In a network system, the data transfer efficiency attained when a given port is placed in a sleeping state is improved. A first node having received a request for setting a port thereof to a sleeping state notices transition to a sleeping state from that port. A second node having received notice of...http://www.google.de/patents/US6505303?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6505303 - Communications node, information equipment including the same and network system
