US 7,443,800 B2 · Method and apparatus for designing a spanning tree virtual network

Abstract

Apparatus for designing a virtual VLAN network includes a database representing a plurality of VLAN networks in a spanning tree topology, each of the networks being formed of a plurality of VLAN member nodes interconnected by links. In response to a network configuration request from a communications network, control circuitry determines the costs of the links, and then determines the least cost unicast paths by using a shortest path algorithm. A search is made through the least cost unicast paths for detecting a loop. If at least one loop is detected, a link of highest cost of the loop is blocked. All unicast paths of the blocked link are reestablished through links that circumvent the blocked link. A spanning tree built up with all the links accommodating the least cost unicast paths is established. Configuration command is sent to the network for configuring it according to the established spanning tree.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A method of designing a network, comprising the steps of:

a) setting a plurality of nodes interconnected by links in a tree topology, a link of said links being a direct connection between two nodes of said plurality of nodes and a path is course across any number of said links to connect any two nodes of said plurality of nodes;
b) determining a plurality of link costs of said links;
c) determining, from said plurality of link costs, at least one of a plurality of least cost unicast paths by using a shortest path algorithm;
d) making a search through said unicast paths for detecting a loop;
e) if at least one loop is detected by said search, blocking a link of the detected loop and reestablishing any unicast paths that passed through the blocked link via concatenated links which circumvent the blocked link;
and
f) establishing a spanning tree with all links which accommodate said least cost unicast paths.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for designing a spanning tree virtual network

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for designing a spanning tree virtual network

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17