Network device with logical-address learn mode
US6654382B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/16
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A laptop computer is coupled to a first port of a network hub for the purpose of assigning a logical address to it. The network manager depresses a front panel button on the hub to activate a logical address learn mode. The network manager types a “ping” command into the laptop, specifying as the logical destination address the address to be adopted by the hub. The laptop, unable to find a matching physical address for the logical address, issues an address-resolution packet (ARP). The hub responds by adopting the destination address as its logical address and exiting learn mode; the hub replies with its physical address. The laptop, now informed of the hub's physical address, issues the ping request. The hub responds normally to this request, providing confirmation at the laptop that the logical address has been properly assigned. The present invention thus provides for hubs and other network infrastructure devices that can be programmed using universally available commands and without dedicated non-network ports.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.