Patent ID: 7124227

Claim:
An interface link layer device connected in-between a first sub network and a long delay link to which at least one second sub network is connected, wherein said interface link layer device comprises: at least first storage means and second storage means for storing self ID information, received via the long delay link, regarding a configuration of said second sub network, wherein said self ID information is written to either one of said storage means during a write access, wherein if a new self ID phase is initiated before write access is completed, the content of the respective other storage means is used for setting up the self ID packets, and wherein if the new self ID phase is initiated as soon as or after said write access is completed, the content of the storage means to which said write access has been directed is used for setting up the self ID packets; and a programmable physical layer for simulating nodes of said second sub network, for controlling said self ID phase, and for accessing said at least first and second storage means.