System and method for analyzing a network and/or generating the topology of a network
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Abstract
The invention relates to a system and method called autotopology of a network or advertising based network management which enables the analysis and automatic graphical and hierarchical representation of any hierarchical or flat network topology, especially a switched Ethernet (SE). The autotopology can be used for self-configured networks (for example by using zeroconf) and for any otherwise configured networks, especially using DHCP or manually configured networks. The use of zeroconf is called autoconfiguration. Autoconfiguration and autotopology enable a comfortable and safe administration of a network. Administration of a self-configured network using the autotopology data proceeds in a separate and low-priority sub-network (link local) so that the productive operation of the network remains undisturbed. The topology of the network is used as a clear possibility of administering a network. Administration of the network is possible immediately after determination of the topology.
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Citations
55 Claims
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1-27. -27. (canceled)
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28. A method for analyzing a network and/or generating the topology of a network for exchanging electronic data, the method comprising:
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providing at least two elements of the network, wherein to each of the elements of the network is assigned at least one network address;
automatically registering each element of the network;
determining the hierarchical position of a element within the network by reference to the network address of the element; and
generating the structure of the network. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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43. A system for the analysis of a network and/or the generation of the topology of a network for the exchange of electronic data, the network having at least two elements, to each of which is assigned at least one network address, the system comprising:
a mechanism for automatically registering each element in the network, for determining its hierarchical position within the network by reference to the element'"'"'s network address, and for generating the structure of the network. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
Specification