Patent ID: 8095596
Filing Date: 2012-01-10
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for managing communications in a local network using a local-networking gateway, the method comprising: receiving, at a local-networking gateway located in a local network and from each of multiple devices located in the local network, an indication of at least one function capable of being performed by each respective device; storing, at the local-networking gateway, the received indications of the functions capable of being performed by each of the multiple devices; receiving, at the local-networking, a request from a requesting device located in the local network for performance of a particular function; accessing, at the local networking gateway, the stored indications of the functions capable of being performed by each of the multiple devices; determining, at the local-networking gateway and based on having accessed the indications of the functions capable of being performed by each of the multiple devices, that the particular function is not capable of being performed by any of the multiple devices; selecting, at the local-networking gateway, in response to determining that the particular function is not capable of being performed by any of the multiple devices, from among a plurality of external devices, a first external device based on the first external device having characteristics of being: capable of performing the particular function, and available to perform the particular function, wherein the first external device is distinct from the local-networking gateway, external to the local network, and accessible to the local-networking gateway; forwarding, from the local-networking gateway, the request for performance of the particular function to the first external device; receiving, at the local-networking gateway, an indication that the first external device has performed the particular function requested by the requesting device located in the local network; and sending to the requesting device, from the local-networking gateway to the requesting device, an indication that the particular function requested has been performed.