COMMUNICATING STATE INFORMATION IN A NETWORK

摘要

State information is communicated in a network to more efficiently utilize network resources. A first node forms a single extended query requesting sta te information from at least one logical image of a second node. The extended query is a single query requesting state information for multiple logical images of the first node. The requested state information includes the statu s of logical paths previously established between the multiple logical images of the first node and the at least one logical image of the second node. Upon sending the extended query to the second node, a single extended response ca n be formed at the second node having the requested state information.