Method for managing logical connections in a network of distributed stations, as well as a network station

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of domestic networks. A domestic network based on the present UPnp-Standard allows AV connections to be set up between two network subscriber stations—Network connections such as these are set up and managed under the control of a network station which is in the form of a control point. In this case, the UPnP-Standard allows the network station which is the form of a control point to log off the network after setting up an AV connection, and thus to be inactive while the AV connection that has been set up is in existence. This results in the problem that an AV connection which has been set up unnecessarily remains in existence even after the desired AV data stream has been transmitted, so that further connection requests for such stations must be answered with a rejection. The invention solves this problem in that it provides additional monitoring means in the network subscriber stations which determine whether the connection has remained unused for a specific time. If yes, a signaling request is sent to all the network subscriber stations. If the connection partner station does not then respond, the connection which has been set up can likewise be added autonomously by the requesting station.