Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer-to-computer session/connection establishing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-07
2001-05-01
Vu, Viet D. (Department: 2154)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer-to-computer session/connection establishing
C709S230000, C709S237000, C709S250000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06226676
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to data communication networks, and, more particularly, to connection control in a mixed protocol network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In today's information age, data communication networks are becoming ever more pervasive as an ever-increasing number of communication consumers require access to on-line computer resources. To that end, many data communication networks are evolving to meet the needs of these communication consumers. As these data communication networks evolve, it often becomes necessary to combine or integrate network segments that support different communication protocols.
The most common problem that arises when integrating or combining network segments that utilize different protocols is that the devices on one network segment using a first communication protocol do not communicate with the devices on another network segment using a second communication protocol. One solution is to convert or replace devices so that all devices utilize a common communication protocol. Unfortunately, this is often expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to the network users. Furthermore, such conversion or replacement often requires that end-user applications be changed, which can further complicate the integration process and force end-users to learn new applications. Thus, a need has remained for a translation function that allows the devices utilizing the first communication protocol to communicate with the devices using the second communication protocol.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method, translating apparatus, apparatus comprising a computer readable medium, and system for establishing an end-to-end connection in a mixed protocol communication network includes a translation function that communicates with a first device using a first communication protocol and a second device using a second communication protocol. In order to establish an end-to-end connection, the translation function receives a first data message from the first device, establishes a connection with the second device, and transmits a second data message to the second device containing data from the first data message.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first communication protocol is an x.25 protocol. In such a preferred embodiment, receiving the first data message from the first device involves receiving an X.25 data packet from the first device.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second communication protocol is a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). In such a preferred embodiment, establishing a connection with the second device involves transmitting to the second device a first TCP SYN message, receiving from the second device a second TCP SYN message, and transmitting to the second device a TCP SYN/ACK message.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method, translating apparatus, apparatus comprising a computer readable medium, and system for terminating an end-to-end connection in a mixed protocol communication network includes a translation function that communicates with a first device using a first communication protocol and a second device using a second communication protocol. In order to terminate an end-to-end connection, the translation function receives from the first device a reset message suspending data flow between the first device and the translating function, terminates the connection with the second device, and transmits a reset confirmation message to the first device.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first communication protocol is an X.25 protocol. In such a preferred embodiment, receiving a reset message from the first device involves receiving an X.25 reset message from the first device. Also in such a preferred embodiment, transmitting a reset confirmation message to the first device involves transmitting an X.25 confirm message to the first device.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second communication protocol is a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). In such a preferred embodiment, terminating the connection with the second device involves transmitting to the second device a first TCP FIN message, receiving from the second device a second TCP FIN message, and transmitting to the second device a TCP FIN/ACK message.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5021949 (1991-06-01), Moren et al.
patent: 5182748 (1993-01-01), Sakate et al.
patent: 5719901 (1998-02-01), Riche et al.
patent: 5793771 (1998-08-01), Darland et al.
patent: 5918022 (1999-06-01), Batz et al.
Betsinger Donald F.
Crump Richard
Leary Mark F.
Shieh Shuching
Wong Ellis L.
Bromberg & Sunstein LLP
Nortel Networks Corporation
Vu Viet D.
LandOfFree
Connection establishment and termination in a mixed protocol... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Connection establishment and termination in a mixed protocol..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Connection establishment and termination in a mixed protocol... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2572011