Method For Distributing Connection Attempts To A Server

Abstract

A client/server network includes a plurality of IP devices in communication with a central server and one another. Each of the plurality of IP devices maintains a count of the number of the IP devices attempting to connect to the central server at one time in order to monitor the load on the central server. Wherein each of the plurality of IP devices verifies that the count does not exceed a maximum count prior to attempting connection to the central server.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood with reference to the following Figures in which like numerals denote like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art IP phone subnet;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an IP phone acquiring a TCP link to a PBX, as known in the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an IP phone making a secure connection with a PBX, as known in the prior art;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an IP phone creating a control link with a PBX, as known in the prior art;

FIG. 5 is a state diagram showing operation of an IP phone according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a timing diagram showing an example of a plurality of IP phones attempting connections to a PBX, according to the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for a plurality of IP devices in communication with a central server to connect to said central server, said method comprising: one of said plurality of IP devices attempting to connect to said central server when a number of said IP devices attempting to connect to said central server is less than a maximum number;said one of said plurality of IP devices broadcasting a first message to others of said plurality of IP devices upon starting to attempt connection to said central server; andsaid one of said plurality of IP devices broadcasting a second message to others of said plurality of IP devices when finished attempting connection to said central server;wherein each of said IP devices increments said number of said IP devices attempting to connect upon receipt of said first message and decrements said number of said IP devices attempting to connect upon receipt of said second message.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of IP devices connect to said central server using a three stage registration process.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said IP devices simultaneously maintains said number of said IP devices attempting to connect to said central server for each one of three stages of said three stage registration process.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said maximum number is the same for each of said three stages.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said IP devices are IP phones.

6. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said three stages are (i) TCP connection to a said central server, (ii) secure connection to said central server and (iii) registration with said central server.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein prior to attempting to connect to said central server, said one of said plurality of IP devices is in a backoff state.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one of said plurality of IP devices enters a wait for success or failure state upon starting to attempt connection to said central server.

9. A client/server network comprising: a plurality of IP devices in communication with a central server and one another, each of said plurality of IP devices broadcasting a first message to others of said plurality of IP devices upon starting to attempt connection to said central server, broadcasting a second message to said others of said plurality of IP devices when finished attempting connection to said central server, and maintaining a count of a number of said IP devices attempting to connect to said central server at one time;wherein each of said plurality of IP devices verifies that said count does not exceed a maximum count prior to attempting connection to said central server.

10. A client/server network as claimed in claim 9, wherein said IP devices are IP phones.

11. A client/server network as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of IP devices is in a backoff state prior to attempting connection to said central server.

12. A client/server network as claimed in claim 9, wherein when attempting connection to said central server, each of said plurality of IP devices is in a wait for success of failure state.