| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention relates to improvements in communication procedures, especially in networks which include at least one device which is capable of being manually switched to an off-line condition. In accordance with the invention, when a switch on such a device is thrown to the position which would place the device in an off-line condition, the device formulates and transmits a message to indicate that it is going to a temporary off-line condition. This message can be used at other devices which are connected in the communication network. Such a message can be employed at a network focal point for maintaining such a device in a polling loop regardless of the fact that the device may, for some period of time, fail to respond to any polls. Such a message can also be employed in any device which was in active communication with the device at the time it was placed in the temporary off-line condition to queue a restart request. In accordance with the invention, when the device which had been placed manually in an off-line condition, is again restored to the on-line condition, it will be in a a condition to respond a poll from the network focal point is informed that the device is again capable of communicating, and any device which has a restart request pending for the device can enable the restart request.</p> |
