Protocol for rapidly establishing communication between like terminals

摘要

A first terminal capable of communicating under a predetermined protocol and a standard protocol determines whether a second terminal operates under the same predetermined protocol by sending a bit stream which does not violate the standard protocol. Based on the response (or lack of) from the second terminal, the first terminal either determines the same predetermined protocol is used and information ordinarily obtained from negotiations is detected from a prepared table, or otherwise negotiations based on the standard protocol are initiated. The bit stream may contain a unique manufacturer ID and the version of the terminal. The invention avoids the need for relatively lengthy negotiations between terminals of the same manufacturer whilst ensuring compatibility with other types of terminal.