Method for providing LAN address discovery and terminal emulation for LAN-connected personal computer (PCs) using xerox network system (XNS)

Patent 5539736 Issued on July 23, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 4, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Method and apparatus for transmitting data in adjustable-sized packets
Patent #: 4691314
Issued on: 09/01/1987
Inventor: Bergins , et al.

Method and apparatus for bridging local area networks
Patent #: 4706081
Issued on: 11/10/1987
Inventor: Hart , et al.

Controller for controlling multiple LAN types
Patent #: 4831620
Issued on: 05/16/1989
Inventor: Conway , et al.

Method for data transfer through a bridge to a network requiring source route information
Patent #: 4947390
Issued on: 08/07/1990
Inventor: Sheehy

Transfer of messages in a multiplexed system
Patent #: 5050166
Issued on: 09/17/1991
Inventor: Cantoni, et al.

Communications network arranged to transport connection oriented and connectionless messages
Patent #: 5163045
Issued on: 11/10/1992
Inventor: Caram, et al.

Reduced broadcast algorithm for address resolution protocol
Patent #: 5278829
Issued on: 01/11/1994
Inventor: Dunlap

Bridge-like internet protocol router Patent #: 5309437
Issued on: 05/03/1994
Inventor: Perlman, et al.

Inventors

Application

No. 317569 filed on 10/04/1994

US Classes:

370/402, Bridge between bus systems370/420, For connecting plural subscribers to a network (i.e., network termination)370/466Converting between protocols

Examiners

Primary: Safourek, Benedict V.
Assistant: Nguyen, Chau

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Ratner & Prestia

Foreign Patent References

508886 EP. 10/13/1992

International Class

H04J 003/24

Abstract

An interface which enables a LAN connected workstation to concurrently communicate with a plurality of computer platforms having respective network architectures over the same physical connection. The interface receives data from a LAN connection, examines the data and identifies the format being used. Based on the identified format, the interface determines the appropriate destination for the data and sends the data to that destination. Additionally, the interface enables a workstation running XNS software to run terminal emulation programs at the increased speed available from a LAN connection by enhancing the XNS protocol with (1) message segmentation and reassembly, (2) maximum packet size negotiation and (3) LAN address discovery.

Other References

Novell's Manual for the ODI Shell for DOS (1990)
Seifert, "Bridges and Routers", IEEE Network vol. 2, No. 1 (Jan. 1988)
Perlman et al., "Choosing the Appropriate ISO Layer for LAN Interconnedtion", IEEE Network, vol. 2, No. 1 (Jan. 1988)
Johnson, "LAN.varies.Connected Workstations Via BNAv2, Part 1; UNISPHERE", (Jan. 1992); Part 2, (May 1992); and Part 3, (May 1992)
Cypser, Communications for Cooperating Systems, OSI, SNA, and TCP/IP (1991)
Advanced Netware V2.1 Internetwork Packet Exchange Protocol (IPX) with Asynchronous Event Schedular (AES), Revision 2.0, Novell Incorporated, (Jun. 1987)
Advanced Netware V.1 Sequenced Packet Exchange Protocol (SPK), Revision 2.0, Novell Incorporated (Jun. 1987)
Internet Transport Protocols, Xerox Corporation (Dec. 1981)
R. J. Cypser, Communications for Cooperating System OSI, SNA, and TCP/IP, cover, pp. 1-21 and 23-44 (chapters 1 and 2) (1991)
International Search Report from PCT Office for International Application No. PCT/US93/12644, mailing date Jun. 20, 1994
Black, Uyless; OSI A Model for Computer Communications Standards; 1991, pp. 23-25 & 219
Deasington, X.25 Explained Protocols for Packet Switching Networks, pp. 61-63 (1985