State information is communicated in a network to more efficiently utilize
network resources. A first node forms a single extended query requesting
state information from at least one logical image of a second node. The
extended query is a single query requesting state information for
multiple logical images of the first node. The requested state
information includes the status of logical paths previously established
between the multiple logical images of the first node and the at least
one logical image of the second node. Upon sending the extended query to
the second node, a single extended response can be formed at the second
node having the requested state information.