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).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to communication systems and, more particularly, to converged networks composed of any number of individually distinct network types. Background technique [0002] Data communication systems have continued to evolve over the years. One particular type of communication system relates particularly to heterogeneous networking technologies that may be implemented in accordance with home networking technologies. For example, in this particular network environment, one or two or more different types of different network technologies may be implemented as few as possible according to the common abstraction layer supporting communication between these different network technologies. [0003] For example, the different types of networks that may be implemented in such a heterogeneous networking technology environment may vary. In addition, it should be noted that although the different types of networks described above ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] Existing techniques fail to provide efficient operation of such heterogeneous networking techniques with respect to many problems involving various considerations such as network management, neighbor discovery, topology discovery, path selection, network control and management

While research and development continues to attempt to address these and other shortcomings in such converged networks employing heterogeneous technologies, the prior art does not adequately provide acceptable solution

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