Patent ID: 8279759
Filing Date: 2012-10-02
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A system, comprising: a first network device capable of being addressed on a first communication layer; a second network device capable of being addressed on a second communication layer but not on said first communication layer; and a router communicatively coupled to said first and second network devices through at least one network path, said router configured to: receive a message from said first network device comprising a first layer communication identifier of a target device, said target device being distinct from and communicatively coupled to said router through said second network device; and determine a second layer communication identifier corresponding to said second network device according to said first layer communication identifier of said target device, wherein said router includes a ping inter-working unit that is configured to support the transmission of said message between said first and second network devices through said at least one network path, and wherein said first network device is configured to transmit said message to said second network device by way of said ping inter-working unit, said second network device being configured to reflect said message back to said first network device by way of said ping inter-working unit.