Network device application interface

摘要

A network device application programming interface (API) provides an interface to control and receive events from network devices. The network device API preferably resides within a control device, which is coupled to a network of devices. Each network device preferably uses IP-based protocols for sending control commands, and for receiving responses to the commands and asynchronous events. The network device API provides an interface that can be used across many different platforms. The interface is used as part of an application or as a standalone application. The network device API also provides a framework for defining and implementing a device control protocol. The framework for defining and implementing the device control protocol provides common functionality across multiple control and eventing protocols.