JP2003008575A - Network management system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To realize a network management system capable of dynamically adding a device management function following changes in devices connected to a network. In a network management system that manages devices connected to a network, a first management device that manages a management function library in which a management function for managing the devices is stored and stored, and a first management device that is newly connected to the network. And a loading function that searches for a management function library based on the detection notification from the detection function and downloads and installs a management function to manage the detected devices from the management function library. And an installed second management device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network management system for managing devices connected to a network, and in particular, dynamically adds a device management function in accordance with changes in the devices connected to the network. Network management system capable of

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in network management systems, I
Whether the P packet has reached the device connected to the network or is the device operating ICMP
(Internet Control Message Protocol), for example, by the ICMP "ping" command, or SNMP (Simple Network Management Pr
A device connected to the network is managed by using a device management protocol in an IP (Internet Protocol) network environment called "otocol".

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of such a conventional network management system. In FIG. 9, 1 and 7 are management devices such as computers in which a program for managing devices connected to a network is installed, and 2 and 6 are hubs 3 and 4 which are concentrators that collect network cables and connect them to the network.
Is a router that is a device for routing network packets at the network layer, 5 is a server, 100 and 10
1 is a network independent from each other.

The management device 1 and the router 3 are network 1
00, the server 5 and the management device 7 are connected to the network 101. The networks 100 and 101 are connected to each other by the router 4. However, it is assumed that the hub 2 and the hub 6 are not currently connected to the networks 100 and 101.

The management device 1 manages the devices connected to the network 100, and the management device 7 manages the devices connected to the network 101. In addition, the management device 1 and the management device 7 are installed with a management function (hereinafter, simply referred to as a management function) that is software for managing each device.

That is, since the routers 3 and 4 are connected to the network 100,
A router management function indicated by "RC01" in FIG. 9 is installed in the management device 1 that manages the router.

On the other hand, since the router 4 and the server 5 are connected to the network 101, the network 10
The management device 7 that manages 1 is "RC02" and "RC02" in FIG.
Both the router management function and the server management function shown in SC01 "are installed.

Here, the operation of the conventional example shown in FIG. 9 is shown in FIG.
And FIG. 11 will be described. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the management apparatus 1, and FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the management apparatus 7.

In "S001" in FIG. 10, the management device 1
Are routers 3 and 4 connected to the network 100
It is determined whether the router management function that manages the router is installed.

If "S001" in FIG.
When the router management function is installed as shown in the middle "RC01", the management device 1 is installed in "S002" in FIG. 10 "RC in FIG. 9".
The router 3 is managed using the router management function indicated by 01 ", and the router 4 is managed in" S003 "in FIG.

For example, the management device 1 is "CT01" in FIG.
The router 4 is managed as shown in FIG. 9 and the router 3 is managed as shown in “CT02” in FIG.

On the other hand, in "S101" in FIG. 11, the management device 7 is the router 4 connected to the network 101.
It is determined whether the router management function that manages the router is installed.

If "S101" in FIG.
When the router management function is installed as shown in the middle "RC02", the management device 7 is installed in "S102" in FIG. 11 "RC in FIG. 9".
The router 4 is managed by using the router management function indicated by 02 ".

Further, in "S103" in FIG. 11, the management device 7 is the server 5 connected to the network 101.
It is determined whether the server management function that manages is installed.

If "S103" in FIG.
When the server management function is installed as shown in middle "SC01", the management apparatus 7 is installed in "S104" in FIG. 11 "SC" in FIG.
The server 5 is managed using the server management function indicated by 01 ".

For example, the management device 7 is "CT03" in FIG.
9 manages the router 4, and manages the server 5 as indicated by "CT04" in FIG.

As a result, the networks 1 independent from each other
In 00 and 101, it becomes possible for the management devices 1 and 7 to perform distributed management of the network shared by the management devices 1 and 7.

Further, in FIG. 9, when the hub 2 is newly connected to the network 100 and the hub 6 is newly connected to the network 101, the network administrator has a management function which is software for managing the newly added device. Is newly installed in the management devices 1 and 7.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the work of the network administrator corresponding to the addition of such a device.
In "S201" in FIG. 12, the network administrator determines whether a new device is connected to the network.

If a new device is connected to the network in "S201" in FIG. 12, "in FIG. 12"
In S202 ", the management function that is software corresponding to the device is installed in the management device that manages the network, and the management function installed in" S203 "in FIG. 12 is operated to start management.

For example, FIG. 13 is a configuration block diagram for explaining a situation in which a new device is added.
1, "CT01" to "CT04", "RC01", "R
C02 "and" SC01 "are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG.

A hub management function is installed in the management device 1 as indicated by "HC01" in FIG.
A hub management function is installed in the server as shown by "HC02" in FIG.

The operation after the hubs 2 and 6 which are new devices are added and the hub management function is installed will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the management device 1, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the management device 7.

In "S301" in FIG. 14, the management device 1
Are routers 3 and 4 connected to the network 100
It is determined whether the router management function that manages the router is installed.

If "S301" in FIG.
When the router management function is installed as indicated by “RC01” in 3 of FIG. 3, the management device 1 is installed in “S302” of FIG.
The router 3 is managed by using the router management function shown in RC01 ", and the router 4 is managed in" S303 "in FIG.

Further, in "S304" in FIG. 14, the management device 1 has the hub 2 newly connected to the network 100.
It is determined whether the hub management function that manages is installed.

If "S304" in FIG.
When the hub management function is installed as indicated by “HC01” in FIG. 3, the management device 1 is installed in “S305” in FIG. 14 “H” in FIG.
The hub 2 is managed using the hub management function indicated by C01 ″.

For example, the management device 1 uses "CT0" in FIG.
The router 4 is managed as shown in "1", and "CT0" in FIG.
2 "manages the router 3 as shown in FIG.
The hub 2 is managed as indicated by the middle "CT05".

On the other hand, in "S401" in FIG. 15, the management device 7 is the router 4 connected to the network 101.
It is determined whether the router management function that manages the router is installed.

If "S401" in FIG.
If the router management function is installed as indicated by "RC02" in 3 of FIG. 3, the management device 7 is installed in "S402" of FIG.
The router 4 is managed by using the router management function indicated by RC02 ″.

Further, in "S403" in FIG. 15, the management device 7 is the server 5 connected to the network 101.
It is determined whether the server management function that manages is installed.

If "S403" in FIG.
If the server management function is installed as indicated by "SC01" in No. 3, the management device 7 is installed in "S404" in FIG.
The server 5 is managed by using the server management function indicated by SC01 ″.

Further, in "S405" in FIG. 15, the management device 7 determines whether or not the hub management function for managing the hub 6 newly connected to the network 101 is installed.

If "S405" in FIG.
When the hub management function is installed as indicated by "HC02" in FIG. 3, the management device 7 is installed in "S406" in FIG. 15 "H" in FIG.
The hub 6 is managed using the hub management function indicated by C02 ″.

For example, the management device 7 is "CT03" in FIG.
9 manages the router 4, and manages the server 5 as indicated by "CT04" in FIG. Then, in FIG. 13, "C
The hub 6 is managed as indicated by T06 ″.

[0036]

However, in the conventional example shown in FIG. 9, each management device is installed with only the management function which is software necessary for managing the device connected to the network in charge. When a new management function is added due to a case where a new device is connected to the network, the network manager needs to perform maintenance work such as installation on the management device each time.

Although such maintenance work is indispensable for maintaining functional consistency and following changes due to network changes, there is a problem that the work requires enormous amount of time, labor and cost. was there.

In particular, when each management device is distributed as in the conventional example shown in FIG. 9, it is necessary to perform individual maintenance work for each management device, and the management devices are finely distributed. In such a network environment, there is a problem that the maintenance work becomes extremely complicated.

In addition, IPv6 (Internet Protocol
Assuming that a network of home appliances is built in each home due to the spread of network technologies such as rsion 6), the number of independent networks will be huge and the network administrator will manage all such networks. There was the problem that it was virtually impossible. Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize a network management system capable of dynamically adding a management function of a device by following changes in a device connected to a network.

[0040]

In order to achieve such a subject, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention manages a device connected to a network in a network management system. A first management device that manages a management function library that stores and stores the management function, a detection function that detects a device newly connected to the network, and the management function based on a detection notification from the detection function. By providing a second management device in which a loading function for searching a library and downloading and installing a management function for managing the device detected from the management function library are installed, a network is provided. It is possible to dynamically add a device management function, etc., by following changes in connected devices.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the network management system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the loading function has a management function for managing the device detected by the second management device already installed. If so, the communication load on the network can be reduced by not performing the download.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a network management system for managing a device connected to a network, a first management device for managing a management function library in which a management function for managing the device is stored and saved. When,
A detection function that detects that a device has been deleted from the network, and a loading function that uninstalls a management function that manages the device that has been deleted based on a detection notification from this detection function are installed. By including the second management device, the management device operates only the minimum necessary management function, and thus it is possible to reduce the load of the CPU of the management device and the storage capacity of the storage means. Become.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the network management system according to the third aspect, when the loading function is the same device as the device deleted from the network is connected to the network. In addition, by not performing the uninstall, it is possible to prevent unnecessary uninstall of the management function.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a network management system for managing a device connected to a network, a first management device for managing a management function library in which a management function for managing the device is stored. When,
A detection function for detecting update information of the management function from the first management device, searching the management function library based on a detection notification from the detection function, and downloading the updated management function from the management function library. By providing the loading function to be installed and the second management device in which the loading function is installed, it becomes possible to deal with the update of the version of the management function.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the network management system according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the loading function confirms the updated version of the management function to determine whether the download is necessary. As a result, the communication load on the network can be reduced.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the network management system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the invention, the first management device and the second management device are managed as one. By integrating with the device, the hardware resources of the management device can be shared.

The invention according to claim 8 is the network management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device is newly connected to the network or is deleted from the network. By inputting the information from the input means of the second management device, it becomes possible for the network manager to manually operate the device for changing the device connected to the network and updating the management function.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the network management system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a web server is provided in the second management device to newly connect to the network. By inputting the information of the deleted device or the device deleted from the network to the second management device by using the Web browser, the network administrator can respond to the change of the device connected to the network and the update of the management function. It becomes possible to operate it manually.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the network management system according to any one of the fifth to sixth aspects, the update information of the management function is input from the input means of the second management device. By doing
A network administrator's manual operation can be performed for changes in devices connected to the network and updates of management functions.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the network management system according to any one of the fifth to sixth aspects, a web server is provided in the second management device, and update information of the management function is provided. Is input to the second management device using a Web browser,
A network administrator's manual operation can be performed for changes in devices connected to the network and updates of management functions.

The invention according to claim 12 is the same as claim 1,
In the network management system according to any one of claims 5 and 6, the loading function registers the management target and version information of the management function in the management function library based on the detection notification from the detection function. Since the search time is shortened by searching the searched library list, the communication load of the network can be reduced as compared with the case of directly searching the management function library. In addition, when the management function libraries exist in multiple locations, the load of the loading function can be reduced by integrating the information of the management function libraries into one library list, so that the communication load of the network can be reduced. Can be reduced.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the network management system according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the library list is managed by the first management apparatus or the second management apparatus, and the search time is The communication load of the network can be reduced as compared with the case of directly searching the management function library.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the network management system according to the twelfth aspect of the invention, additions and changes are made to the management function library stored in the first management device. By updating the library list at this point, the update of the management function and the like are immediately reflected in the library list.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the network management system according to the thirteenth aspect, the first management device or the second management device periodically searches the contents of the management function library. By automatically updating the library list by doing so, it becomes possible to prevent the network administrator from leaking the update to the library list.

The invention described in claim 16 is the same as in claim 1,
In the network management system according to any one of claims 5 and 6, the loading function accesses a server of a manufacturer via the Internet and searches for the server based on a detection notification from the detection function. Then, by downloading and installing the management function for managing the device detected from the server or the updated management function, at home, it is possible to respond dynamically by simply connecting the home appliance to the home network. Since the management function of the connected home electric appliances is downloaded from the manufacturer's server, maintenance of the management device at home becomes unnecessary. Further, on the control maker side, the support staff can dynamically deliver the management function for the maintenance management of the in-house product to the customer, so that it is easy to respond to the customer's inquiry and the cost for visiting the customer can be reduced. Further, since the management function installed in the management device can grasp the situation of the home electric appliances and the like in advance through the network, it is possible to efficiently perform the repair work even when visiting the customer.

[0056]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram showing an embodiment of a network management system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 8 and 14 are management devices such as computers in which a program for managing devices connected to the network is installed, and 9 and 13 are hubs which are concentrators for collecting network cables and connecting them to the network. 10 and 11 are routers that are devices for routing network packets at the network layer, 12 is a management device such as a computer that manages a management function library that stores and saves management functions that are programs, and 100a and 101a are independent networks. is there.

The management device 8 and the router 10 are connected to the network 100a, and the management devices 12 and 14 are connected to the network 101a. And the network 10
0a and 101a are mutually connected by the router 11. However, it is assumed that the hub 9 and the hub 13 are not currently connected to the networks 100a and 101a.

The management device 8 manages the devices connected to the network 100a, and the management device 14 manages the network 10a.
It manages the devices connected to 1a. Further, a management function (hereinafter, simply referred to as a management function) which is software for managing each device is installed in the management device 8 and the management device 14.

Further, the management devices 8 and 14 have a detection function, which is software for detecting the status of connection or deletion of devices to the networks 100a and 101a in charge, and the required management functions are downloaded from the management function library. The loading function, which is the incoming software, is installed.

On the other hand, in the management function library managed by the management device 12, a management function which is software for managing a newly added device and a management function of an upgraded version of the conventional management function are appropriately stored by the network manager. ing.

That is, since the routers 10 and 11 are connected to the network 100a, the management device 8 that manages the network 100a has "RC11" in FIG.
The router management function shown in is installed.

The management device 8 has "DF11" in FIG.
The detection function shown in FIG. 2 and the loading function shown in “LF11” in FIG. 1 are installed.

On the other hand, the router 101 is connected to the network 101a.
1, the router management function indicated by "RC12" in FIG. 1 is installed in the management device 14 that manages the network 101a.

Further, the management device 14 has "DF1" in FIG.
The detection function indicated by 2 "and the loading function indicated by" LF12 "in FIG. 1 are installed.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will now be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the management devices 8 and 14 when a device is newly connected to the networks 100a and 101a, and FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are configuration blocks for explaining the network condition in each operation. It is a figure.

However, the basic management operation of the management device using the management function already installed in the management device is the same as that of the conventional example shown in FIG.

"DF11" and "DF" in FIG. 1 installed in the management devices 8 and 14 in "S501" in FIG.
The detection function indicated by DF12 "determines whether or not a device is newly connected to the networks 100a and 101a managed by itself.

If the connection of the new device to the network is detected in "S501" in FIG.
The detection functions indicated by "DF11" and "DF12" in the middle of that are installed in the management devices 8 and 14 in FIG.
Notify the loading function indicated by LF11 "and" LF12 ".

For example, the networks 100a and 101
Assuming that hubs 9 and 13 are newly connected to a, the detection function installed in the management device 8 shown in "DF11" in FIG. 1 is "DT21" in FIG.
As shown in (1), the hub 9 newly connected to the network 100a is detected and the fact is notified to the loading function indicated by "LF11" in FIG.

For example, similarly, the detection function installed in the management device 14 shown in "DF12" in FIG.
The hub 13 newly connected to the network 101a is detected as indicated by the middle "DT22", and "L" in FIG.
Notify the loading function indicated by F12 ″.

"LF1 in FIG. 1" which has received the notification of the connection detection of the new device to the network in "S502" in FIG.
The loading function indicated by 1 "and" LF12 "determines whether or not the management function, which is software for managing the devices detected by the management devices 8 and 14, has already been installed.

If the management function which is software for managing the device detected in "S502" in FIG. 2 is not installed, "S50" in FIG.
In "3", the loading functions shown in "LF11" and "LF12" in FIG. 1 access the management function library of the management apparatus 12 shown in "FL11" in FIG. 1 to search for a management function for managing the detected device. To do.

For example, the management device 8 has "RC1" in FIG.
Since only the router management function as shown in 1 "is installed, the loading function shown in" LF11 "in FIG. 4 is" FL1 "in FIG. 4 as shown in" RF31 "in FIG.
The management function library for managing the detected hub 9 is searched for by accessing the management function library of the management device 12 shown in FIG.

For example, in the same manner, the management device 14 has the same configuration as shown in FIG.
Since only the router management function shown in the middle "RC12" is installed, the loading function shown in "LF12" in FIG. 4 is shown in "RF32" in FIG.
A management function for managing the detected hub 13 is searched by accessing the management function library of the management device 12 indicated by the middle "FL11".

Then, in "S504" in FIG. 2, it is judged whether or not the management function required by the management function library exists. If the management function required by the management function library exists, "S505" in FIG. "In Figure 1" LF
The loading function indicated by 11 "and" LF12 "downloads and installs the management function to the management devices 8 and 14.

For example, when the hub management function for managing the hub 9 is stored in the management function library of the management device 12 shown by "FL11" in FIG. 5, "LF11" in FIG.
The loading function shown in FIG. 5 is obtained by downloading the hub management function from the management function library of the management device 12 shown by "FL11" in FIG. 5 as shown by "DL41" in FIG.
The hub management function is installed in the management device 8 as indicated by medium "HC41".

For example, similarly, when the hub management function for managing the hub 13 is stored in the management function library of the management device 12 indicated by "FL11" in FIG. 5, "FL11" in FIG.
The loading function shown in LF12 "is" DL4 "in FIG.
As shown in 2 ", the management device 1 shown in" FL11 "in FIG.
The hub management function is downloaded from the management function library 2 and installed in the management device 14 as indicated by "HC42" in FIG.

Here, when the management function corresponding to the newly added device is already installed in each management device, it is possible to manage the added device by using the management function. Therefore, new download processing is not performed.

Further, for example, when the newly connected device is of the same model as the already connected router, "RC1" in FIG. 4 already installed in each management device.
Since it is possible to use a router management function such as "1" or "RC12", new download processing is not performed.

As a result, the detection function detects the device newly connected to the network, and the loading function downloads the management function for managing the detected device from the management function library as needed and installs it in the management device. By doing so, it becomes possible to dynamically add a device management function in accordance with changes in the devices connected to the network. Further, if the management function for managing the device is already installed, the communication load of the network can be reduced by not performing the download.

That is, even if the network administrator fails to grasp the change in the network configuration, the management device automatically manages the newly connected device, so that the management device manages it. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of equipment that does not exist.

The operation when a device is deleted from the network will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the management devices 8 and 14 when a device is deleted from the networks 100a and 101a.

"DF11" and "DF11" in FIG. 1 installed in the management devices 8 and 14 in "S601" in FIG.
The detection function indicated by DF12 "determines whether or not the device has been deleted from the networks 100a and 101a managed by itself.

If deletion of a device from the network is detected in "S601" in FIG. 6, "in FIG. 1"
The detection functions shown in DF11 "and" DF12 "indicate that the" LF "in FIG. 1 is installed in the management devices 8 and 14.
11 "and" LF12 "are notified to the loading function.

For example, the networks 100a and 101
Assuming that the hubs 9 and 13 are deleted from a, respectively, the detection function installed in the management device 8 indicated by "DF11" in FIG. 1 indicates that the hub 9 that has existed up to that time has been deleted from the network 100a. Is detected and the fact is notified to the loading function indicated by "LF11" in FIG.

For example, similarly, the detection function installed in the management device 14 indicated by "DF12" in FIG. 1 detects that the hub 13 that was present until then is deleted from the network 101a, and notifies that fact. Notify the loading function indicated by "LF12" in 1).

"LF1 in FIG. 1" which has received the notification of the device deletion detection from the network in "S602" in FIG.
The loading function indicated by 1 "and" LF12 "determines whether or not the management function, which is software for managing the deleted device, has already been installed in the management devices 8 and 14.

If the management function, which is software for managing the device deleted in "S602" in FIG. 6, is installed, "S60" in FIG.
3 ", the loading functions indicated by" LF11 "and" LF12 "in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the same device exists on a.

If there is no identical device on the networks 100a and 101a in "S603" in FIG. 6, "S604" in FIG.
The loading functions indicated by LF11 "and" LF12 "stop the management function operating in the management devices 8 and 14, and uninstall the management function in" S605 "in FIG.

As a result, when a device is deleted from the network, if the same device does not exist on the network, the management function for managing the deleted device is uninstalled from the management device, so that the management device needs it. Since only the minimum management function is operating, C of the management device
It is possible to reduce the load of the PU and the storage capacity of the storage means.

It is possible to prevent unnecessary uninstall of the management function by uninstalling the management function after confirming that there is no same device on the network.

Further, the operation when the version of the management function is updated will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the management devices 8 and 14 when the version of the management function is updated.

“DF11” and “DF11” in FIG. 1 installed in the management devices 8 and 14 in “S701” in FIG.
The detection function indicated by DF12 "determines whether or not the version of the management function of the devices connected to the networks 100a and 101a managed by itself is updated.

For example, the network administrator may select "F" in FIG.
When a new version of the management function is stored in the management function library of the management device 12 indicated by L11 ″, the network administrator notifies the management devices 8 and 14 to that effect, and FIG.
The detection functions shown in the middle "DF11" and "DF12" detect the notification.

If an update of the management function version is detected in "S701" in FIG. 7, the detection functions shown in "DF11" and "DF12" in FIG. 1 are installed in the management devices 8 and 14 to that effect. Figure 1
Notify the loading function shown in the middle "LF11" and "LF12".

"L" in FIG. 1 which has been notified of the update detection of the version of the management function in "S702" in FIG.
The loading function indicated by F11 "and" LF12 "determines whether or not the management function of which version update has been detected in the management devices 8 and 14 has already been installed.

If the management function in which the version update is detected in "S702" in FIG. 7 is installed, the loading shown in "LF11" and "LF12" in FIG. 1 in "S703" in FIG. The function confirms the version of the detected management function by accessing the management function library of the management device 12 shown by "FL11" in FIG.

Then, in "S704" in FIG. 7, it is judged whether or not there is a need to update the management function stored in the management function library in comparison with the version of the management function already installed in the management apparatus. Then
If there is a need for an update, please refer to Figure 7 ”
In S705 "," LF11 "and" LF1 "in FIG.
The loading function indicated by 2 "downloads the management function to the management devices 8 and 14 and updates the management function.

As a result, when the version of the management function is updated, the version of the management function already installed in the management device is compared with the version of the management function stored in the management function library, and the version of the management function is updated as necessary. By updating the management function, it becomes possible to deal with the update of the version of the management function.

Further, when there is no need to update the management function stored in the management function library in comparison with the version of the management function already installed in the management device, the download is not carried out, so that the network The communication load can be reduced.

In the explanation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, for simplification of explanation, the management devices 8 and 14 for managing the network and the management device 12 for managing the management function library are illustrated as separate devices. However, of course, either the management device 8 or 14 may manage the management function library.

In the description of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, two networks independent of each other are managed by two management devices 8 and 14 for the sake of simplicity. May be integrated into one management device. Furthermore, the management devices 8, 12 and 14
May be integrated as one management device. In these cases, the hardware resources of the management device can be shared.

Further, in the explanation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the detection function installed in each management apparatus detects addition or deletion of a device to the network by using a method such as polling. The detection function may detect the addition of a device by acquiring an event notification (for example, an SNMP Trap notification) from the device connected to the device.

Further, in the explanation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the detection function installed in each management device detects the addition or deletion of the device to the network, but the keyboard or mouse provided in each management device is detected. The network administrator may input information about addition or deletion of devices from input means such as.

Further, instead of the network administrator directly going to the management device to perform an input operation, we
A server b may be provided to access the management device using a general-purpose Web browser and input information on device addition or device deletion.

In the description of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the detection function installed in each management device detects the update of the version of the management function. The network administrator may input an instruction from the input means to confirm the version of the management function.

Further, instead of the network administrator directly going to the management device to perform a confirmation instruction operation, a web server is provided in the management device to access the management device using a general-purpose web browser to check the version of the management function. You may enter the instructions to confirm.

In these cases, it is possible for the network administrator to manually operate for changes in devices connected to the network and updates of management functions.

Further, in the explanation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the loading function installed in each management apparatus directly accesses the management function library of the management apparatus 12, but the management function stored in the management function library It is also possible to separately provide a library list in which information such as management targets and versions is registered, and to search the library list when a device is newly connected or the version is confirmed.

Incidentally, the management of the library list may be performed by the management device 12, or even if one of the management devices 8 and 14 manages it.
There is no particular limitation on the subject that can be managed by both of the four.

In this case, since the search time is shortened, it is possible to reduce the communication load on the network as compared with the case of directly searching the management function library.

Further, in this case, when the management function libraries exist in a plurality of locations, the information of the plurality of management function libraries is integrated into one library list to reduce the locations searched by the loading function. Therefore, the communication load on the network can be reduced.

As a method of updating the library list, the network administrator may update the library list when the network administrator adds or changes the management function to the management function library, or the management function library may be updated. The management device that manages the information may periodically search the contents of the management function library and automatically update the library list.

In the former case, the update of the management function or the like is immediately reflected in the library list, and in the latter case, it is possible to prevent the network administrator from leaking the update or the like to the library list. .

In the description of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a general LAN (Local Area Network) is illustrated as an example, but a device management function may be dynamically added via the Internet. Is also possible.

That is, when the network technology such as IPv6 spreads, it becomes possible to allocate an IP address to each home electric appliance in each home, and a network (hereinafter simply referred to as a home network) is built in the home. It is assumed that such a home network exchanges data and information with a support server of a manufacturer of home electric appliances via the Internet.

FIG. 8 is a configuration block diagram showing another embodiment of the network management system according to the present invention using the Internet. In FIG. 8, 15, 16 and 17 are support servers provided by "T company", "S company" and "H company" respectively, 18 is a "S company" home server, and 19 is "H company". Refrigerator, 20 is "made by T"
, 21 is a management device, 102 is a home network, and 103 is the Internet.

The home server 18, refrigerator 19 and management device 21 are connected to the home network 102. However, the microwave oven 20 is currently the home network 1
02 is not connected.

Further, the home network 102 is a server 15, 1 provided by each company via the Internet 103.
6 and 17 are interconnected.

The management device 21 is the home network 102.
A management function that is software for managing the devices connected to the management device 21 and managing each device is installed in the management device 21.

Further, the management device 21 downloads from the management function library a detection function, which is software for detecting the status of connection or deletion of a device to the home network 102 in charge, and the required management function. The loading function, which is the software that comes with each, is installed.

On the other hand, in the management function library managed by the servers 15, 16 and 17 of each company, the management function which is the software for managing the electric products provided by each company is appropriately stored by the support staff of each company.

That is, since the home server 18 and the refrigerator 19 are connected to the home network 102, the management device 21 that manages the home network 102.
In FIG. 8, both the home server management function and the refrigerator management function shown in “SC51” and “CC51” in FIG. 8 are installed.

Further, the management device 21 has "DF5" in FIG.
The detection function indicated by 1 "and the loading function indicated by" LF51 "in FIG. 8 are installed.

The operation of another embodiment shown in FIG. 8 will be described. However, since the basic operation is similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the description of that part will be omitted.

Microwave 2 on home network 102
Assume that 0 is newly connected. In this case, the detection function indicated by “DF51” in FIG. 8 installed in the management device 21 is the home network 102 managed by itself.
"LF51" in FIG. 8 in which the microwave oven 20 which is a device is newly detected, and the fact is installed in the management device 21.
Notify the loading function shown in.

The loading function indicated by "LF51" in FIG. 8 which has been notified of the detection of the connection of the new device to the network is software for managing the microwave oven 20 which is the device detected by the management device 21. Check for feature installation.

In this case, the management device 21 includes the microwave oven 2
Since the management function for managing 0 is not installed, the loading function indicated by "LF51" in FIG.
Microwave oven 20 made by "T" detected by accessing the management function library of the server 15 shown in medium "FL51"
The management function for managing the above is searched, and the management function is downloaded and installed in the management device 21.

For example, "T" shown in "FL51" in FIG.
If the management function library of the server 15 of "Company" stores the microwave management function of managing the microwave oven 20 of "T company", the loading function indicated by "LF51" in FIG. As shown in DL51 "," F "in FIG.
The microwave oven management function is downloaded from the management function library of the server 15 of "T company" shown in L51 "in FIG.
The microwave oven management function is installed in the management device 21 as indicated by the middle "EC51".

Further, for example, when the management function of the newly connected device is already installed in each management device, new download processing is not performed as described above.

As a result, at home, simply by connecting the home electric appliance to the home network, the management function of the connected home electric appliance is dynamically downloaded from the corresponding server of the manufacturer. It becomes unnecessary.

Also, since the support person on the manufacturer side can dynamically deliver the management function for maintenance management of the company's products to the customer, it is easy to respond to the customer's inquiry and the cost for visiting the customer can be reduced. .

Further, the management function installed in the management device 21 allows the user to grasp the status of home electric appliances and the like via the network in advance, so that efficient repair work can be performed even when visiting a customer. Become.

[0135]

As is apparent from the above description,
The present invention has the following effects. According to the invention of claim 1, the management function for detecting the device newly connected to the network by the detection function and managing the detected device by the loading function is downloaded from the management function library as needed and managed. By installing in the device, it becomes possible to dynamically add the management function of the device by following the change of the device connected to the network.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the communication load of the network can be reduced by not performing the download when the management function for managing the device is already installed.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when a device is deleted from the network, the management function for managing the deleted device is uninstalled from the management device, so that the management device has a minimum required amount. Since only the management function is operating, it is possible to reduce the load of the CPU of the management device and the storage capacity of the storage means.

According to the invention of claim 4, the management function is uninstalled after confirming that the same device does not exist on the network, thereby preventing unnecessary uninstallation of the management function. be able to.

According to the invention of claim 5, when the version of the management function is updated, the version of the management function already installed in the management device is compared with the version of the management function stored in the management function library. Then, by updating the management function as needed, it is possible to deal with the update of the version of the management function.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, when there is no need to update the management function stored in the management function library in comparison with the version of the management function already installed in the management device, By not downloading, the communication load on the network can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 7, the hardware resources of the management devices can be shared by integrating the management devices into one management device.

Further, claim 8, 9, 10 and claim 11
According to the invention, the change of the device connected to the network by the network administrator inputting the addition / deletion information and the confirmation instruction of the version of the management function from the input means provided in each management device or the Web browser. It is possible to manually operate the network administrator to update the management function.

According to the twelfth and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, a library list in which information such as the management target and version of the management function stored in the management function library is registered is separately provided, and the new device is installed. By searching the library list at the time of connection, version confirmation, etc., the search time is shortened, so that the communication load on the network can be reduced as compared with the case of directly searching the management function library.

According to the invention of claim 14, when the network administrator adds or changes the management function to the management function library, the network administrator
By updating the list, the update of the management function is immediately reflected in the library list.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the management device that manages the management function library periodically searches the contents of the management function library and automatically updates the library list. -It is possible to prevent omissions such as updates to the list.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the server of the manufacturer is accessed via the Internet,
Connect home appliances to the home network at home by downloading and installing the management function for searching the server based on the detection notification from the detection function and managing the device detected from the server or installing the updated management function. Just by doing so, the management function of the connected home electric appliances is dynamically downloaded from the corresponding server of the manufacturer, so that the maintenance of the management device in the home becomes unnecessary. Further, on the side of the manufacturer, since the support staff can dynamically deliver the management function for maintenance management of the company's products to the customer, it is easy to respond to the customer's inquiry and the cost for visiting the customer can be reduced. Further, since the management function installed in the management device can grasp the situation of the home electric appliances and the like in advance through the network, it is possible to efficiently perform the repair work even when visiting the customer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram showing an embodiment of a network management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device when a device is newly connected to the network.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network in each operation.

FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram illustrating a network condition in each operation.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network in each operation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the management device when a device is deleted from the network.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device when the version of the management function is updated.

FIG. 8 is a configuration block diagram showing another embodiment of the network management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration block diagram showing an example of a conventional network management system.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the work of the network administrator corresponding to the addition of a device.

FIG. 13 is a configuration block diagram illustrating a situation of adding a new device.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,7,8,12,14,21 Management device 2,6,9,13 hub 3, 4, 10, 11 router 5,15,16,17 server 18 home server 19 refrigerator 20 microwave oven 100,100a, 101,101a network 102 Home network 103 Internet

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A network management system for managing a device connected to a network, comprising: a first management device for managing a management function library storing and storing a management function for managing the device; A detection function for detecting a device connected to the device, and a management function for searching the management function library based on the detection notification from this detection function and managing the detected device from the management function library, and installing the management function. And a second management device in which a loading function for loading the data is installed, respectively. 2. The loading function does not perform the download when the management function for managing the detected device is already installed in the second management device. Network management system. 3. A network management system for managing a device connected to a network, comprising: a first management device for managing a management function library storing and storing management functions for managing the device; and a device from the network. Second management in which a detection function for detecting that a device has been deleted and a loading function for uninstalling a management function for managing the deleted device based on a detection notification from this detection function are respectively installed A network management system comprising a device. 4. The uninstalling process according to claim 3, wherein the loading function does not perform the uninstall when the same device as the device deleted from the network is connected to the network. Network management system. 5. A network management system for managing a device connected to a network, comprising: a first management device for managing a management function library in which a management function for managing the device is stored and saved; A detection function for detecting update information of the management function from the management device, and a loading function for searching the management function library based on the detection notification from the detection function and downloading and installing the updated management function from the management function library And a second management device in which and are respectively installed. 6. The network management system according to claim 5, wherein the loading function confirms an updated version of the management function to determine whether the download is necessary. 7. The network management system according to claim 1, wherein the first management device and the second management device are integrated into one management device. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information on a device newly connected to the network or a device deleted from the network is input from an input unit of the second management apparatus. The network management system according to any of the above. 9. A Web server is provided in the second management device, and information of a device newly connected to the network or a device deleted from the network is input to the second management device using a Web browser. The network management system according to claim 1, further comprising: 10. The network management system according to claim 5, wherein update information of the management function is input from an input unit of the second management device. 11. The Web server is provided in the second management apparatus, and the update information of the management function is input to the second management apparatus using a Web browser. The network management system according to any one of 1. 12. The loading function searches a library list in which information on management targets and versions of management functions in the management function library is registered based on a detection notification from the detection function. The network management system according to claim 1, 2, 5, or 6. 13. The network management system according to claim 12, wherein the library list is managed by the first management device or the second management device. 14. The library list is updated when the management function library stored and saved in the first management apparatus is added or changed. Network management system. 15. The first management apparatus or the second management apparatus periodically retrieves the contents of the management function library and automatically updates the library list. 13. The network management system described in 13. 16. The loading function accesses a server of a manufacturer via the Internet, searches the server based on a detection notification from the detection function, and manages the device detected by the server. 7. The network management system according to claim 1, wherein the management function or the updated management function is downloaded and installed.