPDU may be arranged to follow the synchronization frame. 
     In the above-described aspect, the network device may further include a BPDU reception unit that receives a second BPDU transmitted from a second other network device. The BPDU generation unit may generate the first BPDU on the basis of the second BPDU. 
     In the above-described aspect, the BPDU reception unit may receive a third BPDU transmitted from the first other network device. The BPDU generation unit may generate a fourth BPDU on the basis of the third BPDU. The BPDU transmission instruction unit may arrange the fourth BPDU in the reserved transfer interval and transmit the fourth BPDU to the second other network device. 
     In the above-described aspect, an interval in which a frame transfer is prohibited may be provided at an end of the free transfer interval. 
     In the above-described aspect, a frame gap may be provided at least in one of before and after each of the BPDU. 
     In the above-described aspect, a system of communication between the first and second other network devices may be a full duplex system. 
     In the above-described aspect, one of the first other network device and the second other network device may receive a fifth BPDU transmitted from a third other network device connected to one of the first other network device and the second other network device. The third other network device may not be directly connected to the network device. When the third other network device and one of the first other network device and the second other network device are disconnected, one of the first other network device and the second other network device may notify the network device about the disconnection. 
     In the above-described aspect, when the connection between the network device and one of the first other network device and the second other network device is disconnected and a redundant path exists between the one of the other network device that has been disconnected and the network device or the other one of the other network device, the one of the other network device may activate the redundant path. The one of the other network device may transmit a fifth BPDU to the network device or the other one of the other network device connected by the redundant path. 
     The second aspect of the invention relates to a network system including a network device that transfers frames by repeating, in a constant cycle, a reserved transfer interval that is a time band, in which a frame is transferred with a reservation, and a free transfer interval that is a time band, in which a frame is freely transferred. The network device generates a first BPDU, arranges the first BPDU in the reserved transfer interval, and transmits the first BPDU to a first other network device. 
     In the above-described aspect, a synchronization frame for synchronizing network devices within a network may be arranged in a header of the reserved transfer interval and the first BPDU may be arranged to follow the synchronization frame. 
     In the above-described aspect, the network device further has a BPDU reception unit that receives a second BPDU transmitted from a second other network device. The BPDU generation unit generates the first BPDU on the basis of the second BPDU. 
     In the above-described aspect, the network device may receive a third BPDU transmitted from the first other network device, generate a fourth BPDU on the basis of the third BPDU, arrange the fourth BPDU in the reserved transfer interval, and transmit the fourth BPDU to the second other network device. 
     In the above-described aspect, an interval in which a frame transfer is prohibited may be provided at an end of the free transfer interval. 
     In the above-described aspect, a frame gap may be provided at least in one of before and after each of the BPDU. 
     In the above-described aspect, a system of communication between the first and second other network devices may be a full duplex system. 
     In the above-described aspect, the network system may further include a third other network device connected to one of the first other network device and the second other network device. The third other network device may not be directly connected to the network device. When the third other network device and one of the first other network device and the second other network device are disconnected, one of the first other network device and the second other network device may notify the network device about the disconnection. 
     In the above-described aspect, when the connection between the network device and either of the first other network device and the second other network device is disconnected and a redundant path exists between the one of the other network device that has been disconnected and the network device or the other one of the other network device, the one of the other network device may activate the redundant path. The one of the other network device may transmit a fifth BPDU to the network device or the other one of the other network device connected by the redundant path. 
     The third aspect of the invention relates to a frame transfer method by which frames are transferred between network devices by repeating, in a constant cycle, a reserved transfer interval that is a time band in which a frame is transferred with a reservation and a free transfer interval that is a time band in which a frame is freely transferred. A first network device generates a first BPDU, arranges the first BPDU in the reserved transfer interval, and transmits the first BPDU to a second network device. 
     In the above-described aspect, the first network device may arrange a synchronization frame for synchronizing network devices within a network in a header of the reserved transfer interval and arrange the first BPDU to follow the synchronization frame. 
     In the above-described aspect, the first network device may receive a second BPDU transmitted from a third network device and generate the first BPDU on the basis of the second BPDU. 
     In the above-described aspect, the first network device may receive a third BPDU transmitted from the second network device, generate a fourth BPDU on the basis of the third BPDU, arrange the fourth BPDU in the reserved transfer interval, and transmit the fourth BPDU to the third network device. 
     In the above-described aspect, an interval in which frame transfer is prohibited may be provided at an end of the free transfer interval. 
     In the above-described aspect, a system of communication between the first network device and the second and third network devices may be a full duplex system. 
     By using the network device, network system, or frame transfer method in accordance with the invention, it is possible to restore the network rapidly from a failure, regardless of the amount of data in the network. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals are used to represent like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a network of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a network device of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a frame transfer cycle of the network device of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of BPDU transfer in the network of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a recovery operation from a failure of the network of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  shows an example of a frame transfer cycle; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a network; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of BPDU transfer in a typical network; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a recovery operation from a typical failure of a network. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT 
     A specific embodiment employing the invention will be described below in greater detail with reference to the appended drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the below-described embodiment. Furthermore, the description and drawings below are appropriately simplified to clarify the explanation. 
       FIG. 1  shows a general network configuration and a network device of the embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a network  100  has network devices  101  to  106 . The network devices  101  to  106  perform transmission and reception of frames by cyclic transfer. Because the network devices  101  to  106  have identical configuration, the network device  101  will be explained herein by way of example. The network device  101  has an application  121 , a communication logic  122 , and ports  123  to  125 . 
     The application  121  generates data to be used in another network device in the network or uses data generated in another network device. Examples of the application include generation of video data by using a peripheral device such as a camera and transmission of the video data to another network device and display of video data transmitted by another network device on a display. 
     The communication logic  122  is configured, for example, by a Media Access Control (MAC) bridge (including a switch, a rooting table, etc. for realizing bridge communication between a plurality of ports in the device itself) specified by IEEE 802.1 or a circuit performing operation and control specified by a protocol such as STP and RSTP. Furthermore, the communication logic  122  also performs control of dividing data generated by the application  121  to a predetermined length and adding control information to obtain a frame. 
     The ports  123  to  125  perform transmission and reception of frames between network devices. For example, a connector or a cable specified by IEEE 802.3 and hardware conforming to a transmission-reception protocol such as MAC can be used as the ports  123  to  125 . 
     The communication logic  122  and application  121  a connected to adjacent network devices via the ports  123  to  125 , thereby configuring the network  100 . The connection between the network devices may be a daisy-chain connection composed of network devices  101  to  104  or a star connection composed of network devices  101 ,  102 ,  103 , and  105 . 
     In each network device, a rooting table (not shown in the figure) located in the own device saves information indicating which port of the own device is connected to which port of another network device. As a result, even when a plurality of ports are used, as in the network device  102  or  103 , each network device performs communication between the ports of the adequate network device on the basis of this information. 
       FIG. 2  shows in greater detail a configuration block diagram of the network devices  101  to  106  shown in  FIG. 1 . Because the network devices  101  to  106  have identical configuration, the network device  101  will be explained hereinbelow by way of example. In  FIG. 2  components denoted by the same reference numerals as in  FIG. 1  have similar configuration and explanation thereof is herein omitted. 
     Each port from among the ports  123  to  125  has a respective reception port and a transmission port. The reception port sends a frame that arrived from another network device to a below-described switch  140 . The transmission port transmits a frame sent from the switch  140  to another network device. 
     The communication logic  122  has a switch  140 , a reservation table  141 , a cycle timer  142 , a BPDU transmission instruction unit  143 , a BPDU reception unit  144 , a network management unit  145 , a BPDU generation unit  146 , a transmission unit  147 , and a reception unit  148 . 
     The switch  140  performs bridge communication between a plurality of ports in the own device, for example, between the reception port of the port  123  and the transmission port of the port  125 . Furthermore, the switch  140  sends a frame received by the own device to the reception unit  148  and sends a frame sent from the transmission unit  147  to the transmission port  132  of the designated port. Here, when the data received from the switch  140  are the own device address, the reception unit  148  sends the received data to the adequate application  121 . The transmission unit  147  sends the data received from the application  121  to the switch  140 . Furthermore, the switch  140  sends the BPDU received from the other network device to the BPDU reception unit  144 . 
     The reservation table  141  sends information indicating which time band has already been reserved to the BPDU transmission instruction unit  143 . The cycle timer  142  measures the time information of the own device and sends this time information to the BPDU transmission instruction unit  143 . Here, because all the network devices in the network are synchronized, the cycle timers  142  of all the network devices show the same time. A method based on IEEE 1588 is available as a method for synchronizing the network devices. Detailed explanation of IEEE 1588 is herein omitted. The BPDU transmission instruction unit  143  generates a BPDU transmission instruction signal on the basis of information from the reservation table  141  and cycle timer  142 . 
     The BPDU reception unit  144  sends the BPDU received from the other network device to the network management unit  145 . The network management unit  145  instructs the BPDU generation unit  146  to change the received BPDU correspondingly to the status of the own device and the like. The BPDU generation unit  146  generates a BPDU on the basis of instruction from the network management unit  145 . The BPDU generated by the BPDU generation unit  146  is sent to the transmission port  132  connected to the transmission destination by the switch  140  on the basis of the BPDU transmission instruction signal from the BPDU transmission instruction unit  143 . The BPDU is then transferred. Within the interval from the BPDU transmission instruction to the BPDU transmission completion, the network device  101  preferentially transmits the BPDU. 
     A frame transfer cycle will be explained below.  FIG. 3  shows a cycle pattern of frame transfer in the network device in accordance with the invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a predetermined interval of 125 μs is taken as 1 cycle, and the cycle is repeated. In this case, the first half of one cycle is set as a reserved transfer interval and the second half is set as a free transfer interval. 
     The reserved transfer interval is used for real time data communication. In the reserved transfer interval, for example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a predetermined time, that is, bands  1  to  5  are reserved for frame transmission. Each of the reserved bands  1  to  5  is used only between set devices. Where frames A 1  to A 5  of the real time data are arranged in the reserved bands  1  to  5 , data communication of a fixed amount becomes possible within a fixed interval. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a start interval S is provided in the header of each cycle, that is, in the header of a reserved transfer interval of each cycle. As shown in an enlarged form in  FIG. 3 , a synchronization frame START for synchronizing network devices is arranged in the header of the start interval S. A BPDU is arranged via an Inter-Frame Gap (IFG) after the synchronization frame START. A Start Frame Gap (SFG) is provided at the rear end of the BPDU to prevent competition with other adjacent reserved frame. 
     The BPDU is thus arranged and transferred in the reserved transfer interval of each cycle. As a result, the BPDU can be reliably transferred in each cycle. Therefore, a failure can be instantaneously detected and recovery from the failure can be accelerated. A BPDU may be arranged based on the received information of the synchronization frame START, rather than the information from the cycle timer  142 . 
     By contrast, the free transfer interval is used for communication of best effort data that do not have a real time property. In the free transfer interval, no band is reserved. For example, when a band  6  of this interval is vacant during data transfer, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the frame B 1  is arranged therein and data communication between the devices is performed. Likewise, the frames B 2  to B 5  are also arranged in respective bands. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a cycle end interval E is provided in the final section of the free transfer interval. The cycle end interval E is a transfer prohibition interval. Thus, the competition of the frame positioned in the final section of the free transfer interval and the synchronization frame START and BPDU positioned in the header of the next cycle is prevented. As a result, the synchronization frame START and BPDU can be transferred more reliably in each cycle. Therefore, a failure can be detected even faster and the recovery from the failure can be accelerated. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a network configured by the network device of the embodiment and employing the RSTP. As shown in  FIG. 4 , in the network configured by network devices A to E, a BPDU is periodically transmitted from network device A, which is a root. Furthermore, in the embodiment, a BPDU is also periodically transmitted from each network device to the network device positioned on the side of network device A, which is a root. 
     Thus, not only a BPDU is transmitted from the root, but a BPDU is also transmitted from each network device to the root. In other words, a network device that is neither a network root, nor a terminal network device, such as network device C or D, transfers a BPDU bidirectionally. 
     In the embodiment, the communication system may be a half duplex communication system or a full duplex communication system, and the full duplex communication system in which bidirectional BPDU transfer can be performed simultaneously is preferred from the standpoint of rapid recovery from a failure. 
     In a typical network shown in  FIG. 8 , a BPDU is transmitted only in one direction from the root. For example, when disconnection occurs between network device D and network device E, network device E can recognize the disconnection because the BPDU does not arrive within a predetermined period. However, because no redundant path is present, other network devices cannot determine that the disconnection has occurred. More specifically, when real time data are transferred from network device A to network device E, the data are stopped at network device D. The problem is that network device A cannot recognize this event. 
     In the network of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , a BPDU is transferred bidirectionally as described hereinabove. For example, when a disconnection occurs between network device D and network device E, network device D can recognize the disconnection because the BPDU from network device E does not arrive within a predetermined period. Furthermore, other network devices can be rapidly notified about the disconnection. 
     In the network of the embodiment, the restoration operation from the failure is started according to the flowchart shown in  FIG. 5 . More specifically, for example, when a disconnection occurs between network device C and network device D, a BPDU from network device C does not reach network device D. Furthermore, a BPDU from network device D does not reach network device C. As a result, network disconnection is detected (S 101 ). 
     When a redundant path is present in the network, network device D then starts a handshake with network device B via the redundant path on the side of the root shown by a broken line in  FIG. 4  (S 102 ). Network device B and network device D are physically connected, but the connection therebetween was blocked in order to avoid an endless loop of a frame. In response to a request from network device D, network device B activates the network connection between the two network devices. Thus, a new topology is created in the network. 
     A frame indicating the topology change is sent from network device D and transmitted to all the devices (S 103 ). Thus, when a redundant path is present in a network, the device that has detected a disconnection performs a handshake via the redundant path in the same manner as in the typical network shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     For example, when a disconnection occurs between network device D and network device E in the network shown in  FIG. 4 , a BPDU from network device D does not reach network device E. Furthermore, a BPDU from network device E does not reach network device D. As a result, network disconnection is detected (S 101 ). 
     Because no redundant path is present between network device E and the other network devices, the frame demonstrating a topology change is transmitted from network device D and transferred to all the device, without performing operations of S 102  (S 103 ). 
     As explained hereinabove, in the embodiment, a BPDU is arranged and transferred in a reserved transfer interval of each cycle. As a result, a BPDU can be reliably transferred in each cycle. Therefore, a failure can be instantaneously detected and recovery from the failure can be accelerated. Furthermore, a cycle end interval E is provided in the final section of the free transfer interval. As a result, a BPDU can be more reliably transferred in each cycle. 
     As explained hereinabove, after a BPDU has been received from another network device, a BPDU created correspondingly to the status of the own device or the like is transmitted to another network device, but such a configuration is not limiting. For example, a BPDU may be transmitted between two network devices from among the network devices shown in  FIG. 4 . More specifically, a BPDU may be transferred in the same manner between the device A and the device C, between the device A and the device B, between the device C and the device D, and between the device D and the device E. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments or constructions. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements. In addition, while the various elements of the disclosed invention are shown in various example combinations and configurations, other combinations and configurations, including more, less or only a single element, are also within the scope of the appended claims.