System and method for providing a loop free topology in a network environment
AssigneeCisco Technology, Inc.
InventorShekher Bulusu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An example method is provided and includes executing an intermediate system to intermediate system (IS-IS) protocol for a first set of network links in a network. The method also includes executing a spanning tree protocol (STP) for a second set of network links, and generating a network topology that includes using a broadcast tree system identifier (ID) as a root bridge ID for the network. The method further includes communicating the root bridge ID to a neighboring network element. In more specific examples, an STP block is communicated to a redundant link, which connects a first switch and a second switch. The first and second switches can converge on the network topology using the broadcast tree system ID.
Claims14
A method, comprising:
- executing an intermediate system to intermediate system (IS-IS) protocol for a first set of network links in a hybrid network;
- executing a spanning tree protocol (STP) for a second set of network links;
- generating a network topology that includes using a broadcast tree system identifier (ID) as a root bridge ID for the hybrid network;
- communicating the root bridge ID to a neighboring network element;
- wherein the broadcast tree system ID is associated with the IS-IS protocol, and the root bridge ID is associated with the STP;
- wherein a layer 2 gateway spanning tree protocol (“L2G-STP”) mechanism for implementing a segmented spanning tree and a layer 2 Gateway Interconnect Protocol (“L2GIP”) mechanism for building adjacencies between network elements are provided to prevent loops in the hybrid network;
- and
- wherein the broadcast tree system ID is provided as the root bridge ID per virtual local area network (VLAN), and wherein the broadcast tree system ID is a Media Access Control address (MAC address).
One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media including code for execution that when executed by a processor is operable to perform operations comprising:
- executing an intermediate system to intermediate system (IS-IS) protocol for a first set of network links in a hybrid network;
- executing a spanning tree protocol (STP) for a second set of network links;
- generating a network topology that includes using a broadcast tree system identifier (ID) as a root bridge ID for the hybrid network;
- communicating the root bridge ID to a neighboring network element;
- wherein the broadcast tree system ID is associated with the IS-IS protocol, and the root bridge ID is associated with the STP;
- wherein a layer 2 gateway spanning tree protocol (“L2G-STP”) mechanism for implementing a segmented spanning tree and a layer 2 Gateway Interconnect Protocol (“L2GIP”) mechanism for building adjacencies between network elements are provided to prevent loops in the hybrid network;
- and
- wherein the broadcast tree system ID is provided as the root bridge ID per virtual local area network (VLAN), and wherein the broadcast tree system ID is a Media Access Control address (MAC address).
An apparatus, comprising:
- a memory element configured to store electronic code,
- a processor operable to execute instructions associated with the electronic code, and
- a layer-2 (L2) gateway-spanning tree protocol (L2G-STP) module configured to interface with the processor and the memory element in order to cause the apparatus to:
- execute an intermediate system to intermediate system (IS-IS) protocol for a first set of network links in a hybrid network;
- execute a spanning tree protocol (STP) for a second set of network links;
- generate a network topology that includes using a broadcast tree system identifier (ID) as a root bridge ID for the hybrid network;
- communicate the root bridge ID to a neighboring network element;
- wherein the broadcast tree system ID is associated with the IS-IS protocol, and the root bridge ID is associated with the STP;
- wherein a layer 2 gateway spanning tree protocol (“L2G-STP”) mechanism for implementing a segmented spanning tree and a layer 2 Gateway Interconnect Protocol (“L2GIP”) mechanism for building adjacencies between network elements are provided to prevent loops in the hybrid network;
- and
- wherein the broadcast tree system ID is provided as the root bridge ID per virtual local area network (VLAN), and wherein the broadcast tree system ID is a Media Access Control address (MAC address).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.