Patent ID: 7149794
Filing Date: 2006-12-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of processing a command requesting information on any intermediate layer-2 devices present in a route from a first system to a second system, said any intermediate devices being contained in a network implemented on a broadcast medium, said network containing a plurality of devices including said any intermediate devices, said method comprising: receiving said command in a receiving device; sending a request packet from said receiving device to a present layer-2 device requesting information on whether said second system is connected directly to said present layer-2 device; receiving by said receiving device a response packet from said present layer-2 device, wherein said response packet indicates whether said second system is connected directly to said present layer-2 device, wherein said response packet further identifies a subsequent layer-2 device in a route from said present layer-2 device to said second system if said second system is not connected directly to said present layer-2 device, wherein said subsequent layer-2 device is next to said present layer-2 device in said route to said second system; and repeating by said receiving device said sending and receiving by using said subsequent layer-2 device in the place of said present layer-2 device until said response packet indicates that said second system is directly connected to said present layer-2 device.