Abstract: A network layer bridge for connection between network segments with different data link layer addressing. The bridge has includes: plurality of ports, each for connection to different network segments, wherein a first port is for connection to a first network segment and a second port for connection to respective first and second network segment. The bridge also has a memory for storing network layer addresses, for nodes together with corresponding port identifiers and data link layer addresses, and the memory is adapted to store data link layer addresses of more than one type; the bridge also has a means for and a unit for discovering corresponding port identifier and data link layer address for a network layer address. For which these are not already known.

Abstract: A printer on a network is selected to receive a file to be printed on the instigation of a mobile device. At least one user preference is wirelessly sent from the mobile device to a networked print controller. The print controller has access to the predetermined properties of a plurality of networked printers. At least one of the predetermined properties of the printers are then matched with the at least one user preference, which results in the selection of one or more printers which are suitable for printing the file. The predetermined properties of the networked printers can include the strength of signals between a wireless communications point on the network and the printers to identify the closest set of printers, and/or the size of paper the printer holds, the number of print jobs in the print queues, etc.

Abstract: A network layer bridge for connection between network segments with different data link layer addressing. The bridge has a plurality of ports, each for connection to a different network segment, wherein a first port is for connection to a first network segment and a second port is for connection to a second network segment. The bridge also has a memory for storing network layer addresses for nodes together with corresponding port identifiers and data link layer addresses, and the memory is adapted to store data link layer addresses of more than one type. The bridge also has a means for discovering corresponding port identifier and data link layer address for a network layer address for which these are not already known.

Abstract: A network layer bridge includes: plurality of ports for connection to different network segments, a first port and a second port for connection to respective first and second network segments; a memory for storing network layer addresses for nodes with corresponding port identifiers and data link layer addresses, and data link layer addresses of more than one type; and a unit for discovering corresponding port identifier and data link layer address for a network layer address. The bridge forwards a message from a first node to a second node when corresponding port identifiers and data link level addresses for both first and second nodes are stored in the memory; the message being addressed with the network layer address of the second node, and the network layer bridge directing the message through the corresponding port to the corresponding data link level address for the second node.