The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 28, 2009
Filed:
Dec. 15, 2003
Timothy Mancour, Wrentham, MA (US);
Timothy Mancour, Wrentham, MA (US);
Nortel Networks Limited, St. Laurent, Quebec, CA;
Abstract
Capability based addressing in a communication network enables protocol data units (PDUs) to be addressed to network constructs such as network elements or interfaces with particular capabilities rather than with specific addresses. This allows PDUs to be addressed to network constructs without first identifying the network constructs or even knowing of the existence of the construct. By broadcasting a capability based PDU onto a network it is therefore possible to communicate with a particular type of device rather than with a particular identified device. This is applicable, for example, in connection with loop and backdoor detection. By broadcasting a PDU onto a network, e.g. using a hello-response protocol, it is possible to identify network constructs that should not be present on the network if the communication network is configured properly. An alarm or corrective action may be taken upon detection of a response.