System for acknowledging availability of neighbor node using data packet containing data that is ordinarily fowarded to neighbor node
First Claim
1. Apparatus for quickly and efficiently requesting affirmation from a neighboring node coupled to a communication link of a network that the neighbor is available and connected to that link, the apparatus comprising:
- a source node coupled to the communication link;
a data packet forwarded by the source node over a network path encompassing the neighboring node, the data packet containing data of a type that is ordinarily forwarded to the neighboring node in connection with data communication and distinguishable from a control message; and
control information stored in the data packet, the control information instructing the neighboring node to acknowledge receipt of the data packet to thereby affirm availability of the neighboring node without use of the control message.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A novel acknowledgment mechanism efficiently requests affirmation from a neighboring node coupled to a communication link of a network that the neighbor is "alive" and connected to that link. The acknowledgment mechanism comprises control information generated by a source node and generally stored in a network layer header of a data packet transmitted to the neighbor. This next-hop acknowledgement (or lack thereof) from the neighbor provides a fast and efficient indication of (lost) system connection between adjacent nodes of a network.
38 Citations
15 Claims
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1. Apparatus for quickly and efficiently requesting affirmation from a neighboring node coupled to a communication link of a network that the neighbor is available and connected to that link, the apparatus comprising:
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a source node coupled to the communication link; a data packet forwarded by the source node over a network path encompassing the neighboring node, the data packet containing data of a type that is ordinarily forwarded to the neighboring node in connection with data communication and distinguishable from a control message; and control information stored in the data packet, the control information instructing the neighboring node to acknowledge receipt of the data packet to thereby affirm availability of the neighboring node without use of the control message. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for quickly and efficiently requesting an acknowledgement from a neighboring router coupled to a communication link of a network that the neighbor is available and connected to that link, the method comprising the steps of:
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generating control information at a sending node coupled to the link; storing the control information within a data packet containing data of a type that is ordinarily sent to the neighbor in connection with data communication and distinguishable from a control message; forwarding the data packet to a destination node over a network path encompassing the neighbor; and examining the control information at the neighbor, the control information instructing the neighbor to acknowledge receipt of the data packet to thereby confirm availability of the neighbor without use of the control message. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification