Patent ID: 8788642
Filing Date: 2014-07-22
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A network terminal identification method for use in a data network comprising a plurality of uniquely identifiable interface points, said method comprising the steps of: logging the identity of a plurality of terminal devices each with an associated interface point identity in an identity log; determining the identity of a requesting interface point being the interface point associated with a requesting terminal device; identifying terminal devices connected to interface points having a predetermined physical relationship with said requesting interface point with reference to said identity log; making available the results of said step of identifying to said requesting terminal device; and compiling a list of said uniquely identifiable interface points, and wherein said step of identifying terminal devices connected to interface points having the predetermined physical relationship is made with reference to said list of uniquely identifiable interface points, wherein said step of determining the position of said requesting terminal device, and said step of identifying terminal devices connected to interface points having a predetermined physical relationship with said requesting terminal device, are carried out responsive to receiving a request from said requesting terminal device, and wherein the position of said requesting terminal device is determined by extracting routing data identifying said interface points through which said request was conveyed from said requesting terminal device and comparing the interface points thus identified to said list of uniquely identifiable interface points, wherein at least some of said interface points are hierarchical with respect to one another.