A method and apparatus for communicating functional characteristics of nodes in a communications network to the network manager in the network is presented. This is accomplished by defining a bit field that indicates whether or not a particular functions or services are supported by a particular node. The bit field for each node within the communications network is communicated to the network manager which stores the bit fields for each node within a database. The database is then utilized to perform network management functions, as it informs the network manager whether a particular service/feature is available on the node to which the bit field corresponds.

 
Web www.patentalert.com

< Systems and methods for limiting low priority traffic from blocking high priority traffic

> Method and apparatus for effecting handoff between different cellular communications systems

~ 00420