Loopback processing method and apparatus
US6826156B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W24/00
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A loopback processing method includes detecting a loopback at a first entity in a wide area network. The detection is accomplished by recognizing that a “memorized” frame has returned on the same communications interface within a given period of time. The time interval between sending the frame and detecting it returning at the same port may be recorded and sent to an operator to provide information on the relative location of the loopback in the network. A loopback detect sequence is sent from the first entity to a second entity on the communications interface in loopback. Because of the loopback, both entities receive the loopback detect sequence. Either or both entities may inform a network operator of the loopback. The first entity has stopped using the link in loopback for real data, instead sending the loopback detect sequence. The second entity, upon detecting the loopback detect sequence, also stops using the link for real data. When the first entity stops detecting the loopback detect sequence returning on the link, the first entity stops sending the loopback detect sequence and begins using the link for real data again. When the second entity stops receiving t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.