Patent ID: 7433317
Filing Date: 2008-10-07
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A network connection apparatus for operating a plurality of network connection apparatuses connected to a local area network virtually as one network connection apparatus, the network connection apparatus comprising: a state monitor section for managing an operating state as the network connection apparatus; a message processing section for performing an exchange process of an advertisement message representative of the operating state during operation as the network connection apparatus; a priority comparing section for acquiring priority information representative of a priority to operate as the network connection apparatus from the advertisement message received, and comparing same with priority information possessed; and a master transition timer section for counting for a timing of transition of from a standby state into the operating state as the network connection apparatus; whereby, when the state monitor section decides that the network connection apparatus is not in the operating state, the priority comparing section commences a process for arbitration between the network connection apparatuses in the standby state to transit to the operating state by use of a master transition timer at a time deciding that the priority possessed is higher than the priority information within the advertisement message received.