Patent ID: 6023734
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
In a computing network environment having a gateway device, said gateway device being electrically connected on one side to at least one network and on another side to a plurality of initiating hosts, a method of establishing direct communication between two initiating hosts of said plurality of initiating hosts through said gateway device, said method comprising:during an initialization step, said gateway device obtaining information pertaining to addresses of at least said two initiating hosts including device types and other information for setting up of a successful communication;storing said information obtained during said initialization step in a memory location accessible to said gateway device in form of a port-sharing table;said gateway device receiving a request for a communication setup from one initiating host of said two initiating hosts; andupon receiving said request for establishing communication between said two initiating hosts, said gateway device retrieving information for establishing a successful communication from said port-sharing table and setting up said communication directly between said two initiating hosts without any need to route said communication or data through said at least one network.