Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of broadcasting packets through a network of switches. A packet is received to be broadcast through the network of switches. A broadcast path is selected from a plurality of generated broadcast paths. A broadcast path tag associated with the selected broadcast path is created and inserted into the packet. A determination is made of the port(s) by which to forward the packet, and the packet is transmitted via the port(s) to next switch(es) in accordance with the selected broadcast path.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of automated path tracing from an original mesh switch through a switching mesh to a specified destination. A mesh traceroute packet to the specified destination is built. The mesh traceroute packet is transmitted via an exit port associated with the specified destination and the returned packet is received. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a method of responding to receipt of a mesh traceroute packet during an automated path tracing. The mesh traceroute packet is received at a switch. A hop entry is appended to the mesh traceroute packet by the switch.