Patent Publication Number: US-2017366371-A1

Title: Communication device setting apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2015/056112, filed on Mar. 2, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The embodiment discussed herein is related to a communication device setting apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the case of building a system such as a data center in which a plurality of communication devices such as network switches is connected to each other; firstly, individual communication devices are installed at installation locations such as racks, and power is supplied thereto. Then, initial setting is separately performed in each individual communication device. That is followed by a wire connection task in which the communication devices whose initial setting has been completed are wire-connected using network cables. After the wire connection task is completed, function settings related to coordinated operations are performed to the communication devices. 
     When the system grows large in scale, the number of communication devices also increases, thereby leading to an increase in the number of cables used in wire-connecting the communication devices. For that reason, in a large-scale system, the hardware-related tasks such as the installation task and the wire connection task as well as the software-related tasks such as initial setting and function setting are often assigned to specialist workers. In that case, for example, the workers responsible for performing the initial setting starts the task of initial setting after receiving a report of completion of the installation task from the workers who performed the hardware-related tasks. In this way, in the case of building a large-scale system, the workers performing the hardware-related tasks and the workers performing the software-related tasks build the system in liaison with each other. Prior art examples are disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2014-95536, International Publication Pamphlet No. 96/29640, and Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2001-223721. 
     Meanwhile, depending on the system configuration, sometimes a redundant configuration is implemented in which a plurality of communication devices having the spanning tree protocol (STP) function is wire-connected in a loop configuration or in a mesh-like configuration. Alternatively, there are times when a link aggregation technology is implemented in which two communication devices are connected using a plurality of network cables, and the physical links using the network cables are bundled to be used as a single logical link. 
     There are some communication devices that start operations upon receiving supply of power. For that reason, in the state in which the STP function and the link aggregation function are not yet set, if a plurality of communication devices that receives supply of power is wire-connected in a loop configuration or in a mesh-like configuration, each individual communication device unlimitedly repeats the transfer of communication data. That causes the entire network to go down. In order to avoid such a situation, the communication devices are wire-connected to each other only after the STP function and the link aggregation function are set in each individual communication device. 
     However, if the hardware-related tasks, such as installation and wire connection, and the software-related tasks, such as initial setting and function setting, are performed in an alternate manner; then it results in frequent handover between the workers responsible for the hardware-related tasks and the workers responsible for the software-related tasks. Moreover, in the case of building a large-scale system, there are times when the workers responsible for the hardware-related tasks perform the tasks at distant locations from the workers responsible for the software-related tasks. In such a case, mistakes in handover become more likely to occur. If mistakes in handover occur among the workers, there are times when the built system does not function correctly. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of an embodiment, a communication device setting apparatus that performs setting in a plurality of communication devices, the communication device setting apparatus includes a selecting unit, a power supply control unit, and a setting unit. The selecting unit sequentially selects setting contents to be set in the communication devices whose wire connection has been completed. The power supply control unit supplies power to the communication devices in which the setting contents selected by the selecting unit are to be set among the plurality of communication devices. The setting unit performs setting according to the setting contents, which are selected by the selecting unit, to the communication devices to which power is supplied by the power supply control unit. 
     The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication device setting system; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an example of a device list; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an example of a condition list; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting script; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence list; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operations performed by a communication device setting apparatus; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart for explaining an example of a power supply control operation; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart for explaining an example of a setting operation; and 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer that implements the functions of the communication device setting apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to accompanying drawings. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiment described below. 
     Communication Device Setting System  10   
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication device setting system  10 . The communication device setting system  10  includes a communication device setting apparatus  20 , a power supplying device  11 , a communication interface device  12 , and a plurality of switch devices  13 - 1  to  13 - n . In the following explanation, when the switch devices  13 - 1  to  13 - n  need not be distinguished from each other, they are collectively referred to as the switch devices  13 . 
     The switch devices  13  are communication devices such as layer  3  switches. Each switch device  13  is connected to one or more other switch devices  13  via communication cables  14 . Thus, each switch device  13  sends communication data to and receives communication data from other switch devices  13  via the communication cables  14 . Moreover, each switch device  13  is connected to the power supplying device  11  via a power supply cable  15 . When power is supplied from the power supplying device  11 , each switch device  13  performs operations using the supplied power. In the embodiment, as a result of receiving the supply of power, the switch devices  13  reset and start the operations according to the setting stored in a nonvolatile memory thereof. 
     Meanwhile, each switch device  13  includes a maintenance port, which is connected to the communication interface device  12  via a communication cable  16 . Thus, each switch device  13  performs initial setting and function setting according to the information received from the communication device setting apparatus  20  via the communication interface device  12 . 
     In the embodiment, the initial setting of each switch device  13  includes, for example, the setting of a blocking port, the setting related to the STP, and the setting related to a virtual local area network (VLAN). In the case in which a plurality of switch devices  13  operates in liaison with each other and constitutes a cluster that behaves like a single virtual network switch, the initial setting with respect to each switch device  13  includes the setting about position information indicating the position in the cluster. 
     In the embodiment, the function setting with respect to a plurality of switch devices  13  includes, for example, the setting of cluster units in the case in which a plurality of switch devices  13  operates in liaison with each other and constitutes a cluster that behaves like a single virtual network switch. The setting of cluster units includes setting the structure or the configuration of the cluster, and assigning addresses to the cluster units. The function setting with respect to a group of a plurality of switch devices  13  is performed via one of the switch devices  13  included in the target group for setting. The switch device  13  in which the function setting has been done autonomously performs the function setting with respect to the other switch devices  13  in the group. For that reason, the function settings with respect to a group of a plurality of switch devices  13  is based on the premise that the switch devices  13  in the target group for setting are wire-connected to each other. 
     The power supplying device  11  includes a communication port and a plurality of power connectors. The communication port of the power supplying device  11  is connected to the communication device setting apparatus  20  via a communication cable  17 . Each power connector is assigned with a connector number for identification purposes. Moreover, to each power connector is connected one of the switch devices  13  via the corresponding power supply cable  15 . 
     When a control signal that specifies the connector number of a power connector to which the supply of power is to be started is received from the communication device setting apparatus  20  via the communication cable  17 , the power supplying device  11  starts the supply of power to the power connector corresponding to the specified connector number. As a result, power gets supplied to the switch device  13  that is connected to the concerned power connector via the power supply cable  15 , and the switch device  13  starts the operations. 
     When a control signal that specifies the connector number of a power connector whose power supply is to be stopped is received from the communication device setting apparatus  20  via the communication cable  17 , the power supplying device  11  stops the supply of power to the power connector corresponding to the specified connector number. As a result, power that was being supplied to the switch device  13 , which is connected to the concerned power connector via the power supply cable  15 , gets cut off; and the switch device  13  stops the operations. 
     The communication interface device  12  includes a plurality of communication ports. Each communication port is assigned with a port number for identification purposes. One of the communication ports is connected to the communication device setting apparatus  20  via a communication cable  18 . To each of the remaining communication ports is connected one of the switch devices  13  via the corresponding communication cable  16 . 
     When communication data is received along with a port number from the communication device setting apparatus  20 , the communication interface device  12  sends the received communication data to the switch device  13  that is connected to the communication port having the port number received along with the communication data. Moreover, when communication data is received from the switch device  13 , the communication interface device  12  sends the received communication data along with the port number of the communication port that received the communication data to the communication device setting apparatus  20  via the communication cable  18 . 
     In the embodiment, in the initial state, the power supplying device  11  does not supply power to any power connector. Hence, even if the switch devices  13  are connected to the power supplying device  11  via the respective power supply cables  15 , none of the switch devices  13  are activated in the initial state. For that reason, even if each switch device  13  is connected to other switch devices  13  using the communication cables  14  thereby resulting in the wire connection of a plurality of switch devices  13  in a loop configuration or in a mesh-like configuration, there is no unlimited transfer of communication data in the initial state. 
     Moreover, in the embodiment, when the installation task and the wire connection task of a plurality of switch devices  13  are performed, and after the wire connection task is completed; the setting task is performed with respect to each switch device  13 . The wire connection task of a plurality of switch devices  13  includes the task of connecting each switch device  13  to a power connector of the power supplying device  11  via the corresponding power supply cable  15 , and the task of connecting each switch device  13  to other switch devices  13  via the communication cables  14 . Moreover, the wire connection task of a plurality of switch devices  13  also includes the task of connecting each switch device  13  to a communication port of the communication interface device  12  via the corresponding communication cable  16 . 
     Communication Device Setting Apparatus  20   
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the communication device setting apparatus  20  includes a memory unit  21 , a power supply control unit  22 , a setting control unit  23 , and a setting unit  24 . The memory unit  21  is used to store a device list  210 , a condition list  211 , a sequence list  212 , and a plurality of setting scripts  213 - 1  to  213 - n . In the following explanation, when the setting scripts  213 - 1  to  213 - n  need not be distinguished from each other, they are collectively referred to as the setting scripts  213 . Meanwhile, the information that is stored in the memory unit  21  is created in advance by the user of the communication device setting apparatus  20  and is then stored in the memory unit  21 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an example of the device list  210 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in the device list  210 , device IDs  2100  that enable identification of the switch devices  13  are stored in a corresponding manner to port numbers  2101  and connector numbers  2102 . The port numbers  2101  represent information that enables identification of such communication ports of the communication interface device  12  which are connected to the switch devices  13  identified by the device IDs  2100 . The connector numbers  2102  represent information that enables identification of such power connectors of the power supplying device  11  which are connected to the switch devices  13  identified by the devices IDs  2100 . 
     By referring to the device list  210  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , it can be understood that, for example, to the switch device  13  having “E001” as the device ID  2100  is connected the communication port having “P001” as the port number  2101  in the communication interface device  12 . Moreover, for example, to the switch device  13  having “E001” as the device ID  2100  is connected the power connector having “C001” as the connector number  2102  in the power supplying device  11 . 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an example of the condition list  211 . In the condition list  211 , script IDs  2110  that enable identification of the setting scripts  213  are stored in a corresponding manner to script names  2111 , target device IDs  2112 , and activated-device IDs  2113 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the setting scripts  213  include a series of commands and data used in the setting. The series of commands and data included in the setting scripts  213  represents an example of setting contents. 
     The script names  2111  represent names of the setting scripts  213  identified by the script IDs  2110 . The target device IDs  2112  represent device IDs of the switch devices  13  that perform setting-related communication with the communication device setting apparatus  20  based on the setting scripts  213  identified by the script IDs  2110 . 
     For example, regarding the script IDs of the setting scripts  213  that are related to the initial setting of the individual switch devices  13 , the device ID of a single switch device  13  in which initial setting is to be performed is stored as the target device ID  2112  in the condition list  211 . Moreover, regarding the script IDs of the setting scripts  213  that are related to the function setting of a cluster-like group of a plurality of switch devices  13 , the device ID of one of the switch devices  13  in the group is stored as the target device ID  2112  in the condition list  211 . In the function setting with respect to the group of a plurality of switch devices  13 , the function setting is performed with respect to one of the switch devices  13  included in the group, and that switch device  13  then autonomously performs the setting in the other switch devices  13  included in the group. As a result, the function setting of the entire group is achieved. 
     The activated-device IDs  2113  represent device IDs of one or more switch devices  13  in which setting is done using the setting scripts  213  identified by the script IDs  2110 . Regarding the script IDs of the setting scripts  213  that are related to the initial setting of the individual switch devices  13 , the device ID of a single switch device  13  in which initial setting is to be performed is stored as the activated-device ID  2113  in the condition list  211 . Moreover, regarding the script IDs of the setting scripts  213  that are related to the function setting of a cluster-like group of a plurality of switch devices  13 , the device IDs of all switch devices  13  in the group are stored as the activated-device IDs  2113  in the condition list  211 . 
     By referring to the condition list  211  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , it can be understood that, for example, when the setting script  213  having “S002” as the script ID  2110  is executed, the setting script  213  having “Switches.txt” as the script name  2111  is used. Moreover, it can be understood that, when the setting script  213  having “S002” as the script ID  2110  is executed, commands and data according to that setting script  213  are sent to the switch device  13  having “E001” as the target device ID  2112 . Furthermore, it can be understood that, when the setting script  213  having “S002” as the script ID  2110  is executed, the switch devices  13  having “E001” and “E002” included in the activated-device IDs  2113  are to be activated. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of the sequence list  212 . In the sequence list  212 , an execution sequence  2120  indicating the sequence of execution is stored in a corresponding manner to script IDs  2121 . By referring to the sequence list  212  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , it can be understood that the sequence of execution of the setting scripts  213  is in the order of “S001”, “S003”, and “S002” representing the script IDs  2121 . Meanwhile, in the sequence list  212  according to the embodiment, the execution sequence of the setting scripts is set in such a way that the setting script related to the initial setting of each switch device  13  is executed before the setting script related to the function setting of a plurality of switch devices  13 . 
     Returning to the explanation with reference to  FIG. 1 , when a setting start instruction is received from the user, the setting control unit  23  sequentially selects the script IDs according to the sequence of execution stored in the sequence list  212  in the memory unit  21 . Then, the setting control unit  23  sends the selected script ID to the power supply control unit  22 . When a notification about the completion of power control is received from the power supply control unit  22 , the setting control unit  23  sends the selected script ID to the setting unit  24 . When a notification about the completion of setting is received from the setting unit  24 , the setting control unit  23  refers to the sequence list  212  and selects the next script ID according to the sequence of execution. 
     When a script ID is received from the setting control unit  23 , the power supply control unit  22  refers to the condition list  211  in the memory unit  21 , and identifies the activated-device IDs corresponding to the script ID received from the setting control unit  23 . Then, the power supply control unit  22  refers to the device list  210  and, for each identified activated-device ID, identifies the connector number of such a power connector in the power supplying device  11  which is connected to the switch device  13  having the concerned activated-device ID. 
     Then, the power supply control unit  22  sends a control signal to the power supplying device  11  via the communication cable  17  so as to ensure that power is supplied only to the power connectors having the identified connector numbers. As a result, the power supplying device  11  supplies power only to the power connectors having the connector numbers identified by the power supply control unit  22 . Then, the power supply control unit  22  notifies the setting control unit  23  about the completion of power control. 
     When a script ID is received from the setting control unit  23 , the setting unit  24  refers to the condition list  211  in the memory unit  21 , and identifies the script name corresponding to the script ID received from the setting control unit  23 . Then, the setting unit  24  obtains the setting script  213  having the identified script name from the memory unit  21 . 
     Subsequently, the setting unit  24  refers to the condition list  211  in the memory unit  21 , and identifies the target device ID corresponding to the script ID received from the setting control unit  23 . Then, the setting unit  24  refers to the device list  210  in the memory unit  21 , and identifies the port number corresponding to the same device ID as the identified target device ID. 
     Subsequently, the setting unit  24  sequentially generates commands and data according to the setting script  213  obtained by the memory unit  21 ; and sends the generated commands and data along with the port number, which is identified by referring to the device list  210 , to the communication interface device  12 . Then, the communication interface device  12  sends the command and data, which are sequentially received from the setting unit  24 , to the switch device  13  that is connected to the communication port having the port number received from the communication device setting apparatus  20 . As a result, the setting according to the setting script  213  is performed with respect to the switch device  13  to which power is supplied by the power supply control unit  22 . After the setting according to the setting script  213  is over, the setting unit  24  notifies the setting control unit  23  about the completion of setting. 
     Herein, in the sequence list  212  according to the embodiment, the sequence of execution of the setting scripts is set in such a way that the setting scripts related to the initial setting of individual switch devices  13  are executed before the setting script related to the function setting of a plurality of switch devices  13 . Moreover, in the condition list  211 , the device IDs of all switch devices  13  in which setting is performed using a script ID are registered as the activated-device IDs corresponding to the script ID of the concerned setting script. 
     Subsequently, when a script ID is received from the setting control unit  23 , the power supply control unit  22  identifies the activated-device IDs corresponding to the received script ID in the condition list  211 . Then, the power supply control unit  22  ensures that power is supplied only to the switch devices  13  having the device IDs specified as the identified activated-device IDs. Thus, other than the switch devices  13  in which the setting is performed using the setting script, the remaining switch devices  13  do not receive the supply of power and are not activated. For that reason, at the time of performing the initial setting of the individual switch devices  13 , power is supplied only to the target switch devices  13  for setting and not to the other switch devices  13 . 
     As a result, even in the case in which the wire connection task is already performed for a plurality of switch devices  13  thereby resulting in a loop configuration, until the initial setting in the individual switch devices  13  is completed, not all switch devices  13  constituting the loop configuration are activated. For that reason, at the stage of performing the initial setting in the individual switch devices  13 , there is no unlimited transfer of communication data and the setting of blocking ports and aggregation ports can be performed. 
     In the individual switch devices  13 , as long as the setting of blocking ports and aggregation ports is over, even if a plurality of switch devices  13  that is wire-connected in a loop configuration is activated, there is no unlimited transfer of communication data. For that reason, after the completion of the initial setting of the individual switch devices  13 , the setting such as cluster setting can be performed on an ongoing basis with respect to the switch devices  13 . 
     In this way, power is sequentially supplied to only a minimum of switch devices  13  in which setting is to be performed, and the initial setting of the individual switch devices  13  is performed first. As a result, even if a plurality of switch devices  13  is wire-connected in a loop configuration, the initial setting of the individual switch devices  13  can be completed without causing unlimited transfer of communication data. For that reason, all hardware-related tasks such as the wire connection task of wire-connecting a plurality switch devices  13  can be completed first, and then all software-related tasks including the initial setting of the individual switch devices  13  and the function setting with respect to a plurality of switch devices can be performed. 
     That enables achieving reduction in the number of times of handover between the workers who perform the hardware-related tasks and the workers who perform the software-related tasks. Consequently, it becomes possible to hold down the coordination mistakes during the handover. Moreover, since it becomes possible to omit the task of confirmation or reporting that is intended to prevent the coordination mistakes during the handover, the overall operation time can be shortened. 
     Operations Performed by Communication Device Setting Apparatus  20   
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operations performed by the communication device setting apparatus  20 . Prior to the operations illustrated in the flowchart, the task of installing and wire-connecting the target switch devices  13  for setting is performed. Once the task of installation and wire connection is finished, when a setting start instruction is received from the user of the communication device setting apparatus  20 , the communication device setting apparatus  20  starts the operations illustrated in the flowchart. 
     Firstly, the setting control unit  23  sets a variable i to 1 (S 100 ). Then, the setting control unit  23  refers to the sequence list  212  in the memory unit  21 , and identifies the i-th script ID (S 101 ). Subsequently, the setting control unit  23  sends the identified script ID to the power supply control unit  22 . 
     Then, the power supply control unit  22  performs a power supply control operation (described later) (S 200 ). Subsequently, the power supply control unit  22  notifies the setting control unit  23  about the completion of power control. Then, the setting control unit  23  sends the script ID, which is identified at Step S 101 , to the setting unit  24 . The setting unit  24  performs a setting operation (described later) (S 300 ). Then, the setting unit  24  notifies the setting control unit  23  about the completion of setting. 
     Subsequently, the setting control unit  23  increments the variable i by one (S 102 ). Then, the setting control unit  23  determines whether or not the variable i is equal to or smaller than a constant number M (S 103 ). Herein, the constant number M indicates the number of setting scripts  213  stored in the memory unit  21 . If the variable i is equal to or smaller than the constant number M (Yes at S 103 ), the setting control unit  23  again performs the operation at Step S 101 . However, if the variable i is greater than the constant number M (No at S 103 ), that is, if all setting scripts have been executed; then the communication device setting apparatus  20  ends the operations illustrated in the flowchart. 
     When the execution of all setting scripts is over, the power supply control unit  22  controls the power supplying device  11  so that the supply of power is started to all switch devices  13 . With that, the operations of the system configured with a plurality of switch devices  13  can be started. 
     Power Supply Control Operation 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart for explaining an example of the power supply control operation. 
     Firstly, the power supply control unit  22  refers to the condition list  211  and identifies the activated-device IDs corresponding to the script ID received from the setting control unit  23  (S 201 ). Then, the power supply control unit  22  obtains the device list  210  from the memory unit  21  (S 202 ). 
     Subsequently, the power supply control unit  22  selects one unselected device ID from the device list  210  (S 203 ). Then, the power supply control unit  22  refers to the device list  210  and identifies the connector number corresponding to the selected device ID, and determines whether or not power is being supplied to the power connector having the identified connector number (S 204 ). Herein, the power supply control unit  22  is managing the power supply status of each power connector of the power supplying device  11 . 
     If power is being supplied to the power connector having the identified connector number (Yes at S 204 ), then the power supply control unit  22  determines whether or not the device ID selected at Step S 203  is included in the activated-device IDs identified at Step S 201  (S 205 ). If the device ID selected at Step S 203  is included in the activated-device IDs identified at Step S 201  (Yes at S 205 ), then the power supply control unit  22  performs the operation at Step S 207 . 
     On the other hand, if the device ID selected at Step S 203  is not included in the activated-device IDs identified at Step S 201  (No at S 205 ), then the power supply control unit  22  refers to the device list  210  and identifies the connector number corresponding to the device ID selected at Step S 203 . Then, the power supply control unit  22  sends, to the power supplying device  11 , a control signal as an instruction for stopping the supply of power to the power connector having the identified connector number; and thus stops the supply of power to the switch device  13  having the device ID selected at Step S 203  (S 206 ). Subsequently, the power supply control unit  22  performs the operation at Step S 207 . 
     Meanwhile, if power is not being supplied to the power connector having the identified connector number (No at S 204 ), then the power supply control unit  22  determines whether or not the device ID selected at Step S 203  is included in the activated-device IDs identified at Step S 201  (S 208 ). If the device ID selected at Step S 203  is not included in the activated-device IDs identified at Step S 201  (No at S 208 ), then the power supply control unit  22  performs the operation at Step S 207 . 
     On the other hand, if the device ID selected at Step S 203  is included in the activated-device IDs identified at Step S 201  (Yes at S 208 ), then the power supply control unit  22  refers to the device list  210  and identifies the connector number corresponding to the device ID selected at Step S 203 . Then, the power supply control unit  22  sends, to the power supplying device  11 , a control signal as an instruction for starting the supply of power to the power connector having the identified connector number; and thus starts the supply of power to the switch device  13  having the device ID selected at Step S 203  (S 209 ). 
     Subsequently, the power supply control unit  22  determines whether or not all device IDs in the device list  210  have been selected (S 207 ). If there is any unselected device ID in the device list  210  (No at S 207 ), then the power supply control unit  22  again performs the operation at Step S 203 . When all device IDs in the device list  210  have been selected (Yes at S 207 ), the power supply control unit  22  ends the power supply control operation illustrated in the flowchart. 
     Setting Operation 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart for explaining an example of the setting operation. 
     Firstly, the setting unit  24  refers to the condition list  211  in the memory unit  21  and identifies the script name corresponding to the script ID received from the setting control unit  23 . Then, the setting unit  24  obtains the setting script having the identified script name from the memory unit  21  (S 301 ). 
     Subsequently, the setting unit  24  refers to the condition list  211  in the memory unit  21  and identifies the target device ID corresponding to the script ID received from the setting control unit  23  (S 302 ). Then, the setting unit  24  refers to the device list  210  in the memory unit  21  and identifies the port number corresponding to the same device ID as the identified target device ID (S 303 ). 
     Subsequently, the setting unit  24  executes the setting script obtained at Step S 301  (S 304 ). At Step S 304 , the setting unit  24  sequentially generates commands and data according to the setting script and sends the generated commands and data along with the port number identified at Step S 303  to the communication interface device  12 . The communication interface device  12  then sends the commands and data, which are received from the setting unit  24 , to the switch device  13  connected to the communication port having the port number received from the setting unit  24 . When the execution of the setting script is over, the setting unit  24  ends the setting operation illustrated in the flowchart. 
     Effect of Embodiment 
     In the communication device setting system  10  according to the embodiment, the setting control unit  23  sequentially selects the script IDs of the setting scripts in which the setting contents are written with respect to the switch devices  13  whose wire connection has been completed. Then, the power supply control unit  22  performs control in such a way that power is supplied only to such switch devices  13  which are targeted by the setting scripts having the script IDs selected by the setting control unit  23 . Then, with respect to the switch devices  13  that are supplied with power by the power supply control unit  22 , the setting unit  24  performs setting according to the setting scripts having the script IDs selected by the setting control unit  23 . 
     As a result, before the setting is performed in each switch device  13  according to a setting script, the task of installation and wire connection of all switch devices  13  can be completed. That enables achieving reduction in the number of times of handover between the hardware-related tasks and the software-related tasks. Consequently, it becomes possible to hold down the coordination mistakes between the hardware-related tasks and the software-related tasks. 
     The memory unit  21  is used to store the condition list  211  in which the script IDs, which enable identification of the setting scripts having the setting contents written therein, are stored in a corresponding manner to the target-device IDs, which represent identification information of the switch devices  13  in which setting is to be performed based on the setting scripts. As a result, it becomes possible for the setting unit  24  to easily identify the device IDs of the switch devices  13  that are targeted by the setting scripts having the script IDs selected by the setting control unit  23 . 
     Moreover, the memory unit  21  is used to store the sequence list  212  indicating the sequence of execution of the setting scripts. Thus, the setting control unit  23  can sequentially select the script IDs of the setting scripts according to the sequence of execution registered in advance in the sequence list  212 . Besides, by varying the sequence of execution in the sequence list  212 , the setting scripts can be executed in an arbitrary sequence. 
     In the sequence list  212 , the sequence of execution of the setting scripts is set in such a way that the setting scripts related to the initial setting of individual switch devices  13  are executed before the setting script related to the setting of the group of a plurality of switch devices  13 . That enables achieving prevention of unlimited transfer of communication data by a plurality of switch devices  13 . 
     Furthermore, the memory unit  21  is used to store the device list  210  in which the switch devices  13 , the port numbers of the communication ports connected to the switch devices  13 , and the connector numbers of the power connectors connected to the switch devices  13  are stored in a corresponding manner. With that, it becomes possible for the power supply control unit  22  to easily identify the connector numbers of the power connectors that are connected to the switch devices  13  targeted by the setting scripts having the script IDs selected by the setting control unit  23 . Moreover, it becomes possible for the setting unit  24  to easily identify the port numbers of the communication ports that are connected to the switch devices  13  targeted by the setting scripts having the script IDs selected by the setting control unit  23 . 
     Hardware 
     Meanwhile, in the embodiment described above, the constituent elements of the device illustrated in the drawings are merely conceptual, and need not be physically configured as illustrated. The constituent elements, as a whole or in part, can be separated or integrated either functionally or physically based on various types of loads or use conditions. 
     Moreover, some or all of the various processing functions implemented in the devices can be implemented in a central processing unit (CPU) (or a microcomputer such as a micro processing unit (MPU) or a micro controller unit (MCU)). Moreover, it is needless to say that some or all of the various processing functions either can be implemented using computer programs analyzed and executed in a CPU (or a microcomputer such as an MPU or an MCU) or can be implemented in hardware such as a wired logic. 
     Meanwhile, the various operations explained in the embodiment can be performed by executing prewritten computer programs in a computer. Given below is the explanation of an exemplary computer that executes a computer program for implementing identical functions to the functions of the communication device setting apparatus  20  explained in the embodiment.  FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer  40  that implements the functions of the communication device setting apparatus. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the computer  40  includes a communication interface  41 , an operation interface  42 , a display interface  43 , a read only memory (ROM)  44 , a CPU  45 , a random access memory (RAM)  46 , and a hard disk drive (HDD)  47 . 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in the HDD  47 , a communication device setting program  470  is stored in advance. The CPU  45  reads the communication device setting program  470  from the HDD  47 , and loads it in the RAM  46 . The communication device setting program  470  can be appropriately integrated or separated in an identical manner to the constituent elements illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Meanwhile, the data stored in the HDD  47  need not be entirely and constantly stored in the HDD  47 . Alternatively, only the data to be used in the operations can be stored in the HDD  47 . 
     The CPU  45  makes the communication device setting program  470  function as a communication device setting process  460 , which loads a variety of data read from the HDD  47  in an area assigned thereto in the RAM  46  and performs various operations based on the variety of loaded data. In the embodiment, when the CPU  45  reads the communication device setting program  470  and executes it, it results in the implementation of functions identical to the power supply control unit  22 , the setting control unit  23 , and the setting unit  24 . 
     Meanwhile, the communication device setting process  460  according to the embodiment executes the operations performed by the power supply control unit  22 , the setting control unit  23 , and the setting unit  24  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , that is, executes the operations illustrated in  FIGS. 6 to 8 . The processing units that are virtually implemented by the CPU  45  need not be entirely and constantly implemented by the CPU  45 . Alternatively, only the processing units to be used in the operations can be virtually implemented. 
     Meanwhile, the communication device setting program  470  is not necessarily stored in the HDD  47  or the ROM  44  from the beginning. Alternatively, for example, the communication device setting program  470  is stored in a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, and an IC card that can be inserted in the computer  40 . Then, the computer  40  can obtain the communication device setting program  470  from the portable recording medium and execute it. Alternatively, the computer  40  can obtain the communication device setting program  470  from another computer or a server device, in which the communication device setting program  470  is stored, via a public line, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN); and can execute the communication device setting program  470 . 
     The CPU  45  sequentially selects the target switch devices  13  for setting from among a plurality of switch devices  13  whose wire connection has been completed. Moreover, the CPU  45  performs control to supply power only the selected switch devices  13 . Furthermore, the CPU  45  performs setting in the selected switch devices  13 . As a result, in the case of performing setting in each switch device  13 , power is supplied only to the switch device  13  in which setting is to be performed. Hence, even if a plurality of switch devices  13  is wire-connected in a loop configuration, there is no unlimited transfer of communication data. Hence, the setting of each switch device  13  can be performed without causing the network to go down. As a result, after the hardware-related tasks such as the wire connection task are completed, the software-related tasks such as the initial setting and the function setting can be performed at one go. That enables achieving reduction in the number of times of handover between the workers who perform the hardware-related tasks and the workers who perform the software-related tasks. Consequently, it becomes possible to hold down the setting mistakes attributed to the mistakes in handover. 
     Miscellaneous 
     In the embodiment described above, the power supply control unit  22  selects the device IDs one at a time from the device list  210 , and determines whether or not the selected device ID is included in the activated-device IDs that are identified based on the script ID received from the setting control unit  23 . If the selected device ID is included in the activated-device IDs, then the power supply control unit  22  starts the supply of power to the switch device  13  having the selected device ID. On the other hand, if the selected device ID is not included in the activated-device IDs, then the power supply control unit  22  stops the supply of power to the switch device  13  having the selected device ID. 
     However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to that case. Alternatively, for example, when a script ID is received from the setting control unit  23 , the power supply control unit  22  firstly stops the supply of power to all switch devices  13 . Then, the power supply control unit  22  starts the supply of power to the switch devices  13  having the activated-device IDs identified based on the script ID received from the setting control unit  23 . As a result, it becomes possible to definitely prevent a situation in which a plurality of switch devices  13  that is connected in a loop configuration gets activated. 
     Moreover, in the embodiment described above, the power supplying device  11 , the communication interface device  12 , and the communication device setting apparatus  20  are explained as separate devices. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to that case. Alternatively, for example, an apparatus having the functions of the power supplying device  11 , the communication interface device  12 , and the communication device setting apparatus  20  can be configured as a communication device setting apparatus. 
     According to an aspect of the embodiment, it becomes possible to hold down the coordination mistakes between the workers who perform the hardware-related tasks and the workers who perform the software-related tasks. 
     All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are not to be construed as limitations to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.