A method and apparatus for enabling any of a variety of devices to communicate
with each other over a common or universal protocol. In general, a client device
and a server device communicate with each other over a communications link utilizes
the common protocol. Initially, once a communications link is established, the
server device identifies itself to the client device by sending a tag line message
over the communications link. Upon receiving the tag line message, the client then
determines that the server is capable of using the common protocol. The client
device may then initiate several requests including a service request, a type request
or a use request. If the client device initiates a service request, the client
simple uses the common protocol to request the service. In response to receiving
the service request, the server device performs the requested service and provides
a confirmation to the client device. If the client device initiates a type request,
the service device will respond by providing information regarding the services
the server device provides and the device types supported by the server device.
If the client device initiates a use request for a particular service, the server
device will provide information to the client device that describes the necessary
parameters for invoking the particular service.