LAN topology detection and assignment of addresses

US8331266B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Nokia Siemens Networks Oy · FI

Inventors

• Markus Hauenstein · Mülheim an der Ruhr, DE
• Peter Niggemeier · Willich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 26, 2007
• Grant date: Dec 11, 2012
• Expiry date: Feb 23, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L61/5038
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method, system, device and computer program product for automatically detecting a topology of a local area network, LAN. The LAN may be included in a telecommunication node, e.g. a base transceiver station. The LAN includes a central host and further hosts connected to the LAN. The central host sends topology descriptors to the hosts connected to the LAN, the hosts each reporting at least one of the received topology descriptors and other information to the central host. The central host can thus build up a topology data base describing the network topology. The topology descriptors are sent in broadcast frames to the hosts. A host, after having received a topology descriptor, may create one or more dedicated addresses, e.g. from the topology descriptor, and return the address(es) to the central host which may store the address(es).