Abstract: Methods and systems for providing redundant network connectivity across a network using a tunneling protocol by dynamically moving a TLS tunnel between master and slave switches based on relative connectivity provided by the switches are disclosed. A standby routing protocol executes on the master and slave switches to monitor the relative connectivity. In response to detecting that the relative connectivity of the slave switch exceeds that of the master switch, the standby routing protocol reverses the roles of the master and slave switches, thus moving the TLS tunnel to the new master switch.

Abstract: In a data communication internetwork including a source station, an end station, and a default router for the source station, a default communication path including the default router is defined between the source station and the destination station. During operation of the data communication internetwork, a shortcut data communication path by passing the default router is established between the source station and the destination station, such that data packets transmitted by the source station are not received by the default router. After the shortcut communication path has been established, a control frame containing source-route information regarding the source station is transmitted to the router, and the source-route information is stored at the router.