Preventing loops in networks operating different protocols to provide loop-free topology
AssigneeCisco Tecnology, Inc.
InventorsTameen Khan, Ronak Desai, Dino Farinacci
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for preventing loops in a network including network devices operating different protocols for providing loop-free topology are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving link state information at a network device operating a first protocol and in communication with a network device operating a second protocol, creating at least one tunnel to one or more other network devices operating the first protocol and in communication with a network device operating the second protocol, receiving a proposal, blocking designated boundary ports in communication with network devices operating the second protocol, and transmitting an agreement.
Claims20
A method for preventing loops in a network comprising network devices operating different protocols for providing loop-free topology, the method comprising:
- receiving link state information at a network device operating a first protocol and in communication with a network device operating a second protocol;
- creating at least one tunnel to one or more other network devices operating said first protocol and in communication with a network device operating said second protocol;
- receiving a proposal;
- blocking designated boundary ports in communication with network devices operating said second protocol, wherein ports connected to said tunnel are not blocked;
- and
- transmitting an agreement.
A method for preventing loops in a network comprising network devices operating a spanning tree protocol and network devices operating a link state routing protocol to prevent loops, the method comprising:
- receiving from one of the network devices operating said link state protocol, a link state routing synchronization packet at a first network device in communication with one of the network devices operating said spanning tree protocol;
- blocking at said first network device, boundary ports in communication with the network devices operating said spanning tree protocol;
- transmitting a link state routing synchronization acknowledgement packet at said first network device after the boundary ports are blocked;
- and
- performing a loop-free topology convergence process at said first network device.
A system for preventing loops in a network comprising network devices operating different protocols for providing loop-free topology, the system comprising:
- a processor configured for operating a first protocol, creating at least one tunnel to one or more other network devices operating said first protocol and in communication with a network device operating a second protocol, blocking designated boundary ports in communication with network devices operating said second protocol upon processing a proposal, without blocking tunnel ports, and generating an agreement;
- and
- memory for storing link state information and roles for the boundary and tunnel ports.
A system for preventing loops in a network comprising network devices operating a spanning tree protocol and network devices operating a link state routing protocol to prevent loops, the system comprising:
- a processor operable to process a link state routing synchronization packet received at a first network device operating said link state routing protocol and in communication with one of the network devices operating said spanning tree protocol, block boundary ports in communication with the network devices operating said spanning tree protocol in response to processing of the link state routing synchronization packet, generate a synchronization acknowledgement packet after said boundary ports are blocked, and perform a loop-free topology convergence process with the other network devices operating said link state routing protocol and in communication with the network devices operating said spanning tree protocol;
- and
- memory for storing link state information and port roles for the boundary ports.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.