Patent ID: 7602736
Filing Date: 2009-10-13
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method to test a network made up of network nodes and devices connected to the network nodes, the method comprising: determining a current network topology using a number of the network nodes, each network node including a node memory to store first data, the first data indicating at least a network-node identity and an interconnection configuration of network-node outputs, using a network-node identity, and using an interconnection configuration of network-node inputs and network-node outputs, by reading in data for the current network topology from a central network-topology memory for the network, and from at least one decentralized network-node memory storing at least a network-node identity and an interconnection configuration of network-node outputs; comparing the current network topology to a stored, reference network topology for the network, to detect a change in at least one of a number of devices connected to the network, types of the devices connected to the network, a network topology, the number of network nodes, and types of the network nodes; restoring the reference network topology by automatically deactivating at least one of at least one network node, at least one network-node output, and at least one device at the network nodes, which are not provided in the reference network topology; and storing, only on demand, the current network topology as the reference network topology if it is determined that the current network topology is permissible.