Method for the discovery of devices connected to an IP network and device to carry out said method

摘要

The present invention relates to IP networks and, more particularly, local area networks, for example domestic networks. It concerns the manner in which devices connected to such networks obtain and update knowledge of the other compatible devices connected to the network. To do this, the invention is based on a finite-state machine, comprising connected, disconnected and standby states. The changes of state take place on receipt of messages, requests or replies from the other devices, or on expiry of timers in the absence of receipt of messages.