Description
Title of Invention: COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, CONTROL
DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD AND PROGRAM
Technical Field
[0001] (Description of Related application)
The present invention is based upon and claims the benefit of the priority of Japanese
Patent Application No. 2010-269164 (December 2, 2010), the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. The present invention relates to
a communication system, a control device, a communication method and program, and
in particular, relates to a communication system, a control device, a communication
method and a program that perform setting of a packet forwarding route in a network. .
Background Art
[0002] Accompanying the spread of networks such as the Internet, it has become possible
for users to connect devices such as computers and the like to networks to carry out
communication with other devices, and to receive various services.
[0003] When devices connected to a network communicate with each other, each of the
devices performs communication based on identification information of each thereof.
An example of identification information is an IP address. An IP address is an
identifier (ID) for identifying a device connected to a network, and in addition has role
as location information indicating the location of the device in the network. For
example, a prefix of an IP address forms the location information. When devices com
municate, reference is made to this location information to enable execution of routing
control based on the location information.
[0004] On the other hand, accompanying the increase of portable devices (referred to below
as "mobile devices") in recent years, a method is becoming widely used in which
management is performed by separating the identifier for identifying a mobile device
and the location information indicating the location of the mobile device. In a case of
using identification information including both the identifier and the location in
formation, as with the IP address, when a connection point of a mobile device in
question and the network changes accompanying a movement of the mobile device,
identification information assigned to the mobile device is also changed. This is
because when the connection point changes, the location information changes. Since
the identifier of the mobile device also changes when the identification information is
changed, it becomes difficult to maintain a network connection for the mobile device.
This is a reason that the method of managing by separating the identifier and the
location information of the mobile device, is becoming widely used.
[0005] Patent Literature 1 discloses technology for managing by separating an identifier and
location information of a mobile device. Patent Literature 1 discloses using a "home
address" as the identifier for identifying the mobile device, and using a "Care-of
address" as the location information of the mobile device. That is, a method of
performing management by respectively separating the identifier and the location in
formation of the mobile device into 2 addresses is disclosed.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0006] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. JP2001-268 129A
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0007] The entire disclosure of the above Patent Literature is incorporated herein by
reference thereto. The following analysis is given by the present disclosure.
In technology disclosed in Patent Literature 1, since the identifier and the location in
formation of the mobile device are respectively managed by different addresses, the
cost of managing the addresses increases. Consequently, there is a problem in that,
when devices communicate, the cost for executing routing control based on the
location information increases.
Solution to Problem
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a commu
nication system, comprising: a plurality of nodes each of which forwards a packet; a
terminal device to establish a connection with at least one of the nodes, and to access a
network through at least one of connected nodes; and a control device to control a
packet forwarding route in response to a received request which is sent from at least
one of connected nodes to request for setting the packet forwarding route. The control
device comprises: means for storing a plurality of location information respectively
corresponding to the respective nodes; means for receiving the request for setting from
at least one of connected nodes; and means for identifying a location of the terminal
device based on the location information corresponding to at least one of nodes
connected to the terminal device, and for controlling the packet forwarding route by
using the location information of the terminal device.
[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a control
device that receives a setting request for a packet forwarding route from at least one of
a plurality of nodes each of which forwards a packet, and controls the packet
forwarding route in response to the setting request. The control device comprises:
means for storing a plurality of location information respectively corresponding to the
respective nodes; means for receiving the setting request from at least one of nodes
connected to a terminal device accessing a network; and means for identifying a
location of the terminal device from the location information corresponding to at least
one of nodes connected to the terminal device, and for controlling the packet
forwarding route by using the location of the terminal device.
[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a commu
nication method by a control device that receives a setting request for a packet
forwarding route from at least one of a plurality of nodes each of which forwards a
packet, and that controls the packet forwarding route in response to the setting request.
The method comprises: receiving the setting request from at least one of nodes
connected to a terminal device that has access to a network, referring to location in
formation corresponding to at least one of nodes connected to the terminal device,
from a storage unit that stores respective location information of the plurality of nodes,
identifying the location of the terminal device from the location information referred
to, and controlling the packet forwarding route using the location of the terminal
device. It is to be noted that the present method is tied up with a specific apparatus
known as a control device that sets a processing rule in the nodes.
[001 1] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a program to
be executed in a control device that receives a setting request for a packet forwarding
route from at least one of a plurality of nodes each of which forwards a packet, and
controls the packet forwarding route in response to the setting request. The program
executes: a process of receiving the setting request inquiry from at least one of nodes
connected to a terminal device that has access to a network, a process of referring to
location information corresponding to at least one of nodes connected to the terminal
device, from a storage unit that stores respective location information of the plurality
of nodes, a process of identifying the location of the terminal device from the location
information referred to, and a process of controlling the packet forwarding route by
using the location of the terminal device. It is to be noted that that the program can be
recorded in a computer readable storage medium. That is, the present invention can be
embodied as a computer program product. The storage medium may be non-transient.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0012] According to the present invention, there is an effect in that it is possible to execute
routing control based on location information of a terminal device, without managing
an address indicating location information, and it is possible to reduce the cost for
executing the routing control based on the location information.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0013] [fig. l]Fig. 1 is a diagram representing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[fig.2]Fig. 2 is a block diagram representing a configuration of nodes of the first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[fig.3]Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram representing operation of the first exemplary em
bodiment of the present invention;
[fig.4]Fig. 4 is a flowchart representing operation of the node of the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[fig.5]Fig. 5 is a flowchart representing operation of a control device of the first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[fig.6]Fig. 6 is a diagram representing a configuration of a second exemplary em
bodiment of the present invention;
[fig.7]Fig. 7 is a diagram representing a configuration of a case where a service
providing device is a storage device in the second exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[fig.8]Fig. 8 is a diagram for describing file meta information held in a storage
management device of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[fig.9]Fig. 9 is a diagram for describing an object deployment management table held
in a storage management device of the second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram representing operation in a case where the
service providing device is a storage device in the second exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[fig. 1l]Fig. 11 is a flowchart representing operation of a terminal device in a case
where the service providing device is a storage device in the second exemplary em
bodiment of the present invention;
[fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a flowchart representing operation of the storage management device
in a case where the service providing device is a storage device, in the second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[fig.l3]Fig. 13 is a flowchart representing operation of a control device in a case where
the service providing device is a storage device, in the second exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a flowchart representing operation of a node in a case where the
service providing device is a storage device, in the second exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[fig.l5]Fig. 15 is a block diagram representing a configuration of a third exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram representing operation of the third exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[fig.l7]Fig. 17 is a flowchart representing operation of a control device of the third
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[fig.l8]Fig. 18 is a sequence diagram representing another operation of the third
exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a diagram representing a configuration of flow entry in OpenFlow
technology.
Description of Embodiments
[0014] (First Exemplary Embodiment)
Fig. 1 is a diagram representing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, a system of the present invention is
configured by nodes 10A to 10D that perform packet forwarding, a terminal device 30
connected to a network via at least one of the nodes 10A to 10D, and a control device
20 that controls a forwarding route of a packet in response to a request from at least
one of the plural nodes.
[0015] In the present invention, the control device 20 controls the packet forwarding route in
response to a request from at least one of the plural nodes 10A to 10D. OpenFlow
technology exists as an example of central management technology in which the
control device centrally performs control of the packet forwarding route with respect to
a plurality of nodes in this way.
[0016] In OpenFlow, communication is taken as end-to-end flow, and routing control,
recovery from failure, load balancing, and optimization are performed in flow units.
An OpenFlow switch functioning as a relay device is provided with a secure channel
for communication with an OpenFlow controller that is positioned as a control device,
and operates according to a flow table in which appropriate addition or rewriting is in
structed by the OpenFlow controller. In the flow table are definitions of sets of
matching rules (reference rules) that refer to packet headers, flow statistical in
formation (counters), and actions (actions) defining processing content suitable to a
packet matching the matching rules (reference rules), for each flow (refer to Fig. 19).
[0017] For example, on receiving a packet, the OpenFlow switch searches for an entry
having a matching rule (refer to a header field in Fig. 19) that matches header in
formation of the received packet, from the flow table. As a result of the search, in a
case where an entry matching the received packet is found, the OpenFlow switch
updates the flow statistical information (counters), and in addition implements
processing content (packet transmission from a specific port, flooding, dropping, and
the like) described in an actions field of the entry in question, with regard to the
received packet. On the other hand, as a result of the search, in a case where an entry
matching the received packet is not found, the OpenFlow switch transmits a request to
the OpenFlow controller via the secure channel, requests determination of a packet
route based on source and destination of the received packet, receives a flow entry
realizing this, and updates the flow table. In this way, the OpenFlow switch performs
packet forwarding by using an entry stored in the flow table as a flow entry.
[0018] The OpenFlow technology described above may be applied to the present invention.
A description is given below of an exemplary embodiment in a case of applying the
OpenFlow technology to the present invention. It is to be noted that, in order to
implement the present invention, the control device may control the packet forwarding
route (or path) with respect to a plurality of nodes, and the present invention is not
limited to the OpenFlow technology.
[0019] The nodes 10A to 10D are devices that forward packets. The terminal device 30
accesses a network via at least one of the nodes 10A to 10D. In the example of Fig. 1,
each of the nodes 10A to 10D establishes a secure channel for communication with the
control device 20. Each of the nodes 10A to 10D operates according to a flow table in
which addition or rewriting is instructed as appropriate by the control device 20. As
shown in Fig. 2, the nodes 10A to 10D are configured by including a flow entry
storage unit 12 that stores flow entries associating processing to be applied to a packet
and matching rules for identifying a packet for which the processing is to be applied,
and a packet processing unit 11 that refers to the flow entry storage unit 12 and
performs packet processing in accordance with a flow entry having a matching rule
that matches the received packet.
[0020] In a case where the terminal device (or host device) 30 is connected to the node 10A,
the node 10A compares a packet received from the terminal device 30 and a flow entry
recorded in the flow entry storage unit 12. In a case where, for example, a flow entry
corresponding to the received packet does not exist, the node 10A transmits a request
for setting of a flow entry to the control device 20, via the secure channel. The control
device 20 that receives the request determines a route (path) corresponding to a flow to
which the packet received by the node 10A from the terminal device 30 belongs, and
generates a flow entry corresponding to the determined route. After generating the
flow entry, the control device 20 sets a flow entry in the flow entry storage unit 12 of a
node related to the determined route. It is to be noted that the control device 20 may,
for example, set a flow entry in at least one of the nodes 10A to 10D. After a corre
sponding flow entry has been set, the packet processing unit 11 executes processing of
the received packet in accordance with the flow entry that has been set.
[0021] The control device 20 controls the packet forwarding route in response to a request
from at least one of the nodes 10A to 10D. The control device 20 controls location in
formation of each of the nodes 10A to 10D. In the example of Fig. 1, the control device
20 is provided with a node location information recording unit 2 1 that records location
information of each of the nodes 10A to 10D, a path determination unit 22 that
computes a packet forwarding route (path) giving consideration to the location of the
terminal device 30, a path setting unit 23 that creates a flow entry realizing the de
termined route (path), and sets the flow entry in a node in the route, and a commu
nication unit 24.
[0022] The node location information recording unit 2 1 records location information of each
of the nodes 10A to 10D. The location information, for example, besides being in
formation of geographical locations of each of the nodes 10A to 10D, may be in
formation of logical locations in the network. Furthermore, the location information
may be information indicating that a node is in a specific area (for example, a specific
country, a specific region, or the like). It is to be noted that the location information is
not limited to these examples, and may be any information, as long as the control
device can identify the location of a managed node. Furthermore, in a case where a
new node is added, for example, location information of the added node is added to the
node location information recording unit 21.
[0023] It is to be noted that in the present exemplary embodiment, a description is given in
which the location information of each of the nodes 10A to 10D is recorded in the node
location information recording unit 2 1 included in the control device 20, but this
function may be configured by a different server or the like from the control device 20.
[0024] In a case where the communication unit 24 receives a request from at least one of the
nodes 10A to 10D, the path determination unit 22 determines a route corresponding to
the request. In a case where the communication unit 24 receives a request from a node
passed through when the terminal device 30 accesses the network, the path deter
mination unit 22 determines a route using the location of the terminal device. That is,
in a case of receiving a request from a node to which the terminal device 30 is
connected, the path determination unit 22 determines the route (path) using the
location of the terminal device. It is to be noted that "a node to which the terminal
device 30 is connected" includes a case where the terminal device 30 is connected in
directly to the node via another device. For example, in a case where the terminal
device 30 is a mobile terminal such as a mobile telephone or the like, the terminal
device 30 is connected to the node via a base station or the like. The path deter
mination unit 22 refers to location information corresponding to the node to which the
terminal device 30 is connected, from the node location information recording unit 21.
The path determination unit 22 estimates the location of the terminal device 30
connected to the node, based on the location information referred to. According to this
configuration, the communication system (or network system) of the present invention
can recognize the location of the terminal device (e.g., host device) 30, without
managing information (for example, information indicating the location of the terminal
device 30, such as care-of address) related to the location of the terminal device 30.
[0025] For example, a prescribed node (for example, node 10A) is a node exclusively for
terminal connection, and in a case where the control device 20 receives a request from
this prescribed node, the path determination unit 22 recognizes that this request is a
request from a node to which the terminal device 30 is connected. For example, a
request from a prescribed node set at an edge of the network may be recognized as a
request from a node to which the terminal device 30 is connected. That is, the control
device 20 records an ingress node, being network ingress for the terminal device 30,
and recognizes that a request from the ingress node is a request from a node to which
the terminal device 30 is connected. In this case, with regard to the request from a node
provided in a core, control may be performed for a packet forwarding route without
considering the location of the terminal device 30.
[0026] Furthermore, for example, a prescribed port of a prescribed node (for example, node
10A) is set to a port exclusively for terminal connection, and in a case where the
control device 20 receives a request related to this prescribed port, the path deter
mination unit 22 recognizes that this request is a request from a node to which the
terminal device 30 is connected. In addition, the control device 20 may recognize that
this is a request from the node to which the terminal device 30 is connected, based on
the prescribed information (header information) included in a packet related to the
request received from the prescribed node (for example, node 10A).
[0027] It is to be noted that a system in which the path determination unit 22 recognizes
whether or not the request is from a node to which the terminal device 30 is connected,
is not limited to the content described above.
[0028] In order to forward a packet according to the route determined by the path deter
mination unit 22, the path setting unit 23 creates a flow entry for setting, for a node
related to the determined route. The flow entry created by the path setting unit 23 is
notified to a node via the secure channel.
[0029] It is to be noted that respective functions of the control device 20 can also be realized
by a computer program that causes the abovementioned respective processing to be
executed, using information received from the node location information recording
unit 2 1 and the computer hardware.
[0030] The terminal device 30 is connected to the network via at least one of the nodes 10A
to 10D. In the example of Fig. 1, the terminal device 30 is connected to the network via
the node 10A. The terminal device 30, due to moving, may be connected to another
node outside of the node 10A, and in this case, is connected to a network at the
movement destination.
[0031] Next, a detailed description is given concerning operation of the present exemplary
embodiment, making reference to the drawings. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram rep
resenting flow where the terminal device 30 connects to the network via the node 10A
and transmits a packet.
[0032] First, the terminal device 30 connects to the node 10A and transmits the packet (S001
in Fig. 3). The node 10A that receives the packet compares the received packet and
flow entries recorded in the flow entry recording unit 12. In a case where a flow entry
corresponding to the received packet does not exist, the node 10A transmits a request
(path setting request) for setting of a flow entry (S002 in Fig. 3).
[0033] The control device 20 that receives a request for setting a route (path) detects
location information of the node 10A that has received the request from the node
location information recording unit 21, and recognizes the location of the terminal
device 30 from the detected location information. The control device 20 gives con
sideration to the recognized location, to determine a route of the packet transmitted by
the terminal device 30. A flow entry corresponding to the determined route is created,
and notification of the flow entry is given to nodes on the determinate route (S003 in
Fig. 3).
[0034] Thereafter, the node 10A forwards the packet to other nodes, in accordance with the
flow entry notified by the control device 20 (S004 in Fig. 3).
[0035] A detailed description is given below concerning respective operations of the nodes
and the control device in the sequence of Fig. 3, making reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.
[0036] (Nodes)
Fig. 4 is a flowchart representing flow of processing with respect to node 10A.
[0037] On receiving a packet from the terminal device 30 at the node 10A (step S100), the
node 10A searches the flow entry recording unit 12, and checks for the presence of a
flow entry matching a received packet (step S101).
[0038] In a case where a flow entry matching a received packet is found (YES in step S102),
the node 10A executes processing content defined in the flow entry in question (step
S103).
[0039] In a case where a flow entry matching a received packet is not found (NO in step
S102), the node 10A transmits a request for setting of a flow entry with respect to the
received packet, to the control device 20 (step S104).
[0040] (Control Device)
Fig. 5 is a flowchart representing flow of processing in the control device that
receives a request from the node 10A described above.
[0041] First, the control device 20 searches for location information of the node 10A that
has transmitted the request, from the node location information recording unit 2 1 (step
SI 10), and identifies the location of the terminal device 30 based on the retrieved
location information (step Sill).
[0042] Next, the control device 20 determines a packet route, based on the location of the
terminal device 30 identified in step Sill described above (step SI 12).
[0043] Next, the control device 20 creates a flow entry to be set in a node in the determined
route (step SI 13).
[0044] Finally, the control device 20 sets a flow entry created in step SI 13, in a node in the
determined route (step SI 14).
[0045] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the control
device 20 manages location information of each of the nodes 10A to 10D, and
identifies the location of the terminal device 30, based on the location information of a
node to which the terminal device 30 is connected. Thus, the control device 20 can
control a packet forwarding route based on the location of the terminal device 30,
without managing information related to the location of the terminal device 30.
[0046] (Second Exemplary Embodiment)
In a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a control device 20
computes a route to a service providing device that can provide a desired service, from
a terminal device 30, based on the location of the terminal device 30, and in addition
sets a flow entry to perform packet forwarding in accordance with the route, to a node
on the route. It is to be noted that in the present exemplary embodiment, since there are
portions that can be realized by a configuration the same as the first exemplary em
bodiment, the description below is centered on points of difference from the first
exemplary embodiment.
[0047] The second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 6, is
configured from nodes 10A to 10D that perform packet forwarding, the terminal
device (e.g., host device) 30 that is connected to a network via at least one of the nodes
10A to 10D, service providing devices 40B to 40D that are respectively connected to
the nodes 10B to 10D, and the control device 20 that controls a packet forwarding
route in response to a request from at least one of the plurality of nodes. It is to be
noted that a system configuration of the present invention is not limited to a con
figuration shown in Fig. 6 and, for example, another node can exist between the node
10A and the nodes 10B to 10D.
[0048] The second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is further provided with
a map information recording unit 25 to store map information that records service al
ternative relationships, the services being provided by the respective plural service
providing devices 40B to 40D. The alternative relationships are information indicating,
for example, that the service providing device 40D can provide a service provided by
the service providing device 40B, and the like. The map information includes, for
example, information concerning a service providing device that is regarded as being
substantially the same, as in a mirror server of a certain server, or a server that omits/
substitutes a partial function (partial service) of a certain server.
[0049] With regard to the control device 20, in a case where the terminal device (host
device) 30 that is provided with a service from the service providing device 40C via
the nodes 10A and IOC has moved to a solid line location from a dotted line location in
Fig. 6, the control device 20 refers to the map information and confirms whether or not
there is another service providing device that can substitute for a service providing
device 40. Here, the service providing device 40B can substitute for the service
providing device 40C. The control device 20 computes the shortest route, for example,
among routes between the node 10B to which the terminal device 30 that has moved is
connected, and the service providing device 40C that has provided a service before the
terminal device 30 moved, or the service providing device 40B that substitutes
therefor. Here, a route accessing the service providing device 40B via the node B is the
shortest. The control device 20 sets a flow entry in a corresponding node, based on the
computed shorted route. It is to be noted that the route computation by the control
device 20 is not limited to computation of the shortest route. The control device 20
computes a route based on cost required for access between the terminal device 30 and
a service providing device.
[0050] The computation of the route by the control device 20 is not limited to computation
of the shortest route. For example, in accordance with load on the service providing
device connected to the node 10B or a traffic state between the node 10B and the
service providing device 40B, the control device 20 may compute a route (path) via
node 10B - node 10A - (node IOC or node 10D).
[0051] Furthermore, in a case where the terminal device 30 returns from the solid line
location of Fig. 6 to the dotted line location, the control device 20 computes the
shortest route accessing any of the service providing devices 40B to 40D via the node
10A and any one of the nodes 10B to 10D (consideration may be given to the load on
the respective nodes 10B to 10D or to traffic, as described above), and sets a flow entry
to forward a packet exchanged between the terminal device (host device) 30 and the
service providing devices 40B to 40D in accordance with the route, to nodes on the
route.
[0052] According to a setting of the abovementioned flow entry, a data access route is set
between the terminal and the service providing devices 40B to 40D that can provide a
service to which the terminal device is attempting access.
[0053] In the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a service providing
device may be a storage device, for example. Below, a description is given of an
exemplary embodiment in a case where the service providing device is a storage
device. It is to be noted that, in order to implement the present invention, the service
providing device may be a device providing a service that is desired by the terminal
device, and the present invention is not limited to storage.
[0054] Fig. 7 is a diagram representing a configuration of the control device 20 when
applied to a storage device in the second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to Fig. 7, a plurality of storage devices 40, a network 100 formed
by a plurality of nodes 10, the control device 20, the terminal device (host device) 30,
and a storage management device 50 are shown.
[0055] A storage device 40 is, for example, a block access device connected with a protocol
such as a FC (Fiber Channel), iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface),
FCoE (FC over Ethernet), Express Ethernet, or the like, NAS (Network Attached
Storage), or a file server or the like.
[0056] It is to be noted that files accessed by the terminal device 30 are configured by one or
more objects, and are stored in respective storage devices in object units.
[0057] In the example of Fig. 7, the control device 20 is further provided with a network
configuration storage unit 26 that stores a network topology representing connection
relationships of the nodes 10 and the storage devices 40, and a connection destination
determination unit 27 that determines a storage device that is an access point by
referring to the network topology and node location information, from among the
storage devices storing the same object notified by the storage management device 50.
[0058] The network topology relates to information indicating which of the nodes 10 is
connected to a storage device 40. It is to be noted that in the example of Fig. 7, a de
scription has been given in which the network configuration storage unit 26, which
records the network topology, and the node location information recording unit 21,
which records location information of the nodes, have different configurations, but the
2 recording units may have the same configuration unit. In that case, the network
topology and the node location information are included in the same information, and,
for example, an association is made between an identifier of a node, location in
formation of the node in question, and an identifier of a storage device connected to the
node in question, to be recorded.
[0059] The terminal device 30 transmits, to the node 10 side, a packet including an identifier
of an object included in meta information received from the storage management
device 50, and receives a packet returned from a storage device 40 via the node 10.
[0060] The storage management device 50 is a device known as a meta server or the like, for
managing which of the storage devices 40 stores respective data. In the example of Fig.
7, the storage management device 50 is provided with a file meta information
management unit 5 1 that manages meta information such as information of objects
configuring a file (or a logical unit) and file attributes or the like; and an object de
ployment management table 52 that stores which storage device among the plurality of
storage devices 40 is storing an object. The meta information of the file described
above and the object deployment management table 52 correspond to map information
shown in Fig. 6.
[0061] Fig. 8 is an example of file meta information managed in the file meta information
management unit 51. In the example of Fig. 8, besides file attributes such as a file
name, time stamp, and the like, and an identifier of an object (group) forming the file, a
deployment policy of the file in question can be stored.
[0062] The deployment policy of the file is a policy concerning configuration or forwarding
destination of each file; for example, a storage device or a geographical area that can
store (cannot store) the file in question is set. Furthermore, as a deployment policy of a
file, the storage device or the geographical area that can provide a service using the file
in question may be determined.
[0063] Furthermore, from a viewpoint of legal regulations and security policy, the de
ployment policy of the file in question may set information (policy) disallowing access
from a specific region, or information (policy) allowing access only with regard to a
specific region. In a case where a storage device is disposed to extend over a plurality
of countries and territories, when a restriction is made to an accessible country or
territory from the viewpoint of legal regulations and security policy, this type of setting
can be used to limit storage devices that the terminal device 30 can access.
[0064] In a case where the file deployment policy as described above is set, the connection
destination determination unit 27 determines a storage device which the terminal
device 30 accesses, based on the file deployment policy in question. For example, in a
case where a file deployment policy is set in which a storage device in a specific area
cannot be accessed from a location at which the terminal device 30 is connected, a
storage device that the terminal device 30 can access is determined from storage
devices outside of the storage devices in the specific area.
[0065] It is to be noted that to fit the present exemplary embodiment, a description has been
given with a policy related to a storage device storing a file, but in accordance with the
exemplary embodiment the policy in question clearly has various modes. For example,
in an exemplary embodiment where a terminal device connects to a service providing
device, a policy may be set which is related to a service providing device accessible
(non-accessible) by the terminal device 30, based on legal regulations or security
policy.
[0066] Fig. 9 is an example of an object deployment management entry held in the object
deployment management table 52. The example of Fig. 9 has a configuration such that
for each object an ID of a storage device storing the object in question is stored.
[0067] It is to be noted that in the present exemplary embodiment a description is given in
which the storage management device 50 has a function to manage a name space such
as a directory that manages corresponding relationships of files and names spaces of a
file system, but this function can also be configured by another server or the like, or as
an element of the control device 20.
[0068] Furthermore, respective units (processing means) of the control device 20 shown in
Fig. 7 can also be realized by a computer program that causes the abovementioned r e
spective processing to be executed in a computer forming the control device 20, using
hardware thereof and information received from the storage management device 50.
[0069] Next, a detailed description is given concerning operation of the present exemplary
embodiment, making reference to the drawings. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram rep
resenting flow when the terminal device 30 accesses data within a storage system.
[0070] Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram representing operation of the second exemplary em
bodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 10, first, when the terminal device
(as a host device) 30 makes a request to "Open" a file, to the storage management
device 50 (S201 in Fig. 10), the storage management device 50 returns an "Open"
response including meta information (object information forming the file) of the file
(S202 in Fig. 10).
[0071] Thereafter, when a packet related to access is transmitted to the node 10 side (S203
in Fig. 10) for read/write access or the like by the terminal device 30, each node 10
refers to the flow entry recording unit 12, but since there is no relevant flow entry, the
received packet is transmitted to the control device 20, and setting of a flow entry is
requested (S204 in Fig. 10).
[0072] The control device 20 that receives the request to set the flow entry requests a list
(object deployment) of a storage device group storing objects specified by identifiers
of objects included in the received packet, to the storage management device 50 (S205
in Fig. 10).
[0073] When the storage management device 50 refers to the object deployment
management table 52 and transmits the list (object deployment) of the storage device
group storing objects (S206 in Fig. 10), the control device 20 determines an ap
propriate storage device 40 from among the storage device group, based on respective
locations of the storage devices included in the list of the storage device group and the
location of the terminal device 30, and computes access routes (paths) between the
terminal device 30 and the storage device group 40. After that, with regard to the
computed route, the control device 20 creates flow entries realizing respective access
routes (paths), and performs setting in the nodes 10 in the computed access route (path)
(S207 in Fig. 10).
[0074] The nodes 10 that receive the flow entry settings forward a received packet that was
buffered when received, or a packet returned from the control device 20, in accordance
with a set flow entry (S208 in Fig. 10).
[0075] Thereafter, when a packet related to access is transmitted to the node 10 side, for
read/write access by the terminal device 30 (S21 1 in Fig. 10), each node 10 forwards a
packet related to access to the storage devices 40 determined as access points of the
objects, based on the set flow entries (S212 of Fig. 10). Furthermore, each node 10
forwards to the terminal device 30 a packet returned from the storage devices 40, based
on the set flow entries (S213 and S214 of Fig. 10).
[0076] A detailed description is given below concerning operations of the respective devices
in the sequence of Fig. 10, making reference to Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, and Fig. 14.
[0077] (Terminal Device (File Access after "Open"))
Fig. 11 is a flow chart representing flow of processing from an "Open" request with
respect to a file, by the terminal device (host device) 30 of Fig. 10, to receipt of meta
information of the file as a response (S201 to S203 of Fig. 10).
[0078] First, the terminal device 30 requests name resolution with respect to the storage
management device 50, and acquires information of a file corresponding to a path
name (step S220).
[0079] Next, the terminal device 30 makes an "Open" request, specifying the acquired file,
with respect to the storage management device 50 (step S221).
[0080] Next, the terminal device 30 stores the meta information of the received file as a
response from the storage management device 50 (step S222). The meta information of
the file includes information of objects forming the file (refer to Fig. 8).
[0081] Finally, the terminal device 30 transmits a packet related to access to the node 10
side, for read/write access (S203 of Fig. 10).
[0082] (Storage Management Device)
Fig. 12 is a flow chart representing flow of processing up to when the storage
management device 50 of Fig. 10 transmits a response with respect to an object de
ployment acquisition request from the control device 20 (S205 to S206 of Fig. 10).
[0083] First, the storage management device 50 refers to the object deployment management
table 52 to search for a storage device in which an object forwarded from the terminal
device 30 is deployed (S230).
[0084] Next, the storage management device 50 updates a state of a file specified by the
terminal device (host device) 30 to an "Open" state, with regard to the control device
20 (S231).
[0085] Next, the storage management device 50 transmits a list (object deployment in
formation) of the storage device group storing the object searched for, to the control
device 20 (step S232).
[0086] (Control Device)
Fig. 13 is a flowchart representing flow of processing in the control device 20 that
has received forwarding of the received packet from a node 10 in S204 of Fig. 10.
[0087] On receiving the packet (step S240), the control device 20 acquires an identifier of an
object from the received packet (step S241).
[0088] Next, the control device 20 acquires a list (object deployment information) of the
storage device list storing the object in question, from the storage management device
50 (step S242).
[0089] Next, the control device 20 refers to the network topology stored in the network con
figuration storage unit 26, identifies a node to which a storage device included in the
list is connected, detects location information of the node from the node location in
formation recording unit 21, and identifies the location of the storage device included
in the list. Furthermore, the control device 20 refers to the node location information
recording unit 21, detects the location information of the node that has transmitted the
packet, and identifies the location of the terminal device to which the node is
connected (step S243).
[0090] Next, the control device 20 selects the storage device to which the terminal device 30
should be connected, based on the location checked in step S243 described above (step
S244). Selection of the storage device can be determined based on information such as
throughput, response time, and load on communication route. That is, the control
device 20 selects the storage device based on cost required for accessing the storage
device.
[0091] Next, the control device 20 computes an access route (path) connecting the terminal
device 30 and the selected storage device 40 (step S245).
[0092] Next, the control device 20 creates a flow entry set in a node 10 in the computed
access route (path) (step S246). An identifier of an object is included in a matching
rule of the flow entry, and it becomes clear which object the packet transmitted and
received is accessing. As processing (action) applied to a packet among flow entries,
when a packet matching a processing rule as described above is received, processing is
set for outputting a packet from a port to which is connected a subsequent node in the
access route (path) computed for each object.
[0093] Finally, the control device 20 sets a flow entry created in step S246, in a node 10 in
the computed access route (path) (step S247).
[0094] (Nodes)
Fig. 14 is a flowchart representing flow of processing with respect to a node 10 in
Fig. 10.
[0095] On receiving a packet (step S250) the node 10 searches for a flow entry having a
matching rule that matches the received packet, from the flow entry recording unit 12
(step S251).
[0096] As a result of the search, in a case where a flow entry matching the received packet is
found (YES in step S252), the node 10 executes processing content defined in the flow
entry in question (step S253).
[0097] On the other hand, in a case where a flow entry matching the received packet is not
found (NO in step S252), the node 10 forwards the packet to the control device 20, and
makes a request for flow entry setting (step S254).
[0098] As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment when access is actually
carried out, realization is possible in a mode in which an access route (path) and a flow
entry are set. In the present exemplary embodiment, in an example where the service
providing device is a storage device, it is possible to provide access to an appropriate
storage device 40, by only performing the same processing as normal file access to the
terminal device 30. A reason for this is that the configuration is such that the control
device 20 makes an appropriate selection from among the storage device group storing
data to be accessed by the terminal device 30, and performs route control.
[0099] (Third Exemplary Embodiment)
In the second exemplary embodiment described above, a description was given in
which objects are deployed to be dispersed by a prescribed method in storage devices,
but it is also possible to add a function revising deployment of the objects.
[0100] Below, a description is given concerning a third exemplary embodiment in which a
function to revise the deployment of the objects is added. It is to be noted that in the
following description, matter already described in the first and second exemplary em
bodiments is omitted as appropriate.
[0101] Fig. 15 is a diagram representing a configuration of the third exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 15, in comparison to the second exemplary
embodiment, the configuration has a history storage unit 28 added to a control device
20, and also a data deployment modification device 60 is added.
[0102] The history storage unit 28 of the control device 20 records packet transit history and
flow entry setting history in each node 10 inside a network 100. With regard to this
history information, in OpenFlow technology it is possible to use flow statistical in
formation (counters) recorded by respective switches for each flow entry in OpenFlow
switches.
[0103] The data deployment modification device 60 is provided with a deployment planning
unit 6 1 that analyzes history information held in the history storage unit 28 of the
control device 20 and judges whether or not to perform copying of an object, and a
data moving unit 62 that performs copying of an object among storage devices 40 in
accordance with an instruction to the deployment planning unit 61. It is to be noted that
in the present exemplary embodiment, the data deployment modification device 60 is
provided as an independent device, but a configuration is also possible in which a
function equivalent to the data deployment modification device 60 is added to a
storage management device 50 or the control device 20.
[0104] Next, a detailed description is given concerning operation of the present exemplary
embodiment, making reference to the drawings. Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram rep
resenting operation of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0105] When data modification processing is started, at timing such as at a fixed point in
time, at a fixed time interval, on realization of a prescribed condition, or the like, the
data deployment modification device 60 acquires history information held in the
history storage unit 28 of the control device 20 (S301 and S302 in Fig. 16).
[0106] The history information acquired by the data deployment modification device 60
includes information of an identifier of an object, a terminal device, and a storage
device actually accessed. From this history it is possible to determine a terminal device
having temporal locality for access to an object. A terminal device having temporal
locality for access to an object is, for example, a terminal device having an access
frequency to a specific object that is higher than a threshold, or the like.
[0107] Next, the data deployment modification device 60 refers to the terminal device that
has the above locality and a storage device list held in the object deployment table 52
of the storage management device 50, and selects a storage device 40 in the
neighborhood of a terminal device in the network. Here, whether the storage device is
in the neighborhood of a terminal device in the network can be determined by the
number of hops required from network topology and location information of nodes,
response time separately measured, and the like. That is, the data deployment modi
fication device 60 determines a neighborhood storage device based on cost required to
access the storage device. For example, a storage device for which the number of hops
from a terminal device is smallest among route candidates, may be determined as a
neighboring storage device with respect to the terminal device.
[0108] Next, the data deployment modification device 60 performs copying of an object that
is a target for deployment revision, in the selected storage device 40 (S303 to S306 of
Fig. 16).
[0109] Next, the data deployment modification device 60 gives notification of an increase in
the storage device storing the object that is a target for deployment revision, to the
storage management device 50 (S307 in Fig. 16).
[0110] At an occasion of receiving a notification of deployment modification of an object,
the storage management device 50 specifies information of the object and a storage
device group storing the object, to the control device 20, and requests re-computation
of an access route (path) (S309 in Fig. 16).
[0111] After performing re-computation of the access route (path) once again, based on the
information of the object and a storage device group storing the object, the control
device 20 creates a flow entry realizing the access route (path) after the recomputation,
and performs setting of the flow entry to the node 10 in question (S3 10 of
Fig. 16).
[0112] Fig. 17 is a flowchart representing operation of the control device that receives a
request to perform re-computation of the access route (path) described above.
[0113] The control device 20 selects an arbitrary route (path) from among existing access
route (paths) having the object whose deployment was modified, as an access des
tination (step S321), refers to the network topology stored in the network configuration
storage unit 26, and investigates the terminal device 30 and the network location of the
storage device group after modification (step S322).
[0114] Next, the control device 20 judges whether or not optimization is possible by
modifying the connection destination storage device (step S323 "storage modi
fication"). Here, in a case of judging that modification of the storage device is better
(YES in step S323 "storage modification"), the control device 20 computes an access
route (path) in which the connection destination storage device is modified (step
5324) , and computes a flow entry to be set in a node in the access route (path) (step
5325) . Finally, the control device 20 sets the computed flow entry in the node 10 (step
5326) .
[0115] On the other hand, in a case of judging that modification of the storage device is u n
necessary, control returns to step S320, and a subsequent route (path) that is a target
for revision is selected.
[0116] The above processing is performed for an existing access route (path) having an
object whose configuration was modified as an access point.
[01 17] As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, giving consideration to
the network location of a terminal device, it is possible to copy data to an optimal
storage device. A reason for this is that data access history is held in the control device,
and based on this history the terminal device 30 gives consideration to cost when
accessing an object, so as to be able to determine a storage device for storing the data.
[0118] It is to be noted that, on an occasion of modifying the deployment of an object in the
exemplary embodiment described above, a description has been given in which
revision of the access point storage device is performed, but clearly it is possible to
perform revision of an access point storage device on an occasion of a storage device
failure, or a change in load.
[0119] In the exemplary embodiment described above, a description has been given in
which the object is copied (replicated), but clearly it is possible to move the object.
Furthermore, it is possible to provide a function that deletes an object as appropriate at
a prescribed occasion.
[0120] In addition, in a case of modifying the deployment of an object, the data deployment
modification device 60 may refer to a deployment policy (refer to Fig. 8) of meta in
formation of a file.
[0121] For example, when a deployment policy is decided such that a file "a" may not be
stored in a region A, even if a storage device in which an object is newly copied is at
an optimal network location for the terminal device 30, in a case where the storage
device in question is in the region A it is possible to arrange such that selection does
not occur.
[0122] In the same way, for example, when a deployment policy is decided such that a file
"b" is used in a service "d" and that this service "d" may not be operated in a region C,
even if a storage device in which an object is newly copied is at an optimal network
location for the terminal device 30, in a case where the storage device in question is in
the region C, it is possible to arrange such that selection does not occur.
[0123] Furthermore, in the third exemplary embodiment described above, a description was
given in which the object is copied via the data deployment modification device 60,
but, as shown in Fig. 18, it is possible to employ a configuration in which data is
directly copied between storage devices.
[0124] A description has been given above of preferable exemplary embodiments of the
present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the abovementioned
exemplary embodiments, and further modifications, substitutions and adjustments can
be added, within a scope that does not depart from fundamental technological concepts
of the invention. For example, in the exemplary embodiments described above, a de
scription was given of application to object based storage devices, but general ap
plication is possible to other parallel file systems that are accessible via a network
having forwarding nodes and a control device (controller).
[0125] A description has been given above of preferable exemplary embodiments of the
present invention, but besides the storage system described above, the present
invention can be applied also to various types of information system, as described
above. It is to be noted that each disclosure of the abovementioned Patent Literature is
incorporated herein by reference. Modifications and adjustments of exemplary em
bodiments are possible within the bounds of the entire disclosure (including the scope
of the claims) of the present invention, and also based on fundamental technological
concepts thereof. Furthermore, a wide variety of combinations and selections of
various disclosed elements is possible within the scope of the claims of the present
invention. That is, the present invention clearly includes every type of transformation
and modification that a person skilled in the art can realize according to the entire
disclosure including the scope of the claims and to technological concepts thereof.
[0126] Finally, preferred modes of the present invention are summarized. First of all, the
"communication system" may be termed as "network system" in general.
(First Mode)
Refer to the communication system according to the first aspect described above.
The first mode may be formulated as a network system comprising: a plurality of
nodes each of which forwards a packet; a terminal device to establish a connection
with at least one of the nodes, and to access a network through at least one of
connected nodes; and a control device to control a packet forwarding route in response
to a received request which is sent from at least one of connected nodes to request for
setting the packet forwarding route. The control device may comprise: a first unit to
store a plurality of location information respectively corresponding to the respective
nodes; a second unit to receive the request for setting from at least one of connected
nodes; and a third unit to identify a location of the terminal device based on the
location information corresponding to at least one of nodes connected to the terminal
device, and to control the packet forwarding route by using the location information of
the terminal device.
(Second Mode)
The communication system in accordance with the first mode, wherein the control
device, in a case of receiving the setting request from a prescribed node, identifies the
location of the terminal device from the location information corresponding to the
prescribed node, and controls a packet forwarding route by using the location of the
terminal device.
(Third Mode)
The communication system in accordance with the first or second mode, wherein the
control device refers to policy information indicating a restricting condition related to
the packet forwarding route, determined based on respective location information of
the plural nodes, and controls a packet forwarding route based on the location of the
terminal device and the policy information.
(Fourth Mode)
The communication system in accordance with any one of the first to third modes,
wherein the control device determines a server device to be connected based on, from
plural server devices that are candidates for connection to the terminal device, re
spective locations of the plural server devices and the location of the terminal device,
and controls a packet forwarding route between the terminal device and the determined
server device.
(Fifth Mode)
The communication system in accordance with the fourth mode, wherein the control
device determines a server device to be connected to the terminal device, based on cost
required for access between the terminal device and the respective plural server
devices.
(Sixth Mode)
The communication system in accordance with the fourth or fifth mode, wherein, when
plural server devices that are candidates for connection to the terminal device are
modified or the location of the terminal device is changed, the control device r e
determines a server device to be connected to the terminal device, and controls a
packet forwarding route from the terminal device to the re-determined server device.
(Seventh Mode)
The communication system in accordance with any one of the first to third modes,
further comprising a plurality of storage devices, wherein means for control device
comprises: a means for storing map information that manages data stored in the
plurality of storage devices; a means for determining a storage device to be connected
to the terminal device, based on the map information and the location of the terminal
device; and a means for controlling a packet forwarding route from the terminal device
to the determined storage device.
(Eighth Mode)
The communication system in accordance with the seventh mode, wherein the control
device comprises: a means for storing a restricting condition related to access to the
storage devices; a means for determining a storage device to be connected to the
terminal device, based on the map information, the location of the terminal device, and
the restricting condition; and a means for controlling a packet forwarding route from
the terminal device to the determined storage device.
(Ninth Mode)
The communication system in accordance with the seventh or eighth mode, further
comprising a data deployment modification device to modify a storage device storing
prescribed data, based on a state of access to the prescribed data by the terminal
device.
(Tenth Mode)
The communication system in accordance with the seventh or eighth mode, comprising
a data deployment modification device to determine a storage device newly storing
prescribed data, based on a state of access to the prescribed data by the terminal
device, and to replicate the prescribed data in the determined storage device.
(Eleventh Mode)
The communication system in accordance with the ninth or tenth mode, wherein the
data deployment modification device selects a storage device based on cost required
for access between the terminal device and the respective plural storage devices.
(Twelfth Mode)
Refer to the control device according to the second aspect described above.
The twelfth mode may be formulated as a control device that receives a setting request
for a packet forwarding route from at least one of a plurality of nodes each of which
forwards a packet, and controls the packet forwarding route in response to the setting
request, the control device comprising: a first unit to store a plurality of location in
formation respectively corresponding to the respective nodes; a second unit to receive
the setting request from at least one of nodes connected to a terminal device accessing
a network; and a third unit to identify a location of the terminal device based on
location information corresponding to the at least one of nodes connected to the
terminal device, and to control the packet forwarding route by using the location of the
terminal device.
(Thirteenth Mode)
The control device in accordance with the twelfth mode, wherein, in a case of
receiving the setting request from a prescribed node, the location of the terminal device
is identified from the location information corresponding to the prescribed node, and a
packet forwarding route is controlled using the location of the terminal device.
(Fourteenth Mode)
The control device in accordance with the twelfth or thirteenth mode, wherein
reference is made to policy information indicating a restricting condition related to the
packet forwarding route, determined based on respective location information of the
plurality of nodes, and the packet forwarding route is controlled based on the location
of the terminal device and the policy information.
(Fifteenth Mode)
The control device in accordance with any one of the twelfth to the fourteenth modes,
wherein determination is made of a server device to be connected based on, from
plural server devices that are candidates for connection to the terminal device, re
spective locations of the plural server devices and the location of the terminal device,
and a packet forwarding route between the terminal device and the determined server
device is controlled.
(Sixteenth Mode)
The control device in accordance with the fifteenth mode, wherein a server device to
be connected to the terminal device is determined based on cost required for access
between the terminal device and the respective plurality of server devices.
(Seventeenth Mode)
The control device in accordance with the fifteenth or sixteenth mode, wherein, when
plural server devices that are candidates for connection to the terminal device are
modified, or when the location of the terminal device is changed, a server device to be
connected to the terminal device is re-determined, and a packet forwarding route from
the terminal device to the re-determined server device is controlled.
(Eighteenth Mode)
The control device in accordance with the any one of the twelfth to the fourteenth
modes, further comprising: a means for storing map information that manages data
stored in a plurality of storage devices; a means for determining a storage device to be
connected to the terminal device, based on the map information and the location of the
terminal device; and a means for controlling a packet forwarding route from the
terminal device to the determined storage device.
(Nineteenth Mode)
The control device in accordance with the eighteenth mode, comprising a means for
storing a restricting condition related to access to the storage devices; a means for de
termining a storage device to be connected to the terminal device, based on the map in
formation, the location of the terminal device, and the restricting condition; and a
means for controlling a packet forwarding route from the terminal device to the de
termined storage device.
(Twentieth Mode)
The control device in accordance with the eighteenth or nineteenth mode, comprising a
data deployment modification means to modify a storage device storing prescribed
data based on a state of access to the prescribed data by the terminal device.
(Twenty-First Mode)
The control device in accordance with the eighteenth or nineteenth mode, comprising a
data deployment modification means to determine a storage device newly storing
prescribed data, based on a state of access to the prescribed data by the terminal
device, and to replicate the prescribed data in the determined storage device.
(Twenty-Second Mode)
The control device in accordance with the twentieth or twenty-first mode, wherein the
data deployment modification means selects a storage device based on cost required
for access between the terminal device and the respective plural storage devices.
(Twenty-Third Mode)
Refer to the communication method according to the third aspect described above.
(Twenty-Fourth Mode)
Refer to the program according to the fourth aspect described above.
[0127] It is noted that the entire disclosure of the original application based on whose
priority is claimed is not affected by the added or modified disclosure entered on the
later application (i.e., present international application) and should be interpreted based
on the claimed priority date.
Reference Signs List
[0128] 10, 10A to 10D node
11 packet processing unit
12 flow entry storage unit
20 control device
2 1 node location information recording unit
22 path determination unit
23 path setting unit
communication unit
map information recording unit
network configuration storage unit
connection destination determination unit
history storage unit
terminal device
storage device
B to 40D service providing device
storage management device
file meta information management unit
object deployment management table
data deployment modification device
deployment planning unit
data moving unit
0 network
WO 2012/073406 PCT/JP2011/005084
Claims
[Claim 1] A communication system, comprising:
a plurality of nodes each of which forwards a packet;
a terminal device to establish a connection with at least one of the
nodes, and to access a network through said at least one of connected
nodes; and
a control device to control a packet forwarding route in response to a
received request which is sent from at least one of connected nodes to
request for setting the packet forwarding route,
wherein said control device comprises:
means for storing a plurality of location information respectively corre
sponding to the respective nodes;
means for receiving the request for setting from said at least one of
connected nodes; and
means for identifying a location of said terminal device based on the
location information corresponding to said at least one of nodes
connected to said terminal device, and for controlling the packet
forwarding route by using the location information of said terminal
device.
[Claim 2] The communication system according to claim 1, wherein
said control device, in a case of receiving the setting request from a
prescribed node, identifies the location of the terminal device from the
location information corresponding to the prescribed node, and controls
a packet forwarding route by using the location of the terminal device.
[Claim 3] The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the
control device
refers to policy information indicating a restricting condition related to
the packet forwarding route, determined based on respective location
information of the plural nodes, and
controls a packet forwarding route based on the location of the terminal
device and the policy information.
[Claim 4] The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein said control device determines a server device to be connected
based on, from plural server devices that are candidates for connection
to said terminal device, respective locations of the plural server devices
and the location of said terminal device, and controls a packet
forwarding route between said terminal device and the determined
WO 2012/073406 PCT/JP2011/005084
server device.
[Claim 5] The communication system according to claim 4, wherein said control
device determines a server device to be connected to the terminal
device, based on cost required for access between said terminal device
and said respective plural server devices.
[Claim 6] The communication system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, when
plural server devices that are candidates for connection to the terminal
device are modified or the location of said terminal device is changed,
the control device re-determines a server device to be connected to said
terminal device, and controls the packet forwarding route from said
terminal device to the re-determined server device.
[Claim 7] The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
further comprising a plurality of storage devices, wherein said control
device comprises:
means for storing map information that manages data stored in the
plurality of storage devices;
means for determining a storage device to be connected to said terminal
device, based on the map information and the location of said terminal
device; and
means for controlling a packet forwarding route from said terminal
device to the determined storage device.
[Claim 8] The communication system according to claim 7, wherein the control
device comprises:
means for storing a restricting condition related to access to the storage
devices;
means for determining a storage device to be connected to the terminal
device, based on the map information, the location of said terminal
device, and said restricting condition; and
means for controlling a packet forwarding route from said terminal
device to the determined storage device.
[Claim 9] The communication system according to claim 7 or 8, further
comprising a data deployment modification device to modify a storage
device storing prescribed data, based on a state of access to the
prescribed data by said terminal device.
[Claim 10] The communication system according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a
data deployment modification device to determine a storage device
newly storing prescribed data, based on a state of access to the
prescribed data by said terminal device, and to replicate the prescribed
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data in the determined storage device.
[Claim 11] The communication system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said
data deployment modification device selects a storage device based on
cost required for access between said terminal device and the respective
plural storage devices.
[Claim 12] A control device that receives a setting request for a packet forwarding
route from at least one of a plurality of nodes each of which forwards a
packet, and controls the packet forwarding route in response to the
setting request, said control device comprising:
means for storing a plurality of location information respectively corre
sponding to the respective nodes;
means for receiving the setting request from at least one of nodes
connected to a terminal device accessing a network; and
means for identifying a location of said terminal device based on
location information corresponding to said at least one of nodes
connected to said terminal device, and for controlling the packet
forwarding route by using the location of said terminal device.
[Claim 13] The control device according to claim 12, wherein, in a case of
receiving the setting request from a prescribed node, the location of
said terminal device is identified from the location information corre
sponding to the prescribed node, and a packet forwarding route is
controlled using the location of said terminal device.
[Claim 14] The control device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein
reference is made to policy information indicating a restricting
condition related to the packet forwarding route, determined based on
respective location information of said plurality of nodes, and
the packet forwarding route is controlled based on the location of said
terminal device and the policy information.
[Claim 15] The control device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein
determination is made of a server device to be connected based on,
from plural server devices that are candidates for connection to the
terminal device, respective locations of the plural server devices and
the location of said terminal device, and a packet forwarding route
between the terminal device and the determined server device is
controlled.
[Claim 16] The control device according to claim 15, wherein a server device to be
connected to said terminal device is determined based on cost required
for access between said terminal device and the respective plurality of
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server devices.
The control device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, when plural
server devices that are candidates for connection to said terminal device
are modified, or when the location of said terminal device is changed, a
server device to be connected to said terminal device is re-determined,
and a packet forwarding route from said terminal device to the r e
determined server device is controlled.
The control device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further
comprising:
means for storing map information that manages data stored in a
plurality of storage devices;
means for determining a storage device to be connected to said terminal
device, based on the map information and the location of said terminal
device; and
means for controlling a packet forwarding route from said terminal
device to the determined storage device.
The control device according to claim 18, comprising
means for storing a restricting condition related to access to the storage
devices;
means for determining a storage device to be connected to said terminal
device, based on the map information, the location of said terminal
device, and the restricting condition; and
means for controlling a packet forwarding route from said terminal
device to the determined storage device.
The control device according to claim 18 or 19, comprising data de
ployment modification means for modifying a storage device storing
prescribed data based on a state of access to the prescribed data by said
terminal device.
The control device according to claim 18 or 19, comprising data de
ployment modification means for determining a storage device newly
storing prescribed data, based on a state of access to the prescribed data
by said terminal device, and to replicate the prescribed data in the de
termined storage device.
The control device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the data de
ployment modification means selects a storage device based on cost
required for access between said terminal device and the respective
plural storage devices.
A communication method by a control device that receives a setting
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request for a packet forwarding route from at least one of a plurality of
nodes each of which forwards a packet, and that controls the packet
forwarding route in response to the setting request, the method
comprising:
receiving the setting request from at least one of nodes connected to a
terminal device that has access to a network,
referring to location information corresponding to said at least one of
nodes connected to said terminal device, from a storage unit that stores
respective location information of the plurality of nodes,
identifying the location of said terminal device from the location in
formation referred to, and
controlling the packet forwarding route using the location of said
terminal device.
[Claim 24] A program to be executed in a control device that receives a setting
request for a packet forwarding route from at least one of a plurality of
nodes each of which forwards a packet, and controls the packet
forwarding route in response to the setting request, the program
executing:
a process of receiving the setting request inquiry from at least one of
nodes connected to a terminal device that has access to a network,
a process of referring to location information corresponding to said at
least one of nodes connected to said terminal device, from a storage
unit that stores respective location information of the plurality of nodes,
a process of identifying the location of said terminal device from the
location information referred to, and
a process of controlling the packet forwarding route by using the
location of said terminal device.