Abstract: An improved communication protocol between an access point and a wireless station is disclosed for ultra low-power wireless communications. The communication protocol is reduced from nine frames to seven frames by eliminating the last two packets in the sequence, allowing the wireless station to go to sleep (enter a low power state) when it sends the response rather than lingering before sleeping. The improved communication protocol allows the access point to enter its low power state following receipt of the acknowledgement from the wireless station.

Abstract: A layout technique generates a compact connected graph of linked objects that is organized on a page basis, i.e., the page comprises a collection of related objects displayed on a single scrollable window. Objects are generally grouped near neighboring objects with whom they share links. The technique further organizes the connected graph as a hub-and-spoke arrangement to reduce the number of overlapping objects and crossing links. Collectively, these layout features facilitate comprehension of the internetwork topology by a user.

Abstract: A network mapping tool efficiently organizes and displays topology data of an internetwork computing system as a hierarchical collection of network maps, i.e., a network atlas. The tool includes a management server that collects, organizes and records the topology data as an atlas on a network topology database. A management console interacts with the server to provide a graphical user interface for displaying the atlas on a computer screen in a variety of views that facilitate comprehension of logical relationships between various components of the system.