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System and method for layering drivers

  • US 6,233,624 B1
  • Filed: 05/08/1997
  • Issued: 05/15/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/08/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In a computer operating system capable of transferring a data packet along a data flow path from a transport layer driver to a network, a method for facilitating the transfer of the data packet from the transport layer driver to the network via a partitioned link layer device driver that includes at least one link layer intermediate driver and a lower link layer device driver, the partitioning of the link layer device driver allowing for the functionality of the link layer device driver to be adjusted by replacing a component of the link layer device driver rather than reconstructing the entire link layer device driver, said method comprising the following specific acts:

  • providing an abstract interface to convey said data packet from said transport layer driver to said lower link layer device driver via said at least one link layer intermediate driver; and

    configuring said abstract interface to receive the data packet from the transport layer driver and provide the data packet to the at least one link layer intermediate driver for further processing, the abstract interface further configured to receive the processed data packet from the at least one link layer intermediate driver, the abstract interface then providing the processed data packet to the lower link layer device driver, wherein said at least one link layer intermediate driver is incorporated into said data flow path.

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