Patent ID: 6553421
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A name caching entity for use within a data communication network, said name caching entity comprising:a name cache; means for storing in said name cache a logical name of a network entity in association with a network address of said network entity; means for converting broadcast frames to unicast frames by reference to said name cache; wherein said means for converting frames includes means, responsive to receipt of a broadcast frame specifying a logical name, for searching said name cache for said logical name; and means, responsive to locating said logical name in said name cache, for inserting a network address associated with said logical name by said name cache into said broadcast frame to convert said broadcast frame into a unicast frame; and means for disassociating said logical name and said network address in said name cache in response to a failure to detect a frame indicating the establishment of a session with said network entity within a selected interval of transmission of a frame requesting establishment of a session with said network entity.