Method and apparatus for operating network application in communication devices in power save mode

• US 8,194,663 B2
• Filed: 07/07/2006
• Issued: 06/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Lee, Jae-shin, Lee, Joo-yeol, Jung, Dong-shin
• Primary Examiner(s): Ton, Dang
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kamara, Mohamed
• Application Number:
  US11/481,853
• Publication Number:
  US 20070066338A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,160 Days
• Field of Search: 713/300, 713/310, 713/324, 713/330, 455/412, 455/414, 455/574, 455/69, 455/343.1, 370/332, 370/345, 370/329, 370/351, 709/220, 709/223, 714/734
• US Class Current: 370/392
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2821 Avoiding conflicts related to the use of home appliances cryptographic protocols H04L9/00; protocols for network security H04L63/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2841 Wireless
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/103 across network layers, e.g. resolution of network layer into physical layer addresses or address resolution protocol [ARP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0219 where the power saving management affects multiple terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/04 adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
• 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 92/02 Inter-networking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided for allowing UPnP devices to exchange power mode information with one another in a unified home network. The method of relaying a message in a unified network including at least first and second networks, the method includes receiving information regarding a power mode of a communication device connected to the first network from the communication device, generating a message indicating the power mode of the communication device based on the received information, and transmitting the message to the second network so that communication devices connected to the second network recognize the power mode of the communication device connected to the first network. Accordingly, even if a UPnP device in the power save mode cannot receive or transmit messages, another UPnP device can determine whether the UPnP device is connected to a network. If a new UPnP device generates an IP address according to an automatic IP mechanism, it is possible to prevent IP collision caused by a UPnP device that is connected to an IP network but operating in the power save mode.

Claims

1. A method of relaying messages in a unified network comprising at least first and second networks, the method comprising:

receiving, from a communication device connected to the first network, a message inquiring whether a predetermined network address is in use;

comparing the predetermined network address with a network address of each of a plurality of communication devices connected to the second network;

if a result of the comparing shows that the predetermined network address is the same as one of the network addresses of the communication devices connected to the second network, determining a power mode of the communication device that is connected to the second network; and

selectively transmitting a response message in response to the inquiry based on a result of the determining.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selectively transmitting the response message comprises transmitting the response message indicating that the predetermined network address is in use to the communication device connected to the first network if the result of the determining indicates that the communication device corresponding to the predetermined network address is in a power save mode.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the selectively transmitting the response message comprises transmitting the message to the communication device corresponding to the predetermined network address if the result of the determining indicates that the communication device corresponding to the predetermined network address is not in a power save mode.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the unified network is based on Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first network is different from the second network.

5. An apparatus for relaying messages in a unified network comprising at least first and second networks, the apparatus comprising:

a storage unit which stores information regarding a network address and a power mode of each of a plurality of communication devices connected to the first network;

a comparator which receives a message inquiring whether a predetermined network address is in use from communication devices connected to the second network, and compares the predetermined network address with the network addresses stored in the storage unit;

a determination unit which determines a power mode of a communication device corresponding to the predetermined network address if a comparison result received from the comparator indicates that the predetermined network address is the same as one of the network addresses stored in the storage unit;

a response message generator which selectively generates a response message in response to the inquiry based on a determination result received from the determination unit; and

a response message transmitter which transmits the response message to the second network.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, if the determination result indicates that the communication device corresponding to the predetermined network address is in a power save mode, the response message generator generates a response message indicating that the predetermined network address is in use.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a delivery unit which delivers the message to the first network, if the comparison result indicates that the predetermined network address is not the same as any of the network addresses stored in the storage unit or the determination result indicates that the communication device corresponding to the predetermined network address is not in a power save mode.