CA2338297A1 - Method for connecting terminal devices to external modems - Google Patents
Method for connecting terminal devices to external modems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2338297A1 CA2338297A1 CA002338297A CA2338297A CA2338297A1 CA 2338297 A1 CA2338297 A1 CA 2338297A1 CA 002338297 A CA002338297 A CA 002338297A CA 2338297 A CA2338297 A CA 2338297A CA 2338297 A1 CA2338297 A1 CA 2338297A1
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- Prior art keywords
- modems
- terminal device
- modem
- connection
- reply
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2854—Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
- H04L12/2856—Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access
- H04L12/2863—Arrangements for combining access network resources elements, e.g. channel bonding
- H04L12/2867—Physical combinations
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2854—Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
- H04L12/2856—Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2854—Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
- H04L12/2856—Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access
- H04L12/2869—Operational details of access network equipments
- H04L12/287—Remote access server, e.g. BRAS
- H04L12/2872—Termination of subscriber connections
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2854—Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
- H04L12/2856—Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access
- H04L12/2869—Operational details of access network equipments
- H04L12/2898—Subscriber equipments
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
- H04M11/06—Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors
- H04M11/062—Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors using different frequency bands for speech and other data
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
- Communication Control (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for connecting terminals (1, 2) to externa l modems (3, 4), whereby said modems (3, 4) can be connected to the terminals (1, 2) by means of a local area network (6). The local area network can be, more particularly, an Ethernet network (6) and the modems are preferably ADS L modems (3, 4). In order to set up a link between one of several terminals (1 , 2) and one of the modems (3, 4), a search query is sent by the corresponding terminal (1, 2) to all modems (3, 4) that are connected to the LAN local are a network (6). The modems (3, 4) with available resources send back a response to the terminal (1, 2), whereupon the terminal selects a modem (3, 4) from those that sent back said response. A link is then set up between the termin al (1, 2) and the selected modem (3, 4) by exchanging control information.</SDO AB>
Description
METHOD FOR CONNECTING TERMINAL DEVICES TO EXTERNAL
MODEMS
The invention is directed in general to a method for connecting terminal devices an modems and, stated more specifically, to a method for connecting terminal devices to external modems via local networks (LAN).
ADSL (or, generally, xDSL) modems will enable significantly faster Internet access in future compared to current modems. Similar to current analog modems, there will also be two versions for xDSL modems: external modems in their own housing that are connected via cable to the terminal device (client) as well as 1 o internal modems that are either permanently installed in the terminal device or are in the form of plugin cards that can also be subsequently installed.
External modems must be connected to the terminal device via corresponding interfaces, whereby what is referred to as the Ethernet is especially well-suited because of the high bandwidth and the low costs. Ethernet thereby has the advantage that a plurality of terminal devices can access one or more modems via a local network. This constellation is especially interesting, for example, in networks in small companies.
However, Ethernet as interface between terminal device and modem has the disadvantage that the conversion of the data packets (PPP packets) that are 2 0 exchanged via the modem path onto the local network (LAN) is very involved.
For this purpose, T. Kwok et al., "An Interoperable End-to-end Broadband Service Architecture over ADSL Systems (Version 3.0)", ADSL Forum Contribution 97215, December 1997, proposes the employment of a future standard protocol (layer 2 tunneling protocol) with whose assistance PPP packets can be transmitted via the 2 5 local network upon employment of UDP/IP. This solution, however, has a number of disadvantages:
The protocol known from the Prior Art is very complex and makes high demands of the modem.
2. The proposed protocol offers many functions that are not used for the 3 0 application in the sense of the present invention.
3. The protocol requires the prior configuration of the IP addresses of terminal device (client) and modem. This, however, is very involved.
What would be desirable, in contrast, is a plug-and-play configuration without prior configuration on the part of the user.
MODEMS
The invention is directed in general to a method for connecting terminal devices an modems and, stated more specifically, to a method for connecting terminal devices to external modems via local networks (LAN).
ADSL (or, generally, xDSL) modems will enable significantly faster Internet access in future compared to current modems. Similar to current analog modems, there will also be two versions for xDSL modems: external modems in their own housing that are connected via cable to the terminal device (client) as well as 1 o internal modems that are either permanently installed in the terminal device or are in the form of plugin cards that can also be subsequently installed.
External modems must be connected to the terminal device via corresponding interfaces, whereby what is referred to as the Ethernet is especially well-suited because of the high bandwidth and the low costs. Ethernet thereby has the advantage that a plurality of terminal devices can access one or more modems via a local network. This constellation is especially interesting, for example, in networks in small companies.
However, Ethernet as interface between terminal device and modem has the disadvantage that the conversion of the data packets (PPP packets) that are 2 0 exchanged via the modem path onto the local network (LAN) is very involved.
For this purpose, T. Kwok et al., "An Interoperable End-to-end Broadband Service Architecture over ADSL Systems (Version 3.0)", ADSL Forum Contribution 97215, December 1997, proposes the employment of a future standard protocol (layer 2 tunneling protocol) with whose assistance PPP packets can be transmitted via the 2 5 local network upon employment of UDP/IP. This solution, however, has a number of disadvantages:
The protocol known from the Prior Art is very complex and makes high demands of the modem.
2. The proposed protocol offers many functions that are not used for the 3 0 application in the sense of the present invention.
3. The protocol requires the prior configuration of the IP addresses of terminal device (client) and modem. This, however, is very involved.
What would be desirable, in contrast, is a plug-and-play configuration without prior configuration on the part of the user.
4. A direct control of the modem parameters is not possible.
The object of the present invention is therefore to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages of the Prior Art and to offer a technique for connecting terminal devices and modems via local networks that is particularly user friendly.
According to the present invention, a method for connecting terminal devices to external modems is provided therefor wherein a plurality of modems can enter into communication with the terminal devices with a local network. A
number of steps are implemented between one of the plurality of terminal devices and one of the modems for the connection setup. First, a search request is sent from the corresponding terminal device to all modems that are connected to the local network.
Those modems that have free resources respond with a reply to the inquiring terminal device. The terminal device subsequently makes a selection from the modem that sent a reply, and a connection setup ensues proceeding from the terminal device to the selected modem by exchanging control information.
The external modems can, in particular, be ADSL modems.
2 o The local network can, in particular, be an Ethernet network.
Information for the connection setup and for setting the external modems can be exchanged between the terminal devices and the external modems via an integrated control channel.
The search request can contain further particulars about the required 2 5 bandwidth and/or the required protocol, whereby only those external modems that can meet all requirements according to the further particulars reply to a search request.
Proceeding from the terminal device, settings of the modem can be implemented via an integrated control channel.
For flow control of the transmitted data, the respectively receiving 3 0 terminal device or modem can output start/stop commands with which the data transmission of the respectively transmitting terminal device or modem can be started or, respectively, stopped.
After the connection setup, echo data that make it possible for the modem to recognize whether the terminal device is active can be exchanged at periodic intervals.
The connection between the modem and the terminal device can be automatically cleared down after a predetermined time when the modem or the terminal device has received none of the echo data during this predetermined time.
For connection cleardown, cleardown dat can be exchanged between the 1 o terminal device and the modem, whereby the resources of the connection are in turn released after the cleardown of the connection.
The present invention is explained in greater detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the accompanying Figures. SHown are:
Figure 1 the schematic structure of a system for the employment of the inventive method; and Figure 2 the executive sequence of the method for the setup of a connection from a terminal device to a modem via a local network.
Figure 1 shows two ADSL modems 3, 4 by way of example that can set 2 o up a connection between an ADSL line 5 and a local network, for example an Ethernet LAN 6. The ADSL modems 3, 4 can be connected to terminal devices (client) 1, 2 with the Ethernet LAN 6.
The method for the setup of a connection between a terminal device 1, 2 and a modem 3, 4 via the Ethernet interface 6 thereby sequences as follows:
2 5 Phase 1: Seeking the modem (modems) (steps S 1, S2) The searching terminal device l, 2 sends a search request (modem request) to all ADSL modems 3, 4 attached to the Ethernet LAN network 6. A specific address is employed for this purpose (also called "limited broadcast address"
255.255.255.255 in IP networks), this leading thereto that the packet of the search 3 0 request is received by all modems 3, 4 at the connected Ethernet segment.
All modems 3, 4 that support the protocol described here and have free resources over and above this, send a reply (modem reply). The terminal device 1, 2 receives all replies and is thus informed about all modems that still have free resources.
Subsequently, the terminal device 1, 2 can select one of the available modems 3, 4.
Phase 2: Connection setup (steps S5, S6 [sic]) The terminal device now initiates a connection setup with the selected modem. Specific control packets (connect request, connect confirm) are exchanged for this purpose, these ultimately leading to a communication relationship (logical connection) between terminal device and modem. Each side thereby assigns a number (session ID) that, in conjunction with the IP address, unambiguously identifies the communication relationship. Both numbers are contained in all following packets of the connection.
Phase 3: Control of the modem (steps S5, S6) In general, the terminal device now sends various control commands to the modem (similar to current, analog modems). Among other things, the modem can be informed of the destination telephone number to which a connection is to be set up.
Moreover, various modem parameters can be influenced such as, for example, bit rate, compression method, error correction, etc. These control commands are based on the commands for analog modems but can also contain specific expansions for xDSL.
2 o Phase 4: Data exchange (steps S7, S8) When all settings have been made, the actual data exchange can begin, i.e.
PPP packets can be sent bidirectionally via the connection between modem and terminal device. So that the reception buffers at both sides do not overflow, a flow control is provided according to the start/stop principle. Each receiver can thus stop 2 5 the transmitter of the cooperating party by sending a stop command and can restart it in turn with a start command. Moreover, the connection can, if desired, be monitored from both sides by periodic transmission of echo packets. As a result thereof, the modem can recognize when the terminal device no longer reacts or has been switched off.
Phase 5: Connection cleardown (steps S9, S 10) In this phase, the connection between terminal device and modem is 5 cleared down in controlled fashion. To that end, further control packets (release request, release confirm) are exchanged that ultimately lead to the release of the occupied resources.
Message flow Figure 2 shows the typical message flow between terminal device and modem, beginning with the search phase (search request) up to an including the end of the connection. The individual messages exchanged between terminal device and modem or, respectively, vice versa are described in brief below.
Modem request (step S 1 ) This message is sent in order to find all modems connected to an Ethernet segment. The message is sent to all stations and, in addition to containing the layer-3 address of the searching terminal device, potentially contains further information such as user name, the desired bandwidth, the desired protocol, etc. These information can be interpreted by the modems, so that only those modems that can meet all requested demands reply.
2 o Modem reply (step S2) All suitable modems reply with this message and thus inform the terminal device of their own layer-3 address. This message is sent directly to the terminal device (no broadcast).
Connect request (step S3) 2 5 After the terminal device has selected one of the modems, the connection setup is started proceeding from the terminal device. To this end, the terminal device sends a connect request message to the selected modem. The parameters contained in the modem request message should be repeated in this message and further parameters should be added, if necessary. The terminal device already assigns a session ID in order to enable an unambiguous allocation of the reply of the modem.
Connect reply (step S4) The modem replies with a connect reply message that also contains its own session ID in addition to the session ID assigned by the terminal device.
This message tells the terminal device whether the requested connection was accepted or refused. In case of an acceptance, the connection is in place and each side knows the session ID assigned by the other side, this being contained in all further messages.
Given a refusal, the connection is cleared down from both sides.
Control (step SS) Control commands can now be sent to the modem via the existing connection, similar to the case given analog modems. For example, the terminal device can interrogate various modem parameters such as type, the maximum bit rate, the dial capability, the ATM traffic classes that are supported, etc. The terminal device can also potentially influence some modem parameters and can initiate the setup of a dialed connection. In addition to the telephone number, other parameters that are required for the connection setup can also be indicated (for example, the ATM
2 0 traffic class and the appertaining parameters such as peak bit rate and the like).
ControlAck (step S6) Each control command is acknowledged by a separate message that can also contain the reply of the modem.
PayloadPacket (steps S7, S8) 2 5 This message contains the actual payload data, It can be sent in both directions between terminal device and modem. Payload data are transmitted unprotected; the loss of payload data can therefore not be recognized within the protocol described here.
Stop This message can be sent in order to avoid the overflow of the proper reception buffer. When a stop message is received, payload data are no longer sent in the opposite direction until a start message is received.
Start See above.
Echo request This message is employed in order to check the availability and functionability of the respective cooperating party during an active connection. When an echo request is not answered with an echo reply message within a specific time span, the connection can be cleared down. For example, this mechanism allows the modem to clear down all active network connections when the terminal device was switched off without clearing the connection down in controlled fashion.
Echo reply The reception of an echo request message is immediately acknowledged with an echo reply message. As a result thereof, the cooperating party is assured that the connection is still active.
2 o Release request (step S9) This message can be sent from both sides and serves the purpose of clearing down an existing connection. The reception of a release request message is acknowledged with a release confirm message by the cooperating party.
Release confirm 2 5 See release request.
Advantages of the disclosed method The invention has the following advantages over known methods:
~ No modem-specific data need be configured in the terminal device. The layer-3 address of the modem is determined by the method, and further modem parameters can also be automatically determined by the terminal device without a need for the user to intervene. A simple installation without specific technical expertise is thus enabled (plug-and-play).
The method enables the direct control of the modem via an integrated control channel. As a result thereof, modem commands can be communicated like via a serial interface.
The proposed method is significantly simpler to realize.
Possible expansions The described method assumes that the terminal device already has a functioning Ethernet interface and an appertaining layer-3 address (for example, IP) address available to it. In order to likewise avoid this configuration event and enable a completely independent auto-configuration, the disclosed method can be combined with further protocols such as BOOTP or DHCP. To this end, the modem functions as a simple BOOTP (DHCP) server from which the terminal device can receive its configuration data. The configuration data (essentially the layer-3 address and a few 2 0 other parameters such as sub-network mask) must be offered on the modem for this purpose. This can be Garner out by the manufacturer or by the network operator. The driver SW of the terminal device should be pre-set such that an automatic configuration ensues via BOOTP (DHCP) as well as with the method described here.
Any and all user-side configuration is avoided in this way.
2 5 The disclosed method can also be expanded in that the search message (modem request) is transported across routers (similar to a BOOTP/DHCP proxy).
As a result thereof, modems that are not directly connected to the local Ethernet segment but can only be reached via routers can also be found in larger networks. To this end, the router must contain a proxy function that forwards the sub-message to all 3 0 connected Ethernet segments (or, respectively, to all segments that support broadcast).
The following advantages can, in particular, be realized by the present invention:
In the introduction of the automatic search event with whose assistance all connected modems can be automatically recognized.
2. In the introduction of a separate control channel via which the modem can be configured and controlled.
In the employment of a simple method for flow control between terminal device and modem.
4. In the combination with BOOTP or DHCP, as a result whereof a complete auto-configuration is enabled.
The object of the present invention is therefore to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages of the Prior Art and to offer a technique for connecting terminal devices and modems via local networks that is particularly user friendly.
According to the present invention, a method for connecting terminal devices to external modems is provided therefor wherein a plurality of modems can enter into communication with the terminal devices with a local network. A
number of steps are implemented between one of the plurality of terminal devices and one of the modems for the connection setup. First, a search request is sent from the corresponding terminal device to all modems that are connected to the local network.
Those modems that have free resources respond with a reply to the inquiring terminal device. The terminal device subsequently makes a selection from the modem that sent a reply, and a connection setup ensues proceeding from the terminal device to the selected modem by exchanging control information.
The external modems can, in particular, be ADSL modems.
2 o The local network can, in particular, be an Ethernet network.
Information for the connection setup and for setting the external modems can be exchanged between the terminal devices and the external modems via an integrated control channel.
The search request can contain further particulars about the required 2 5 bandwidth and/or the required protocol, whereby only those external modems that can meet all requirements according to the further particulars reply to a search request.
Proceeding from the terminal device, settings of the modem can be implemented via an integrated control channel.
For flow control of the transmitted data, the respectively receiving 3 0 terminal device or modem can output start/stop commands with which the data transmission of the respectively transmitting terminal device or modem can be started or, respectively, stopped.
After the connection setup, echo data that make it possible for the modem to recognize whether the terminal device is active can be exchanged at periodic intervals.
The connection between the modem and the terminal device can be automatically cleared down after a predetermined time when the modem or the terminal device has received none of the echo data during this predetermined time.
For connection cleardown, cleardown dat can be exchanged between the 1 o terminal device and the modem, whereby the resources of the connection are in turn released after the cleardown of the connection.
The present invention is explained in greater detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the accompanying Figures. SHown are:
Figure 1 the schematic structure of a system for the employment of the inventive method; and Figure 2 the executive sequence of the method for the setup of a connection from a terminal device to a modem via a local network.
Figure 1 shows two ADSL modems 3, 4 by way of example that can set 2 o up a connection between an ADSL line 5 and a local network, for example an Ethernet LAN 6. The ADSL modems 3, 4 can be connected to terminal devices (client) 1, 2 with the Ethernet LAN 6.
The method for the setup of a connection between a terminal device 1, 2 and a modem 3, 4 via the Ethernet interface 6 thereby sequences as follows:
2 5 Phase 1: Seeking the modem (modems) (steps S 1, S2) The searching terminal device l, 2 sends a search request (modem request) to all ADSL modems 3, 4 attached to the Ethernet LAN network 6. A specific address is employed for this purpose (also called "limited broadcast address"
255.255.255.255 in IP networks), this leading thereto that the packet of the search 3 0 request is received by all modems 3, 4 at the connected Ethernet segment.
All modems 3, 4 that support the protocol described here and have free resources over and above this, send a reply (modem reply). The terminal device 1, 2 receives all replies and is thus informed about all modems that still have free resources.
Subsequently, the terminal device 1, 2 can select one of the available modems 3, 4.
Phase 2: Connection setup (steps S5, S6 [sic]) The terminal device now initiates a connection setup with the selected modem. Specific control packets (connect request, connect confirm) are exchanged for this purpose, these ultimately leading to a communication relationship (logical connection) between terminal device and modem. Each side thereby assigns a number (session ID) that, in conjunction with the IP address, unambiguously identifies the communication relationship. Both numbers are contained in all following packets of the connection.
Phase 3: Control of the modem (steps S5, S6) In general, the terminal device now sends various control commands to the modem (similar to current, analog modems). Among other things, the modem can be informed of the destination telephone number to which a connection is to be set up.
Moreover, various modem parameters can be influenced such as, for example, bit rate, compression method, error correction, etc. These control commands are based on the commands for analog modems but can also contain specific expansions for xDSL.
2 o Phase 4: Data exchange (steps S7, S8) When all settings have been made, the actual data exchange can begin, i.e.
PPP packets can be sent bidirectionally via the connection between modem and terminal device. So that the reception buffers at both sides do not overflow, a flow control is provided according to the start/stop principle. Each receiver can thus stop 2 5 the transmitter of the cooperating party by sending a stop command and can restart it in turn with a start command. Moreover, the connection can, if desired, be monitored from both sides by periodic transmission of echo packets. As a result thereof, the modem can recognize when the terminal device no longer reacts or has been switched off.
Phase 5: Connection cleardown (steps S9, S 10) In this phase, the connection between terminal device and modem is 5 cleared down in controlled fashion. To that end, further control packets (release request, release confirm) are exchanged that ultimately lead to the release of the occupied resources.
Message flow Figure 2 shows the typical message flow between terminal device and modem, beginning with the search phase (search request) up to an including the end of the connection. The individual messages exchanged between terminal device and modem or, respectively, vice versa are described in brief below.
Modem request (step S 1 ) This message is sent in order to find all modems connected to an Ethernet segment. The message is sent to all stations and, in addition to containing the layer-3 address of the searching terminal device, potentially contains further information such as user name, the desired bandwidth, the desired protocol, etc. These information can be interpreted by the modems, so that only those modems that can meet all requested demands reply.
2 o Modem reply (step S2) All suitable modems reply with this message and thus inform the terminal device of their own layer-3 address. This message is sent directly to the terminal device (no broadcast).
Connect request (step S3) 2 5 After the terminal device has selected one of the modems, the connection setup is started proceeding from the terminal device. To this end, the terminal device sends a connect request message to the selected modem. The parameters contained in the modem request message should be repeated in this message and further parameters should be added, if necessary. The terminal device already assigns a session ID in order to enable an unambiguous allocation of the reply of the modem.
Connect reply (step S4) The modem replies with a connect reply message that also contains its own session ID in addition to the session ID assigned by the terminal device.
This message tells the terminal device whether the requested connection was accepted or refused. In case of an acceptance, the connection is in place and each side knows the session ID assigned by the other side, this being contained in all further messages.
Given a refusal, the connection is cleared down from both sides.
Control (step SS) Control commands can now be sent to the modem via the existing connection, similar to the case given analog modems. For example, the terminal device can interrogate various modem parameters such as type, the maximum bit rate, the dial capability, the ATM traffic classes that are supported, etc. The terminal device can also potentially influence some modem parameters and can initiate the setup of a dialed connection. In addition to the telephone number, other parameters that are required for the connection setup can also be indicated (for example, the ATM
2 0 traffic class and the appertaining parameters such as peak bit rate and the like).
ControlAck (step S6) Each control command is acknowledged by a separate message that can also contain the reply of the modem.
PayloadPacket (steps S7, S8) 2 5 This message contains the actual payload data, It can be sent in both directions between terminal device and modem. Payload data are transmitted unprotected; the loss of payload data can therefore not be recognized within the protocol described here.
Stop This message can be sent in order to avoid the overflow of the proper reception buffer. When a stop message is received, payload data are no longer sent in the opposite direction until a start message is received.
Start See above.
Echo request This message is employed in order to check the availability and functionability of the respective cooperating party during an active connection. When an echo request is not answered with an echo reply message within a specific time span, the connection can be cleared down. For example, this mechanism allows the modem to clear down all active network connections when the terminal device was switched off without clearing the connection down in controlled fashion.
Echo reply The reception of an echo request message is immediately acknowledged with an echo reply message. As a result thereof, the cooperating party is assured that the connection is still active.
2 o Release request (step S9) This message can be sent from both sides and serves the purpose of clearing down an existing connection. The reception of a release request message is acknowledged with a release confirm message by the cooperating party.
Release confirm 2 5 See release request.
Advantages of the disclosed method The invention has the following advantages over known methods:
~ No modem-specific data need be configured in the terminal device. The layer-3 address of the modem is determined by the method, and further modem parameters can also be automatically determined by the terminal device without a need for the user to intervene. A simple installation without specific technical expertise is thus enabled (plug-and-play).
The method enables the direct control of the modem via an integrated control channel. As a result thereof, modem commands can be communicated like via a serial interface.
The proposed method is significantly simpler to realize.
Possible expansions The described method assumes that the terminal device already has a functioning Ethernet interface and an appertaining layer-3 address (for example, IP) address available to it. In order to likewise avoid this configuration event and enable a completely independent auto-configuration, the disclosed method can be combined with further protocols such as BOOTP or DHCP. To this end, the modem functions as a simple BOOTP (DHCP) server from which the terminal device can receive its configuration data. The configuration data (essentially the layer-3 address and a few 2 0 other parameters such as sub-network mask) must be offered on the modem for this purpose. This can be Garner out by the manufacturer or by the network operator. The driver SW of the terminal device should be pre-set such that an automatic configuration ensues via BOOTP (DHCP) as well as with the method described here.
Any and all user-side configuration is avoided in this way.
2 5 The disclosed method can also be expanded in that the search message (modem request) is transported across routers (similar to a BOOTP/DHCP proxy).
As a result thereof, modems that are not directly connected to the local Ethernet segment but can only be reached via routers can also be found in larger networks. To this end, the router must contain a proxy function that forwards the sub-message to all 3 0 connected Ethernet segments (or, respectively, to all segments that support broadcast).
The following advantages can, in particular, be realized by the present invention:
In the introduction of the automatic search event with whose assistance all connected modems can be automatically recognized.
2. In the introduction of a separate control channel via which the modem can be configured and controlled.
In the employment of a simple method for flow control between terminal device and modem.
4. In the combination with BOOTP or DHCP, as a result whereof a complete auto-configuration is enabled.
Claims (10)
1. Method for connecting terminal devices (1, 2) to external modems (3, 4), whereby a plurality of modems (3, 4) can enter into connection with the terminal devices (1, 2) with a local network (6), whereby the following steps are implemented for the connection setup between one of the plurality of terminal devices (1, 2) and one of the modems (3, 4):
- sending a search request from the corresponding terminal device (1, 2) to all modems (3, 4) that are connected to the local network (6);
-returning a reply to the terminal device (1, 2) from those modems (3, 4) that have free resources available;
- selecting one of the modem (3, 4) that sent a reply with the terminal device (1, 2);
and - connection setup proceeding from the terminal device (1, 2) to the selected modem (3, 4) by exchanging control information.
- sending a search request from the corresponding terminal device (1, 2) to all modems (3, 4) that are connected to the local network (6);
-returning a reply to the terminal device (1, 2) from those modems (3, 4) that have free resources available;
- selecting one of the modem (3, 4) that sent a reply with the terminal device (1, 2);
and - connection setup proceeding from the terminal device (1, 2) to the selected modem (3, 4) by exchanging control information.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the external modems are ADSL modems (3, 4).
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the local network is an Ethernet network (6).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that information for the connection setup and for setting the external modems (3, 4) are exchanged between the terminal devices (1, 2) and the external modems (1, 2) [sic]
via an integrated control channel.
via an integrated control channel.
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the search request contain [sic] further particulars about the required bandwidth and/or the required protocol, and only those modems (3, 4) that can meet all requirements according to the further particulars reply to the search request of a terminal device (1, 2).
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that settings of the modem (3, 4) are implemented via an integrated control channel proceeding from the terminal device (1, 2).
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respectively receiving terminal device (1, 2) or modem (3, 4) outputs start/stop commands for the flow control of the exchanged data with which the data transmission of the respectively transmitting terminal device (1, 2) or modem (3, 4) is started or, respectively, stopped.
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, following the connection setup, echo data that make it possible for the modem (3, 4) to recognize whether the terminal device (1, 2) is still active are exchanged at periodic intervals.
9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the connection is automatically cleared down after a predetermined time when the modem (3, 4) or the terminal device (3, 4) [sic] has received no echo data during this time.
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that release information are exchanged between the terminal device (1, 2) and the modem (3, 4) for the connection cleardown and the resources of the connection are in turn released.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE1998133069 DE19833069A1 (en) | 1998-07-22 | 1998-07-22 | Terminal device-to-exchange modem connection method via local networks |
| DE19833069.3 | 1998-07-22 | ||
| PCT/DE1999/001997 WO2000005839A2 (en) | 1998-07-22 | 1999-07-01 | Method for connecting terminals to external modems |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2338297A1 true CA2338297A1 (en) | 2000-02-03 |
Family
ID=7874983
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002338297A Abandoned CA2338297A1 (en) | 1998-07-22 | 1999-07-01 | Method for connecting terminal devices to external modems |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1099326A2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2338297A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19833069A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2000005839A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6445712B1 (en) * | 1999-06-08 | 2002-09-03 | Verizon Laboratories Inc. | Broadband architecture using existing twisted pair |
| JP3692083B2 (en) * | 2002-01-24 | 2005-09-07 | 株式会社東芝 | Communication device with dial-up function |
| US8383159B2 (en) | 2004-10-27 | 2013-02-26 | Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. | Dosage forms having a microreliefed surface and methods and apparatus for their production |
| US9220751B2 (en) | 2010-04-21 | 2015-12-29 | Mileutis Ltd. | Casein peptide for use in the treatment of uterine infections |
| EP2397948B1 (en) * | 2010-06-17 | 2013-03-27 | Deutsche Telekom AG | Electrical connector, system and use of an electrical connector |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2255477A (en) * | 1991-03-21 | 1992-11-04 | Grey Cell Systems Ltd | Apparatus for the connection of computers and associated peripherals |
| CA2250487A1 (en) * | 1996-03-29 | 1997-10-09 | John F. Mchale | Communication server apparatus and method |
-
1998
- 1998-07-22 DE DE1998133069 patent/DE19833069A1/en not_active Ceased
-
1999
- 1999-07-01 EP EP99944256A patent/EP1099326A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-07-01 CA CA002338297A patent/CA2338297A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-07-01 WO PCT/DE1999/001997 patent/WO2000005839A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2000005839A2 (en) | 2000-02-03 |
| WO2000005839A3 (en) | 2000-03-09 |
| EP1099326A2 (en) | 2001-05-16 |
| DE19833069A1 (en) | 2000-01-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |