A method to control a network device in a network comprising several devices includes a first controller that operates to prevent another controller from performing an unwanted overtaking of a network device that is currently controlled by the first controller. In one embodiment, the first controller has the ability to reserve a controllable network device to thereby become its primary controller, so that the first controller may maintain control over the controllable network device against control demands of other controllers present in the network.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority in, and relates to the following patent applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/091,812, entitled "Bandwidth Reservation," filed on Jul. 6, 1998, European Patent Application No.98 112 500.8, entitled "Bandwidth Reservation," filed on Jul. 6, 1998, European Patent Application No.98 112 499.3, entitled "Method To Control A Network Device In A Network Comprising Several Devices," filed on Jul. 6, 1998, European Patent Application No.98 112 501.6, entitled "Method To Perform A Scheduled Action Of Network Devices," filed on Jul. 6, 1998, and is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/EP99/04538, entitled "Method To Control A Network Device In A Network Comprising Several Devices," filed on Jul. 1, 1999.
