4. The network management apparatus according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the improvement information generation means generates and outputs an interface screen that can allow a selection of the improvemr:nt information, nnmcly, an ext:cution of a setttng change of 10 each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, an 1 5 exe'cution of a license application of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, and an execution of a license purchase of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus.

5. The network management apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the improvement information generation means generates the interface screen in a matrix display format that displays the functional parameter capable of improving the line condition by the execution of 20 the setting change in an upper column.

6. The network management apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the improvement information generation means generates the 25 interface screen in which the functional parameter capable of improving the line condition by the setting change is marked with a predetermined symbol.

7. The network management apparatus according to any one of 30 Claims 4 to 6, further comprising: c o n t r o I t o o I c a II m e a n s f o r S'e t t i n g a n o p e r a t i o n o f e a c h functional parameter of the communication apparatus in re_sponse to an operation on the interface screen . ... , . .:. ..~ ;·-: ., .. -.:;,.; ;.;,., ..--------------------------------------------------------------------, • 28

8. The network management apparatus according to any one of Claims I to 7, wherein the line condition determination means determines as to whether or not the line condition of the communication apparatus exceeds a 5 predetermined threshold. I 0

9. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute processes of: cir:tr:rrnining aE to '''hcthcr or uul a line condition of a ·communication apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition; and when the line condition is determined to satisfy the predetermined condition, generating improvement information based on operation information, the improvement information being information that describes means for improving the line condition, and the 15 operation information relating to an operation of the communication 20 apparatus.

10. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing the program according to Claim 9, wherein the operation information includes setting information relating to an operation setting of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, applied license information relating to a license application state of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, and license purchase information relating to 25 a license permission state of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, and in the generation of the improvement information, the improvement information is generated based on a mutual comparison between the setting information, the applied license information, and 30 the license purchase information. II. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing the program according to Claim 10, wherein the operation information further includes apparatus -·- -- -: .;-: . ·-:. ~-~- -~ii;-..A.. 29 configuration information, the apparatus configuration information relating to a hardware configuration of the communication apparatus, and in the generation of the improvement information, means for · 5 improvement that is not possible to be achieved by the communication apparatus is calcu Ia ted based on the apparatus configuration information and the means is reflected in the improvement information.

12. A non trun!:litory computer n:auable medium storing the 10 program according to Claim I 0 or 11, wherein in the generation of the improvement information, an interface screen that allows a selection of the improvement information, namely, an execution of a setting change of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, an execution of a license application of each 15 functional parameter of the communication apparatus, and an execution of a license purchase of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus is generated and output.

13. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing the 20 program according to Claim 12, wherein 25 1n the generation of the improvement information, the interface screen in a matrix format that displays the functional parameter capable of improving the line condition 111 an upper column is generated.

14. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing the program according to Claim 12, wherein 1n the generation of the improvement information, the interface screen 111 which the functional parameter capable of improving the line 30 condition by the setting change is marked with a predetermined symbol is generated. 5 30

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium storing the program according to any one of Claims 12 to 14, wherein the program causes the comptJter to further execute a process of: performing an operation setting of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus in response to an operation on the interface scr~en. I 6. A non t ran 3 ito r y co iH fJ u L t:: r r t:: ad a b I e me d i u m s tori n g the I 0 program according to any one of Claims 9 to 15, wherein 1 5 in the determination of the line condition, it is determined as to whether or not the line condition of the communication apparatus exceeds a predetermined threshold.

17. A method of improving a line condition comprising: determining as to whether or not the line condition of a communication apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition, and generating improvement information based on operation information when the line condition is determined to satisfy the 20 predetermined condition, the improvement information being 25 information that describes means for improving the line condition, and the operation information relating to an operation of the communication apparatus.

18. The method according to Claim 17, wherein the operation information includes setting information relating to an operation setting of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, applied license information relating to a license application state of each functional parameter of the 30 communication apparatus, and license purchase information relating to a license permission state of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, and in the generation of the improvement information, the improvement information is generated based on a mutual comparison 5 31 between the setting informat_ion, the ap.pLi.ed J.ic.en-s-e-i-n-fermation, and the license purchase information.

19. The method according to Claim 18, wherein the operation information further includes apparatus configuration information, the apparatus configuration information relating to a hardware configuration of the communication apparatus, and in the gF:nf':ration of the improvement iufutmaliun, means tor 10 improvement that is not possible to be achieved by the communication apparatus is calculated based on the apparatus configuration information and the means is reflected in the improvement information. 1 5

20. The method according to Claim 18 or 19, wherein in the generation of the improvement information, an interface screen that allows a selection of the improvement information, namely, an execution of a setting change of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, an execution of a license application of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, and an execution 20 of a license purchase of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus is generated and output.

21. The method according to Claim 20, wherein in the generation of the improvement information, the interface 25 screen in a matrix format that displays the functional parameter capable of improving the line condition by the execution of the setting change in an upper column is generated. 30

22. The method according to Claim 20, whereiri 1 n t h e g e n e r a t i o n o f t h e i 111 p r o· v e m e n t i n f o r 111 a t i o n , t h e i n t e r fa c e screen tn which the functional parameter capable of improving the line condition by the setting change is marked with a predetermined symbol is generated. 32

23. The method according to any one .of Claims 20 to 22, further comprising: performing an operation setting of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus in response to an operation on the 5 interface screen.

24. The method according to any one of Claims I 7 to 23, wherein 1.11 the determination of the line cunuitlon, It is determined as to· I 0 whether or not the line condition of the communication apparatus exceeds a predetermined threshold.

25. A management apparatus of a communication apparatus that: . stores functional parameter information, the functional I5 parameter information indicating availability of each function included in the communication apparatus; and instructs display means to display suggestion information for improving a line condition of the communication apparatus, wherein the suggestion information includes information indicating a 20 change in the functional parameter information, and 25 the suggestion information further includes information indicating an application or a purchase of a license necessary for the change in the functional parameter information.

26. The management apparatus according to Claim 25, wherein the management apparatus further instructs the display means to display an interface tool corresponding to the suggestion information, and the management apparatus executes an operation corresponding 30 to the suggestion information in response to an operation on the interface tool.

27. The management apparatus according to Claim 25 or 26, wherein 33 the suggestion information is generated based 011 operation information relating to an operation of the communication apparatus.

28. The management apparatus according to any one of Claims 5 25 to 27, wherein 1 0 the management apparatus instructs the display means to display the functional parameter information that is capable of improving the line condition by an execution of a setting change· in an upper column 1n l'l matrix display format.

29. The management apparatus according to any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein the management apparatus instructs the display means to display the functional parameter information that is capable of improving the 15 line condition by the setting change by marking the functional parameter information with a predetermined symbol.

30. The management apparatus according to Claim 27, wherein the operation information includes setting information relating 20 to an operation setting of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, applied license information relating to a license application state of each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, and license purchase information relating to a license permission state of each functional parameter of the 25 communication apparatus.

The present invention relates to a network managem~nt
apparatus, a line condition improvement method, and a non-transitory
10 computer readable medium storing a program.
Background Art
[0002]
In recent years, a network management apparatus that manages
15 Network Equipment (NE) which is connected to mobile phone base
stations and the like has been widely used. This network management
apparatus has a function to manage, for example, a radio line usage
rate of each piece of network equipment and the like. When the radio
line usage rate of each piece of network equipment is high (e.g. greater
20 than or equal to a certain threshold), it is desirable to improve the line
usage rate.
[0003]
As a technique relating to the improvement of the radio line
usage rate, there is, for example, the following literature. Patent
25 Literature I discloses a network control apparatus that can switch
communication schemes while effectively using radio resources.
Further, Patent Literature 2 discloses an apparatus for trading a right
to use electric communication equipment that can share an electric
communication equipment capacity with another communication
30 company when there is a deficiency of electric communication
equipment capacity.
[0004]
.----------------------------~ --------- ---------------- --
3
Citation List
Patent Literature I: Japanese Unexamined Patent Applicatiou
Publication No. 2009-141562
Patent Literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
5 Publication No. 2001-265859
1 0
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0005]
By the way, the above-mentioned network equipment has
various functions. These various functions may be operated in such a
way that the functions are enabled/disabled according to license
management-and a· setting. That is, availability of each function is
switched according to a state of a license (whether or not the license
15 has been purchased, whether or not the license is applied, whether or
not a setting regarding the license has been performed or the like).
[0006]
When it is necessary to improve the radio line condition of the
network equipment, a user of the network equipment (preferably an
20 administrator) changes the setting regarding the license of each
function to thereby improve the radio line condition. The
I
administrator, for example, purchases/applies/sets a license of an
u p p e r I i m i t v,a I u e o f a r ad i o c a p a c i t y t h at i s g r e ate r t h an a n u p p e r I i m i t
value of a current radio capacity so as to improve the radio line
2 5 c o n d i t i o n . H o w e v e r , i t i s n e c e s s a r y f o r t h e u s e . r h i m s e I f o r h e. r s e I f t o
determine as to whether or not to purchase or apply the license, which
requires the user's time and effort (incurs personnel expenses).
[0007]
No,te that the above-mentioned Patent Literature 1 and 2 neither
30 indicates nor teaches a change in the setting regarding the license so
as to improve the condition of radio communication.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in light of the abovementioned
problem, and an exemplary object of the present invention
-· ·¥- .... ---- .!..~e .. -~·;;;.
5
4
is to provide a network management apparatus, a license management
~ethod, and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a
program that can present means for improving a radio line condition
without requiring user's time and effort.
Solution to Problem
[0009]
An exemplary aspect of the present invention is a network
mllnagement apparntu.s iuduuing: line condition determination means
10 for determining as to whether or not a line condition of a
communication apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition, 1n which
the line condition is obtained from the connected communication
apparatus; and improvement information generation means for
generating improvement information based on operation information
15 when the line condition is determined to satisfy the predetermined
condition, in which the improvement information is information that
describes means for improving the line condition, and the operation
information is information regarding an operation of the
communication apparatus.
20 [0010]
Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is a nontransitory
computer readable medium storing a program for causing a
computer to execute: a line condition determination step for
determining as to whether or not a line condition of a communication
25 apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition; and an improvement
information generation step for generating improvement information
based on operation information when the line condition is determined
to satisfy the predetermined condition, in which the improvement
information describes means for improving the line condition, and the
30 operation information relates to an operation of the communication
apparatus.
[ 0 0 I 1]
Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is a method
of improving a line condition that includes: a line condition
5
~ d_ ~Lei._n :lj n at i o_.n__.s_t e p f o r d e.t e.rm-i-n-i-n-g-a-s--t-o-w-h-e-t-herorn-o·t-a-J·tne-___
condition of a communication apparatus satisfies a predetermined
condition; and an improve·ment information generation step for
generatin-g improvement information based on operation informat!on
5 when the line condition is determined to satisfy the predetermined
condition, in which the improvement information describes means for
improving the line condition, and the operation information relates to
an operation of the communication ap.paratus.
I 0
[0012]
Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is a network
management apparatus that manages a connected communication
apparatus and includes: a display unit that displays a use state of each
function of the communication apparatus and improvement information
that describes means for improving a line condition of the
15 communication apparatus. The display unit displays at least one of an
execution of a setting change of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, an execution of a license application of each
functional parameter of the communication apparatus, and an execution
of a license purchase of each functional parameter of the
20 communication apparatus.
Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is a
management apparatus of a communication apparatus that; stores
functional parameter information indicating availability of each
function included in the communication apparatus; and instructs
25 display means to display suggestion information for improving a line
condition of the communication apparatus. The suggestion information
includes information indicating a change in the functional parameter
information, and the suggestion information further includes
information indicating an application or a purchase of a license
30 necessary for the change in the functional parameter information.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0013]
The present invention can provide a network management
6
apparatus, a license m::~nagement method, and a nun-transitory
computer readable medium that can present means for improving a
radio line condition without requiring user's time and effort.
5 Brief Description of Drawings
[0014]
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an entire image of a network
s y s t e m 1 a c c o r d i n g to a f i r s t ex e m p I a r y· e m bod i m e n t ;
Fig. 2 is o block diagram showing a specific. configuration of a
10 network management apparatus 20 according to the first exemplary
embodiment;
1 5
Fig. 3 is a drawing showing a specific example of types of
licenses of each function of communication apparatus-es 31 to 3N
according to the first exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a management table of a license
purchase state managed by a storage unit 101 according to the first
exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 5 is a drawing showing an example of apparatus
configuration information of the communication apparatuses 31 to 3N
20 according to the first exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 6 is a drawing showing an example of setting information
of the communication apparatuses 31 to 3N according to the first
exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a condition
25 determination of network equi_pment 31 (to 3N) by a line condition
determination unit 203 according to the first exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 8 is a drawing showing an example of operation
information (setting information, applied license information,
purchased license information, and apparatus configuration
30 information) of the network equipment 31 according to the first
exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 9 shows an interface screen generated by an improvement
information generation unit 204 according to the first exemplary
embodiment;
... ,_ --.. ·-.. ;;_·. ·~· .
.1.:~ ;. -~~
-""· -.-..~..~..-..·... ,,
;,.Q;..':"';-:-~-~-
7
Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processes by the
network management apparatus 20 according to the first exemplary
embodiment; and
Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of
5 the network management apparatus 20 according to the present
invention.
Description of Embodiments
[0015]
10 [First exemplary embodiment]
Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
shall be explained with reference to the drawings. Firstly, an overview
of a network system including a network management apparatus
according to this exemplary embodiment shall be explained by
15 referring to Fig. 1.
[0016]
A network system 1 includes a license management apparatus
10, a network management apparatus 20 (may also be referred to as an
NMS (Network Management System)), and a plurality of pieces of
20 network equipment 31 to 3N.
[0017]
The network equipment 31 to 3N is communication equipment
connecting, for example, mobile phone base stations and the like.
Various functions are implemented in the network equipment 31 to 3N.
25· These various functions are enabled (become available) when licenses
of the functions have been purchased, the licenses have been applied to
the apparatus, and appropriate settings have been performed.
[0018]
Note that, in general, the network equipment 31 to 3N is
30 equipment owned and managed by a communication company. On the
other hand, in general, the license management apparatus. 10 and the
network management apparatus 20 are apparatuses that are owned and
managed by a vendor of a communication apparatus. The vendor
provides the network equipment 31 to 3N including multiple functions
-·.·--·~-- .1.~'~·~·
8
implemented therein and provides licenses by a method described later,
so that each function of the network equipment 31 to 3N can operate
without a problem in terms of the license. The communication
company receives a license permission of the function which the
5 c.ommunication company intends to use and then operates the
equipment. Note that such a relationship between the communication
company and the vendor is a general model case, and it is obvious that
an operation can be performed by other forms.
1 0
[00 19]
The network management apparatus 20 is connected to the
plurality of pieces of the network equipment 31 to 3N and manages
these pieces of the network equipment 31 to 3N. Note that although it
is not a generally used operation, it is theoretically possible that the
network management apparatus 20 can be configured to manage a
15 single piece of the network equipment 31. A specific configuration
and operation of the network management apparatus 20 shall be
explained with reference to Fig. 2 and the like.
[0020]
The license management apparatus I 0 manages a license key of
20 each function of the network equipment 31 to 3N. To be more specific,
the license management apparatus 10 manages as to whether or not the
license key of each function of the network equipment 31 to 3N has
been purchased (whether or not a use of the function has been
permitted by a license supplier) and manages sales of the license keys
25 via a network. A specific configuration of the license management
apparatus 10 shall be explained with reference to Fig. 2.
[0021]
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of
the network management apparatus 20. The network management
30 apparatus 20 includes anNE data collection unit 201, a storage unit
202, a line condition determination unit 203, an improvement
information generation unit 204, a control tool call unit 205, a license
application processing unit 206, and a license purchase screen display
unit 207. Further, the license management apparatus 10 includes a
-------- -- ----- ------------ --------------
storage unit IOl.
[0022)
9
The storage unit I Ol inside the license management apparatus
I 0 manages purchase information of the license key of each function of
5 the network equipment 3I to 3N. Fig. 3 shows a specific example of
types of licenses of the function. Moreover, Fig. 4 shows an example
of a management table of license purchase states managed by the
storage unit 101. As shown in Fig. 3, a license type differs for each
param0ter (Radio Capacily, Radio Bit Kate, Modulation, XPIC, and
I 0 Radio Traffic Aggregation) indicating each function. In the case of,
for example, the function parameter "Radio Capacity", license values
can be I 0 Mbps, 20 Mbps, 50 Mbps, I 00 Mbps, ISO Mbps, 200 Mbps,
300 Mbps, 400 Mbps, and 500 Mbps.
I 5
[0023]
Next, the management table (Fig. 4) of the license purchase
states managed by the storage unit I 01 will be referred to. As shown
in the drawing, purchased licenses for respective functions of the
network equipment 3I to 3N are managed. In Fig. 4, the storage unit
I 01 stores the information that a license of ("Radio Capacity= I 00
20 Mbps, Radio Bit Rate= Available, and Modulation= 128 QAM") has
been purchased for the network equipment 3I (no license has been
purchased for "XPIC" and "Radio Traffic Aggregation"). The storage
unit I 01 is comprised of, for example a software database. In the
following explanation, the information shown in Fig. 4 shall·also be
25 referred to as purchased license information.
[0024]
Note that in this exemplary embodiment, a "purchased license",
an "a p pI i e d I ice n s e", an ·d "set I ice n s e" have different concepts. The
term "purchased" indicates that a purchase process for a license of a
30 certain functional parameter of target network equipment (an·y one
piece of 31 to 3N) has been completed (a state, for example, in which a
money transferto purchase the license has been completed, and a use
of the functional parameter has been permitted by the license
supplier). On the other hand, the term "applied" indicates that a
- ·- .. _. ·- ·-· ···- ... .. ...-... -=-·--·-.."_ .-z-· """:.·-~--:!···-:·--~· _--:_: _".~-~._ . .• .. ·_.Ij'~i~ -=~-~--~- 7:'·· ~4 ... -· •• :. .. :::::_: :.:-_-:;"':'";_ - • - -:l.~-<~,· -u~=..=L:~·:-:.i... -- ,., - - - - - -
10
license of a certain functional parameter of target network equipment
(any one of 31 to 3N) has been purchased, and the target network
equipment (any one piece of 31 to 3N) recognizes that the license is
en a b I e d (a software setting (e. g. a flag s e tt i n g) has been performed).
5 Moreover, the term "set" indicates that a license of a certain
functional parameter has been applied to the target network equipment
(any one piece of 31 to 3N), and a setting for an actual operation has
been performed (e.g. an appropriate setting has been written in a
o;etting file).
10 [0025]
Reference will be made again to Fig. 2. The NE data collection
unit 201 receives apparatus configuration information, setting
information, applied license information, and line communication
information from each network equipment (31 to 3N). Note that 111 the
15 following explanation, for clarity of the explanation, although a
process in which the NE data 201 and another processing unit (e.g. the
line condition determination unit 203) process various pieces of
information collected from the network equipment 31 will be
explained, information will be collected from and processes will be
20 performed on the network equipment 32 to 3N which is equipment other
than the network equipment 31 in a manner similar to the collection
process for the network equipment 31.
[0026]
The apparatus con figuration in formation is information
25 indicating a physical configuration of the network equipment 31 and
includes, for example as shown in Fig. 5, hardware information such as
a modem type, whether or not an aggregation card IS provided and the
like. The setting information is, as shown in Fig. 6, information
indicating a setting of each functional parameter in each piece of the
30 network equipment 31. In the example of Fig. 6, for example, the NE
data collection unit 201 IS notified that the network equipment 31
which has transmitted this setting information operates at "Radio
Capacity= 50Mbps ... ". The applied license inforrnation is
information indicating as to whether or not the license of each
5
11
functional parameter: has been applied to the network equipment 31. A
data format of the applied license information should be substantially
the same as that of the setting information.
[002 7]
Further, the line communication information is information
including a radio line usage amount (bps) that is currently used by the
network equipment 31 which is a sender. The NE data collection unit
201 uses a mechanism of RMON (Remote network MONitoring) or the
like to oht::tin tht>: linr:- r.ommunication informntion from the nelwurk.
10 equipment31.
[0028]
The NE data collection unit 201 stores the collected apparatus
configuration information, applied license information, and setting
information in the storage unit 202 and notifies the line condition
15 determination unit 203 of the collected line communication
information.
[0029]
The storage unit 202 stores the apparatus configuration
information, the applied license information, and the setting
20 information of each network equipment 31 to 3N that has been
collected by the NE data collection unit 201. Further, the storage unit
202 holds each piece of data used as a threshold of the line condition
determination unit 203, in which the threshold will be explained later.
The threshold determination storage unit 202 is comprised of, for
25 example, a software database.
[0030]
The line condition determination unit 203 determines as to
whether or not the radio line usage rate of the network equipment 31
satisfies a predetermined condition. Fig. 7 is a conceptual diagram
30 showing an example of the determination. The line condition
determination unit 203 obtains the current radio capacity that is the
setting information of the network equipment 31 which is a target of
the determination. Moreover, the line condition determination unit 203
obtains the threshold of the network equipment 31 from the storage
12
u n i t 2 0 2 . N o te t h at a u s e r can c h an g e t h e t h res h o I d f o r -e a c h p i e c e of
network equipment on an arbitrary interface.
[0031]
The line condition determination unit 203 sequentially
5 determines as to whether or not the radio line usage rate of the
network equipment 31 exceeds the threshold. In Fig. 7, the line
condition determination unit 203 sequentially determines as to whether
or not the radio line usage rate of the network equipment 31 exceeds
t h e t h r f':" h o I d ( 5 0% o f n n u p fJ c 1 I i nll r v a I u e ) . T h e I i n e co n d i t i o n u n i t
10 203 notifies the improvement information generation unit 204 at a
timing T1 which is a timing when the radio line condition rate exceeds
the threshold.
[0032]
Note that the line condition determination unit 203 may use
15 information that can be obtained by RMON other than the radio line
usage rate to make a conditional determination. Alternatively, the line
condition determination unit 203 may make the conditional
determination not only by a simple comparison between the threshold
and the radio line usage rate but also by considering as to whether or
20 not another condition is satisfied (e.g. an increase rate of the radio
line usage rate per unit time is greater than or equal to a
predetermined value). That is, the line condition determination unit
2 0 3 m a y p e r f o r m an y k i n d of _d e t e r m i n at i o n as I o n g as i t i s to
determine as to whether or not the line condition of the network
25 equipment 31 (a condition regarding the radio line usage rate) satisfies
a predetermined condition (i.e. a determination as to whether or not
the line condition is congested).
[0033]
Next, an operation of the improvement information generation
30 unit 204 shall be explained. When the improvement information
generation unit 204 receives the notification from the line condition
determination unit 203, the improvement information generation unit
204 generates and outputs improvement information regarding the line
information for the network equipment 31 based on operation
-.·- N- > _·-r:__~_.§._£N'·,:.-._:y·_
~..t~Nu: -- - - --
------·. ;L~;-~·
13
information that is used to operate the network equipment 31 .. The
operation information is used for (or related to) the operation of the
network equipment 31 and includes the apparatus configuration
information, the setting information, and the applied license
5 information that is obtained from the network equipment 31, and the
purchased license information (Fig. 4) that-is managed by the storage
unit 101. The improv·ement information generation unit 204 obtains
the purchased license information from the license management
;:tpp::tratus 10 a& appropriate. Tin: improvement Information output from
10 the improvement information generation unit 204 is information that
describes means (way, method) for improving the line condition and is,
for example, a user interface (Fig. 9) or the like which will be
described later. Hereinafter, an operation of the improvement
information generation unit 204 shall be explained using a specific
15 data example of Fig. 8.
(0034)
Fig. 8 is a drawing showing an example of the operation
information (the setting information, the applied license information,
the purchased license information, and the apparatus configuration
20 information) of the network equipment 31 when the improvement
information generation unit 204 has receiv'ed the notification from the
line condition determination unit 203.
[0035]
T h e i m prove m e n t i n f o r m at i o n g e n e r'a t i o n u n i t 2 0 4 c a I c u I ate s a
25 possible process for improving the line condition for each functional
parameter based on this operation information. Hereinafter, a
calculation proc.ess for each functional parameter shall be explained.
I
[0036]
The functional parameter· "Radio Capacity" shall be examined as
30 follows. The improvement information generation unit 204 recognizes
that a current setting value is "50 Mbps", an upper limil of a license
that can be applied to an apparatus is "100 Mbps", and an upper limit
of a purchased license is "200 Mbps". Thus, the improvement
information genera t i.o n unit 2 0 4 deter m in e s that changing a setting of
---··.- ·-- -·~w~~ .. ~-wt1•" ::£;· '"": --·- -- -· ~~·.;._.~
14
the functional parameter "Radio Capacity" and applying the license up
to the upper limit of the functional parameter "Radio Capacity" and
changing the setting is effective for improving the line condition.
Moreover, the improvement information generation unit 204 determines
5 that it is possible to purchase a license of more than or equal to "300
Mbps" ("300 Mbps", "400 Mbps", and "500 Mbps"). Note that the
improvement information generation unit 204 refers to the apparatus
configuration information, determines as to whether or not the
appHlltt.!S Hlpport!:J the pnram1!te1 valu~:: ("Radio Capacity"), and if the
I 0 apparatus does not support the parameter value ("Radio Capacity"),
determines that it is not possible to improve the line condition using
this parameter. ·
[0037]
The functional parameter "Radio ·Bit Rate" shall be examined as
15 follows. The improvement information generation unit 204 recognizes
that a current setting value is "Not Available", a license that can be
applied to the apparatus is "AMR", and a purchased license is "AMR".
Thus, the improvement information generation unit 204 determines that
changing a setting of the functional parameter "Radio Bit Rate" is
20 effective for improving the line condition. Note that the improvement
information generation unit 204 refers to the apparatus configuration
information, determines as to whether or not the apparatus supports the
parameter value ("Radio Bit Rate"), and if the apparatus does not
support the parameter value ("Radio Bit Rate"), determines that it is
25 not possible to improve the line condition using this parameter.
[003 8]
The functional parameter "Modulation" shall be examined as
follows. The improvement information generation unit 204 recognizes
that a current setting value is "32 QAM", a license that can be applied
30 to the apparatus is "128 QAM", and a purchased license is "128 QAM".
Accordingly, the improvement information generation unit 204
determines that changing a setting of the functional parameter
" M o d u I a t i o n " i s e f f e c t i v e f o r i m p r ov i n g t h e I i n e c o n d i t i o n . · T h e
improvement information generation unit 204 also recognizes that it 1s
15
_ possLbJ_e~_to_c_ha.n.ge the settin-g of th-e funct+o·n-aJ-p·nameter
"Modulation", namely, change the setting to "64 QAM" and "128
QAM". Moreover, the improvement information generation unit 204
recogniz~s that a parameter "MODEM" of the apparatus configuration
5 information is a "MAX 2048 QAM type" and determines that it is
possible to further purchase licenses ("256 QAM","512 QAM","I024.
QAM", and "2048 QAM") of the functional parameter "Modulation".
(0039)
Next, the functiou.al parameter "XPIC" shall be examined as
10 follows. The improvement information generation unit 204 recognizes
that a current setting value is "Not Available", a license that can be
applied to the apparatus is "Not Available", and a purchased license is
"Not Available". Thus, the improvement information generation unit
204 determines that purchasing a license for the functional parameter
15 "XPJC", applying the purchased licens~, and then changing a setting is
effective for improving the line condition. Note that the improvement
information generation unit 204 refers to the apparatus configuration
information, determines as to whether or not the apparatus supports the
parameter value ("XPIC"), and if the apparatus does not support the
20 parameter value ("XPIC"), determines that it is not possible to improve
the line condition using this parameter.
[0040)
Lastly, the functional parameter "Radio Traffic Aggregation".
shall be examined as follows. The improvement information
25 generation unit 204 recognizes that a current setting value is "Not
Available", a license that can be applied to the apparatus is "Not
Available", and a purchased license is "Not Available". Further, the
'i m p r o v e m e n t i n f o r m a t i o n g e n e r a t i o n u n i t 2 0 4 r e c o g n i z e s t h a t t h e r e i s
no "Radio Traffic Aggregation card" from the apparatus configuration
30 information. Accordingly, the improvement information generation
unit 204 determines that it is not possible to improve the line
condition regarding the functional parameter "Radio Traffic
Aggregation".
[0041)
-_.1. ._.. :-;·.: . : .~;..~;. · _·:·c,._·_~.:--=··-·_!_·:.·. .~ .,-_.'·,'_'----~. .._
lr---------------------- - ---
16
Note that when the improvement information generation unit
204 can determine that the "Radio Traffic Aggregation card" is not
provided from the apparatus configuration information but there is a
slot into which the "Radio Traffic Aggregation card" will be inserted,
5 the improvement information generation unit 204 may determine that it
is possible to improve the line condition by inserting the "Radio
Traffic Aggregation card", purchasing a license, applying the license,
and changing a setting.
1 0
[00~2]
As has been explained above, the improvement information
generation unit 204 calculates a difference between values of the
setting information, the applied license information, and the purchased
license information of each parameter and calculates means for
improving the line condition based on the difference. Further, the
15 improvement information generation unit 204 refers to the apparatus
configuration information in order to calculate improvement means that
is impossible to be achieved by the network equipment 31. The
improvement information generation unit 204 determines, for example,
that as there is no "Radio Traffic Aggregation card", it is not possible
20 to improve the line condition by a process relating to the functional
parameter "Radio Traffic Aggregation".
[0043]
Note that when, for example, the NE data collection unit 201
could not obtain the apparatus configuration information, the above-
25 explained calculation may be performed without using the apparatus
configuration information. However, the improvement information
generation unit 204 can suggest an improvement method with a high
accuracy taking into consideration a hardware configuration of the
n e t w o r k e q u i p m en t 3 1 by p e r f o r m i n g t h e a b o v e - ex p I a i n e d c a I c u I at i o n
30 using the apparatus configuration information.
[0044]
As described above, the improvement information generation
unit 204 makes the determination on each functional parameter. After
the improvement information generation unit 204 makes the
17
determination on each functional parameter, the improvement
information generation unit 204 generates and outputs the improvement
information which will be presented to a user. An example of the
improvement information generated from the data shown in Fig. 8 shall
5 be explained with reference to Fig. 9.
[0045]
Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a GUI screen output by
the improvement information generation unit 204. The improvement
information generation unit 204 Llisplays a current use status of each
10 functional parameter as shown in the drawing (e.g. "50 Mbps" which is
a current use status of the functional parameter "Radio Capacity").
Further, the improvement information generation unit 204 displa.ys
what kind of improvement means is possible for each functional
par am e t e r as s h o w n i n t h e d raw i n g ( " A v a i I a b I e '~, "N o t A v a i I a b I e '\ an d
15 "---(already processed)") and also displays buttons (e.g. a button 41)
and the like for allowing a user to execute each improvement means.
Note that the button is an example of an interface tool for accepting
various operations from the user and may be another operation means
such as, for example, a link or the like. The user refers to the GUI
20 screen (Fig. 9) of the display apparatus that is connected to (or
integrated with) the network management apparatus 20. Then, the user
gives an instruction to execute the improvement means by operating an
input apparatus such as a mouse. The improvement information
generation unit 204 generates the GUI screen so that the control tool
25 call unit 205, the license application processing unit 206, and the
license purchase screen display unit 207, which will be described later,
operate when the buttons are pressed.
[0046]
The improvement information generation unit 204 desirably
30 generates the GUI screen according to a type of the improvement
means for improving the line condition (the setting change, the license
application, and the license purchase) and displays the screen in such a
way that the user can easily recognize the improve-ment process which
is considered to be effective for the user. The improvement means
18
which is considered to be effective for the user indicates that the line
condition can be improved without purchasing the license (in other
words, without spending money). That is, it is desirable for the ·user
in general that the processes are performed in order of the setting
5 change, the license application, and the license purchase.
Accordingly, the improvement information generation unit 204
generates the GUI screen displaying the functional parameters sorted
in order, as shown in Fig. 9, so that the setting change, the license
application, and the license purchase can be performed. For example
10 in Fig. 9, the improvement information generation unit 204 generates
the interface in a matrix format in which the functional parameters
"Radio Capacity" and "Radio Bit Rate" that can improve the line
conditi·on by only the setting change are displayed in upper columns.
1 5
[004 7]
Note that the improvement information generation unit 204 may
provide a display effect other than the effect of sorting the functional
parameters. The improvement information generation unit 204 may,
for example, change colors of columns according to the type of the
improvement means such as the setting change, the license application,
20 and the license purchase. Alternatively, the improvement information
25
generation unit 204 may display the screen so that it clearly shows the
recommended improvement means (e.g. show "o (double circle)" for
the parameter of which the setting can be changed).
[0048]
Note that the improvement information may not be a form of the
GUI (Graphic User Interface) as shown in Fig. 9 and may be CUI
(Character User Interface) based information or file format
information. That is, the improvement information generation unit 204
should only generate the improvement information that shows the
30 improvement means which will be executed to improve the line
condition, and a data format of the improvement information can be
changed according to a need of the user. As described so far, the
improvement information generation unit 204 functions also as· a
display unit for displaying the i_mprovement information together with
-· ~-· .... -- ... ~-~ ---~·;:.;.
19
a current usage state of each parameter. Although it has been
explained that the improvement information generation unit 204
presents three improvement methods, namely, the execution of the
setting change of each functional parameter, the execution of the
5 license application of each functional parameter, and the execution of
the license purchase of each parameter, it is not limited to this, and
the improvement information generation unit 204 may display one or
more of these three improvement methods. The improvement
information generation u11il 204, for example, may provide a user
I 0 interface that presents only whether or not the setting change of each
functional parameter is possible and display only a method for
improving the line condition for which there is no cost.
[0049]
Referring again to Fig. 2. The control tool call unit 205 is
15 called from the GUI screen or the like that is generated by the
improvement information generation unit 204 as mentioned above. The
control tool call unit 205 changes settings of the network equipment 31
to 3N. The control tool call unit 205, for example, changes the
settings of the network equipment 31 to 3N by transmitting a
20 functional parameter name and a parameter value which will be
changed to a control tool inside the network equipment 31 to 3N.
[0050]
The license application processing unit 206 is called from the
GUI screen or the like generated by the improvement information
25 generation unit 204 as mentioned above. The license application
processing unit 206 performs the license application process of each
functional parameter of the network equipment 31 to 3N.
[0051]
The license purchase screen display unit 207 is called from the
30 GUI screen or the like generated by the improvement information
generation unit 204 as mentioned above. The license purchase screen
display unit 207 receives information of the functional parameter that
can improve the line condition by purchasing the license from the
.improvement information generation unit 204 and generates a screen
20
f o r p u r c h as i n g_ t h e I i c e n s e base d on t h e i-n form at i on of-t h e f u n c t i o n a I
parameter. When the user operates the license purchase screen, an
execution instruction is transmitted to the license management
apparatus I 0.
5 [0052].
Next, an operation of the network management apparatus 20
according to this exemplary embodiment shall be explained again with
reference to Fig. I 0. Fig. I 0 is a flowchart showing a flow of
proc.e<;H'S by the network managemt:ni apparatus 20. In the following
I 0 explanation, a case in which the network management apparatus 20
performs a process relating to the network equipment 3I shall be
explained.
[0053)
The NE data collection unit 20I collects the apparatus
I5 configuration information, the setting information, the applied license
information, and the line communication information from the network
equipment 31 (S I). Note that it is not necessary for the NE data
collection unit 201 to sequentially collect the information other than
the line communication information, and the NE data collection unit
20 201 may collect these pieces of information at a necessary timing (e.g.
when a system starts to operate or the like).
[0054)
The line condition determination unit 203 compares a line usage
rate included in the collected line communication information with the
25 previously set threshold and determines as to whether or not the line
usage rate exceeds the threshold (S2). When the line usage rate does
not exceed the threshold (S2: No), the line condition determination
unit 203 continues the determination process.
30
[0055]
When the line usage rate exceeds the threshold (S2: Yes), the
line condition determination unit 203 notifies the improvement
information generation unit 204. The improvement information
generation unit 204 which has received the notification creates the
improvement information by the above-mentioned method (S3) and
- -- ... _ ;:.··-:.
~~~· ~ ~.:.;.ii ;;.9:.,
21
displays the created improvement information (S4).
(0056]
Next, effects of the network management apparatus 20 according
to this exemplary embodiment shall be explained as follows. The
5 network management apparatus 20 according to this exemplary
embodiment determines as to whether or not the line conditions of the
network equipment (the communication equipment) 31 to 3N satisfy a
predetermined condition (e.g. whether or not the line usage rate is
ereater than or equal to the threshulu), and If the predetermined
10 condition is satisfied, the network management apparatus 20 generates
and outputs the improvement information describing the means for
improving the line condition based on the operation information (the
setting information, the applied license information and the like). The
user {prefer a b 1 y an ad m in is t rat or of the network man age men t a p par at us
15 20) refers to this improvement information to easily understand the
means to use for improving the line condition. This reduces time and
effort needed by the user.
[0057]
To be more specific, the network management apparatus 20
20 compares the setting information, the applied license information, and
the purchased license information to one another and calculates the
means that can improve the line condition of the network equipment 31
for each functional parameter. As the network management apparatus
20 considers the setting information and the like of the network
25 equipment 31, it is possible to suggest the improvement method
corresponding to a setting state and the like of the network equipment
31.
[0058]
Moreover, the network management apparatus 20 calculates the
30 improvement method in consideration of the apparatus configuration
information including the information regarding the hardware
configuration of the network equipment 31. This solves the problem of
suggesting an improvement method that cannot be achieved by the
network equipment 31 in terms of its hardware and enables a
22
suggestion of an improvement method with a high accuracy.
[0059)
The above-mentioned exemplary embodiments are merely
examples to which technical ideas achieved by the present inventor
5 have been applied: That is, it is obvious that the technical ideas are
not limited to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, and various
modification can be made therein
[0060]
In the above explanation, fo1 t::xample, although it has been
I 0 explained that the license management apparatus I 0 and the network
management apparatus 20 are provided in the network system I, it is
not necessarily limited to this. Alternatively, a single management
apparatus including the functions of the license management apparatus
10 and the network management apparatus 20 may be provided.
15 Further alternatively, the network management apparatus 20 may have
a cluster configuration comprised of a plurality of computer
apparatuses.
[0061]
Additionally, the network management apparatus 20 may
20 generate the improvement information in consideration of a
relationship between the network equipment. In some cases, for
example, the settings of the network equipment 31 and the network
equipment 32 are preferably the same in terms of an operational issue.
In this case, the network management apparatus 20 may be configured
25 to simultaneously set the network equipment 31 and the network
equipment 32 or to output the improvement information for the network
equipment 31 and the network equipment 32 at the same time.
[0062]
The functions of the various processing units (the NE data
30 collection unit 201, the line condition determination unit 203, the
improvement information generation unit 204, the control tool call unit
205, the license application processing unit 206, and the license
purchase screen display unit 207) inside the network management
apparatus 20 can be realized by a program operating inside an arbitrary
.... ;:· -:.
N w.:;,;. ;A.,
r-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-..·...-..-.....
;;L~~-·~_.
5
23
computer. That is, the network management apparatus 20 is a so-called
computer and achieves the processes of the above-mentioned
processing units by executing the program.
[0063]
The program can be stored and provided to a computer using any
type of non-transitory computer readable media. Non-transitory
computer readable media include any type of tangible storage media.
Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic
"torage media (such ns fiO!JJJY uisks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives,
10 etc.), optical magnetic storage media (e.g. magneto-optical disks), CDROM
(Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R/W, and semiconductor
memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM
(Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (Random Access Memory}, etc.).
The program may be provided to a computer using any type of
15 transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer
readable media include electric signals, optical signals, and
electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer readable media can
provide the program to a computer via a wired communication line
(e.g. electric wires, and optical fibers) or a wireless communication
20 I in e.
[0064]
Lastly, an operation of the network management apparatus 20
according to the present invention shall be explained again with
reference to Fig. 11. The line condition determination unit 203
25 receives a line communication condition of the network equipment (the
communication equipment) 31 and determines as to whether or not this
line communication condition satisfies a predetermined condition.
When the line communication condition satisfies the predetermined
condition, the line condition determination unit 203 notifies the
30 improvement information generation unit 204.
[0065]
The improvement information generation unit 204 obtains the
operation information relating to the network equipment 31 (the
information including the setting information, the applied license .
.. , .:..-:.--::
.. -:.;.;: ~'
------------------------
24
information, the purchased license information, aud the apparatus
configuration information). After the improvement information
generation unit 204 receives the notification from the line condition
determination unit 203, the improvement information generation unit
5 204 generates and outputs the improvement information describing the
means for improving the line condition of the network equipment 31
based on this operation information.
[0066)
The user (preferably an administrator of the network
10 management apparatus 20) refers to this improvement information to
easily understand the means to use for improving the line condition.
This reduces time and effort needed by the user.
[0067]
Although the present invention has been explained with
15 reference to the exemplary embodiment, the present invention is not
limited by the above. Various modifications, obvious to those skilled
in the art, can be made to the configurations and details of the present
invention within the scope of the invention.
[0068]
20 The present application claims priority rights of and is based on
Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-157611 filed on July 30, 2013 in
the Japanese Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
25 Reference Signs List
[0069]
NETWORK SYSTEM
10 LICENSE MANAGEMENT APPARATUS
I 0 I STORAGE UNIT
3 0 20 NETWORK MANAGEMENT APPARATUS
201 NE DATA COLLECTION UNIT
202 STORAGE UNIT
203 LINE CONDITION DETERMINATION UNIT
204 IMPROVEMENT INFORMATION GENERATION UNIT
205 CONTROL TOOL CALL UNIT
206 LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESSING UNIT
207 LICENSE PURCHASE SCREEN DISPLAY UNIT
31 TO 3N NETWORK EQUIPMENT (NE)
5 41 BUTTON

WE CLAIM:
I. A network management apparatus comprising:
line condition determination means for determining as to
5 whether or not a line condition of a communication apparatus satisfies
a predetermined condition, the line condition being obtained from the
connected communication apparatus; and
improvement information generation means for generating
improvr:ment information bused on upcration Information when the line
I 0 condition is determined to satisfy the predetermined condition, the
improvement information being information that describes means for
improving the line condition, and the operation information being
information regarding an operation of the communication apparatus.
I 5 2. The network management apparatus according to Claim I,
wherein
the operation information includes setting information relating
to an operation setting of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, applied license information relating to a
20 license application state of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, and license purchase information relating to
a license.permission state of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, and
the improvement information generation means generates the
25 improvement information based on a mutual comparison between the
setting information, the applied license information, and the license
purchase information.
J. The network management apparatus according to Claim 2,
30 wherein
the operation information further includes apparatus
configLfration information relating to a hardware configuration of the
communication apparatus, and
the improvement information generation means calculates means
. .
~~~·· :':~~ t: .
5
27
for improving the line condition that is not possible to be achieved by
the co-mmunication apparatus based on the. apparatus configuration
information and reflects the me an s in the i m prove men t information .
4. The network management apparatus according to Claim 2 or
3, wherein
the improvement information generation means generates and
outputs an interface screen that can allow a selection of the
improvemr:nt information, nnmcly, an ext:cution of a setttng change of
10 each functional parameter of the communication apparatus, an
1 5
exe'cution of a license application of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, and an execution of a license purchase of
each functional parameter of the communication apparatus.
5. The network management apparatus according to Claim 4,
wherein
the improvement information generation means generates the
interface screen in a matrix display format that displays the functional
parameter capable of improving the line condition by the execution of
20 the setting change in an upper column.
6. The network management apparatus according to Claim 4,
wherein
the improvement information generation means generates the
25 interface screen in which the functional parameter capable of
improving the line condition by the setting change is marked with a
predetermined symbol.
7. The network management apparatus according to any one of
30 Claims 4 to 6, further comprising:
c o n t r o I t o o I c a II m e a n s f o r S'e t t i n g a n o p e r a t i o n o f e a c h
functional parameter of the communication apparatus in re_sponse to an
operation on the interface screen .
... , . .:. ..~ ;·-: ., .. -.:;,.; ;.;,.,
..--------------------------------------------------------------------,
•
28
8. The network management apparatus according to any one of
Claims I to 7, wherein
the line condition determination means determines as to whether
or not the line condition of the communication apparatus exceeds a
5 predetermined threshold.
I 0
9. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a
program for causing a computer to execute processes of:
cir:tr:rrnining aE to '''hcthcr or uul a line condition of a
·communication apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition; and
when the line condition is determined to satisfy the
predetermined condition, generating improvement information based on
operation information, the improvement information being information
that describes means for improving the line condition, and the
15 operation information relating to an operation of the communication
20
apparatus.
10. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing the
program according to Claim 9, wherein
the operation information includes setting information relating
to an operation setting of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, applied license information relating to a
license application state of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, and license purchase information relating to
25 a license permission state of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, and
in the generation of the improvement information, the
improvement information is generated based on a mutual comparison
between the setting information, the applied license information, and
30 the license purchase information.
II. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing the
program according to Claim 10, wherein
the operation information further includes apparatus
-·- -- -: .;-: . ·-:.
~-~- -~ii;-..A..
29
configuration information, the apparatus configuration information
relating to a hardware configuration of the communication apparatus,
and
in the generation of the improvement information, means for ·
5 improvement that is not possible to be achieved by the communication
apparatus is calcu Ia ted based on the apparatus configuration
information and the means is reflected in the improvement information.
12. A non trun!:litory computer n:auable medium storing the
10 program according to Claim I 0 or 11, wherein
in the generation of the improvement information, an interface
screen that allows a selection of the improvement information, namely,
an execution of a setting change of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, an execution of a license application of each
15 functional parameter of the communication apparatus, and an execution
of a license purchase of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus is generated and output.
13. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing the
20 program according to Claim 12, wherein
25
1n the generation of the improvement information, the interface
screen in a matrix format that displays the functional parameter
capable of improving the line condition 111 an upper column is
generated.
14. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing the
program according to Claim 12, wherein
1n the generation of the improvement information, the interface
screen 111 which the functional parameter capable of improving the line
30 condition by the setting change is marked with a predetermined symbol
is generated.
5
30
15. The non-transitory computer readable medium storing the
program according to any one of Claims 12 to 14, wherein
the program causes the comptJter to further execute a process
of:
performing an operation setting of each functional parameter of
the communication apparatus in response to an operation on the
interface scr~en.
I 6. A non t ran 3 ito r y co iH fJ u L t:: r r t:: ad a b I e me d i u m s tori n g the
I 0 program according to any one of Claims 9 to 15, wherein
1 5
in the determination of the line condition, it is determined as to
whether or not the line condition of the communication apparatus
exceeds a predetermined threshold.
17. A method of improving a line condition comprising:
determining as to whether or not the line condition of a
communication apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition, and
generating improvement information based on operation
information when the line condition is determined to satisfy the
20 predetermined condition, the improvement information being
25
information that describes means for improving the line condition, and
the operation information relating to an operation of the
communication apparatus.
18. The method according to Claim 17, wherein
the operation information includes setting information relating
to an operation setting of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, applied license information relating to a
license application state of each functional parameter of the
30 communication apparatus, and license purchase information relating to
a license permission state of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, and
in the generation of the improvement information, the
improvement information is generated based on a mutual comparison
5
31
between the setting informat_ion, the ap.pLi.ed J.ic.en-s-e-i-n-fermation, and
the license purchase information.
19. The method according to Claim 18, wherein
the operation information further includes apparatus
configuration information, the apparatus configuration information
relating to a hardware configuration of the communication apparatus,
and
in the gF:nf':ration of the improvement iufutmaliun, means tor
10 improvement that is not possible to be achieved by the communication
apparatus is calculated based on the apparatus configuration
information and the means is reflected in the improvement information.
1 5
20. The method according to Claim 18 or 19, wherein
in the generation of the improvement information, an interface
screen that allows a selection of the improvement information, namely,
an execution of a setting change of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, an execution of a license application of each
functional parameter of the communication apparatus, and an execution
20 of a license purchase of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus is generated and output.
21. The method according to Claim 20, wherein
in the generation of the improvement information, the interface
25 screen in a matrix format that displays the functional parameter
capable of improving the line condition by the execution of the setting
change in an upper column is generated.
30
22. The method according to Claim 20, whereiri
1 n t h e g e n e r a t i o n o f t h e i 111 p r o· v e m e n t i n f o r 111 a t i o n , t h e i n t e r fa c e
screen tn which the functional parameter capable of improving the line
condition by the setting change is marked with a predetermined symbol
is generated.
32
23. The method according to any one .of Claims 20 to 22, further
comprising:
performing an operation setting of each functional parameter of
the communication apparatus in response to an operation on the
5 interface screen.
24. The method according to any one of Claims I 7 to 23,
wherein
1.11 the determination of the line cunuitlon, It is determined as to·
I 0 whether or not the line condition of the communication apparatus
exceeds a predetermined threshold.
25. A management apparatus of a communication apparatus that: .
stores functional parameter information, the functional
I5 parameter information indicating availability of each function included
in the communication apparatus; and
instructs display means to display suggestion information for
improving a line condition of the communication apparatus, wherein
the suggestion information includes information indicating a
20 change in the functional parameter information, and
25
the suggestion information further includes information
indicating an application or a purchase of a license necessary for the
change in the functional parameter information.
26. The management apparatus according to Claim 25, wherein
the management apparatus further instructs the display means to
display an interface tool corresponding to the suggestion information,
and
the management apparatus executes an operation corresponding
30 to the suggestion information in response to an operation on the
interface tool.
27. The management apparatus according to Claim 25 or 26,
wherein
33
the suggestion information is generated based 011 operation
information relating to an operation of the communication apparatus.
28. The management apparatus according to any one of Claims
5 25 to 27, wherein
1 0
the management apparatus instructs the display means to display
the functional parameter information that is capable of improving the
line condition by an execution of a setting change· in an upper column
1n l'l matrix display format.
29. The management apparatus according to any one of Claims
25 to 27, wherein
the management apparatus instructs the display means to display
the functional parameter information that is capable of improving the
15 line condition by the setting change by marking the functional
parameter information with a predetermined symbol.
30. The management apparatus according to Claim 27, wherein
the operation information includes setting information relating
20 to an operation setting of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, applied license information relating to a
license application state of each functional parameter of the
communication apparatus, and license purchase information relating to
a license permission state of each functional parameter of the
25 communication apparatus.