Patent ID: 9077741
Filing Date: 2015-07-07
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of establishing a communication session between two entities on a shared network, the method comprising: receiving, by one or more processors, a request to locate a desired entity on a shared network, wherein the request is received from a requesting entity that has access to the shared network, and wherein the shared network hosts one or more entities that are unknown to the requesting entity; receiving, by one or more processors, an identification of a desired environment, wherein the desired environment is an environment with which the desired entity is associated, and wherein the desired environment is selected and specified by the requesting entity; broadcasting, by one or more processors, an inquiry packet to all entities on the shared network, wherein the inquiry packet does not specify a data link layer by which any particular entity communicates with the shared network, and wherein the inquiry packet comprises a request for an identity of any entity on the shared network that is assigned to the desired environment; receiving, by one or more processors, a response to the inquiry packet, wherein the response is a responsive packet that provides an identity and data link layer address of the desired entity; and establishing, by one or more processors, a communication session between the requesting entity and the desired entity, wherein the communication session utilizes a network layer address for the desired entity, and wherein the network layer address is reliant upon the data link layer address of the desired entity.