US 2012/0236757 A1 · Convergent network topology discovery and mapping

Abstract

Convergent network topology discovery and mapping. A topology discovery protocol allows for the discovery of the different respective communication links within a convergent network that may become composed of any of a number of different respective network types (e.g., a local area network (LAN), wireless LAN (WLAN/WiFi), a multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) network, a HomePlug network, and a wireless point to point (P2P) system, etc.). Such a topology discovery protocol may be implemented as a Layer 2 peer-to-peer link layer discovery protocol (LLDP). Topology discovery may be limited to neighboring nodes only (e.g., reporting information corresponding only to those nodes directly connected to a given node). Any desired device within the overall convergent network may serve as a mapper operative communication device (e.g., that device which performs the mapping service such as in accordance with generating a graph corresponding to the topology indicating of connectivity among the various communication devices).

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus, comprising:

an input for receiving a plurality of messages from a plurality of communication devices including a plurality of bridges and a plurality of end stations, each of the plurality of messages in accordance with a Layer 2 peer to peer link layer discovery protocol (LLDP) and corresponding to connectivity from a respective one of the plurality of communication devices to neighboring communication devices connected to the respective one of the plurality of communication devices via a respective direct communication link;
a processing module for:
processing the plurality of messages thereby determining a topology indicating connectivity among the plurality of communication devices;
generating a graph corresponding to the topology indicating of connectivity among the plurality of communication devices;
and
an output for transmitting the graph to at least one of the plurality of communication devices.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Convergent network topology discovery and mapping

Life of this patent

Convergent network topology discovery and mapping

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20