Link Layer Event Notification via Information Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In domestic local area networks, communication devices cannot communicate with each other due to lack of IP addresses, and bridges cannot notify other devices of events like software updates without knowing their IP addresses, leading to data transit interruptions and user unawareness.
Innovation Solution
A method to transfer information codes representative of events between communication devices using the link layer of the OSI model, inserting the codes into data frames that can be processed by the link layer, allowing all devices implementing the physical and link layers to process the messages without needing upper layer protocols, and enabling user notification through a man-machine interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bridge operates only at the link layer (physical and link layers of OSI model), then it remains independent of upper layer protocols and can filter data frames using MAC addresses, but it cannot transfer update information messages to other communication devices because it does not know their IP addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the notification mechanism into two parts: a universal link-layer frame structure that all devices can process, and device-specific information codes that identify the type of event. This allows the bridge to notify devices without needing to know their IP addresses, resolving the contradiction between protocol independence and notification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary notification mechanism at the link layer that mediates between the bridge and communication devices. Instead of direct IP-based communication, the bridge uses link-layer frames with information codes as an intermediary to convey event information to devices, enabling notification while maintaining protocol independence
2Device complexity
If a bridge does not have a man-machine interface, then it remains simple and protocol-independent, but users cannot be warned of data transit interruptions or other events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary notification mechanism at the link layer that mediates between the bridge and communication devices. Instead of direct IP-based communication, the bridge uses link-layer frames with information codes as an intermediary to convey event information to devices, enabling notification while maintaining protocol independence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables communication devices to autonomously process link-layer notification frames and generate user warnings through their own man-machine interfaces. Devices self-serve by monitoring the network for notification frames and independently notifying users, eliminating the need for a bridge MMI while maintaining user awareness
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication devices use private IP addresses within service platform subnets, then they can communicate with their respective platforms, but they cannot communicate with each other because they do not know the IP addresses of other devices in the home local area network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to communication by introducing link-layer addressing and notification mechanisms alongside existing network-layer IP addressing. Instead of relying solely on IP addresses for all communication, the system uses link-layer frames for device discovery and event notification, enabling devices to interact without knowing each other's IP addresses
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transferring an information code from a first communications device to a second communications device via a communications network, wherein said information code is representative for an event occurrence on the first communications device, the communications devices implement at least one link layer conforming to the OSI model, the information code is transmitted in a data frame comprising a data field and a field processable by the link layer, and is characterised in that the first communications device determines (E501) an information code representative for the event occurrence from a predetermined set of information codes, inputs (E503) the information code into a field processable by the link layer and transfers (E504) the thus formed data frame.