Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes setting a re-flood time to a non-zero first value. Update data that indicates a change to link data is received over a network interface from an updating node of multiple nodes on a multi-access segment connected to the interface. The change is to link data that indicates links on the updating node. It is determined whether an acknowledgment message is not received within the re-flood time from a particular node of the multiple nodes. If an acknowledgment message is not received within the re-flood time, then a multicast packet directed to the multiple nodes and including the change to the link data is sent over onto the segment. This method enables rapid response to failure of a primary node designated to ensure reliable flooding of link data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing routing information include receiving first domain data that indicates domains of a first mobile router. A domain is a collection of routers that share uniform routing information at a particular level of detail. An inbound data packet is received from a second mobile router over a particular link. The inbound control plane packet lists second domain data that indicates domains of the second mobile router. The first domain data and the second domain data together include multiple domains. A particular domain is automatically selected from the first domain data and the second domain data. The second mobile router independently selects the same particular domain. The particular link is assigned to the particular domain; and routing information for the particular domain is shared between the first mobile router and the second mobile router over the particular link.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes setting a re-flood time to a non-zero first value. Update data that indicates a change to link data is received over a network interface from an updating node of multiple nodes on a multi-access segment connected to the interface. The change is to link data that indicates links on the updating node. It is determined whether an acknowledgment message is not received within the re-flood time from a particular node of the multiple nodes. If an acknowledgment message is not received within the re-flood time, then a multicast packet directed to the multiple nodes and including the change to the link data is sent over onto the segment. This method enables rapid response to failure of a primary node designated to ensure reliable flooding of link data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing routing information include receiving first domain data that indicates domains of a first mobile router. A domain is a collection of routers that share uniform routing information at a particular level of detail. An inbound data packet is received from a second mobile router over a particular link. The inbound control plane packet lists second domain data that indicates domains of the second mobile router. The first domain data and the second domain data together include multiple domains. A particular domain is automatically selected from the first domain data and the second domain data. The second mobile router independently selects the same particular domain. The particular link is assigned to the particular domain; and routing information for the particular domain is shared between the first mobile router and the second mobile router over the particular link.

Abstract: A technique dynamically configures and verifies routing information of broadcast networks using link state protocols in a computer network. According to the novel technique, a router within the broadcast network receives a link state protocol routing information advertisement from an advertising router, e.g., a designated router or other adjacent neighbor. The router learns of a next-hop router (“next-hop”) to reach a particular destination from the advertisement, and determines whether the next-hop is located within the same broadcast network (e.g., subnet) as the designated router. If so, the router further determines whether the next-hop is directly addressable (i.e., reachable), such as, e.g., by checking for link adjacencies to the next-hop or by sending request/reply messages (e.g., echo messages or “ping” messages) to the next-hop. In the event the next-hop for the destination is not directly addressable by the router (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention elects an area border router from a plurality of potential area border routers by determining a full set of all areas attached to a router. A determination is made as to a full set of area pairs from the determined full set of areas. Routers are identified in a first area of the determined full set of areas that are reachable through an intra-area route in the first area, and routers are identified in a second area of the determined full set of areas that are reachable through an intra-area route in the second area. If there is a router that is unreachable through either an intra-area route in the first area or an intra-area route in the second area, then declare the first router to be an area border router, else new first and second areas are selected.