Link maintenance method and device

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, the same numerals in different drawings refer to the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The implementations described in the following exemplary examples do not represent all implementations consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with aspects of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0018] The terminology used in the present invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used her