System and method for providing a path avoidance feature in a network environment

Logic encoded in one or more non-transitory tangible media that includes code for execution and when executed by a processor operable to perform operations comprising:

• evaluating multiple paths in a network in order to execute a reverse path forwarding decision for multicast traffic associated with a source;
• selecting a second network path based on a first network path previously having been designated as a route for the multicast traffic associated with the source, wherein the first network path and the second network path differ by at least one network element;
• sending a join message for the second network path including a path avoidance attribute associated with the first network path to a neighboring network element, wherein the path avoidance attribute identifies the first network path as the previously designated route for the multicast traffic associated with the source;
• and
• receiving at least one of a first data stream and a second data stream, wherein the first data stream is associated with the first network path and the second data stream is associated with the second network path.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a memory element configured to store data,
• a processor operable to execute instructions associated with the data, and
• a reverse path forwarding module, the apparatus being configured to:
• evaluate multiple paths in a network in order to execute a reverse path forwarding decision for multicast traffic associated with a source;
• select a second network path based on a first network path previously having been designated as a route for the multicast traffic associated with the source, wherein the first network path and the second network path differ by at least one network element;
• send a join message for the second network path including a path avoidance attribute associated with the first network path to a neighboring network element, wherein the path avoidance attribute identifies the first network path as the previously designated route for the multicast traffic associated with the source;
• and
• receive at least one of a first data stream and a second data stream, wherein the first data stream is associated with the first network path and the second data stream is associated with the second network path.