Network with several subnetworks

• US 20040240457A1
• Filed: 03/10/2004
• Published: 12/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Network System Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Mangold, Stefan, Habetha, Joerg
• Granted Patent: US 8,014,408 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/401
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/4625 Single bridge functionality, e.g. connection of two networks over a single bridge
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/568 Storing data temporarily at an intermediate stage, e.g. caching
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/59 Providing operational support to end devices by off-loading in the network or by emulation, e.g. when they are unavailable
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/182 Network node acting on behalf of an other network entity, e.g. proxy
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 Inter-networking arrangements

Abstract

The invention relates to a network with several subnetworks, which are organized either decentrally or centrally and can be connected in each case each by bridge terminals, a proxy terminal for a bridge terminal being set up in at least one of the subnetworks, which proxy terminal during an absence (dictated by frequency, time, code, or other factors) of the bridge terminal accepts all data directed to the bridge terminal or to be forwarded thereby, temporarily stores the data, and forwards said data to the bridge terminal when this is present again.

Claims

1. A network with several subnetworks, each connectable by bridge terminals, wherein it is provided that in at least one of the subnetworks a proxy terminal for a bridge terminal is set up, which during an absence of the bridge terminal accepts data directed to the bridge terminal or to be forwarded by the bridge terminal, temporarily stores the data, and forwards said data to the bridge terminal when this is present again.

2. A network as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, if a central monitoring station exists in the subnetwork concerned, the central monitoring station should be selected as the proxy terminal for the bridge terminal.

3. A network as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least two subnetworks operate in accordance with different communication standards, and the bridge terminals are provided to be used and to be able to operate in accordance with both communication standards for data exchange of those subnetworks that operate in accordance with different communication standards.

4. A network as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, if several bridge terminals exist between the same subnetworks, another bridge terminal is selected as the proxy terminal.

5. A bridge terminal, which is used in several subnetworks of a network for connecting the subnetworks and which selects a proxy terminal that during the absence of the bridge terminal receives all data directed to the bridge terminal, temporarily stores the data, and forwards said data to the bridge terminal when this is present again.

6. A proxy terminal which during the absence of a terminal receives all data directed to the terminal, temporarily stores said data, and forwards said data to the bridge terminal when this is present again.