Abstract: A networking device receives packets that may include a label header specifying a label for processing the packet based on a corresponding entry in a label table. When the label has a corresponding entry in the label table, the packet is processed according to the label entry. When the packet has a label but the label table does not have a corresponding label, rather than discarding the packet, the networking device converts the packet for forwarding according to a network address specified in the packet. Label headers may be removed from the packet to prevent subsequent devices from incorrectly continuing label-based processing, enabling the packet to “exit” the overall path represented by the labels and processed as though the packet didn't arrive with a label header. When devices may lack intended labels, this permits continued processing of packets according to the network address information.

Abstract: A method for network traffic forwarding using multi-virtual routing and forwarding instances forwarding lookups is provided. The method includes: receiving network traffic on an interface of a network device associated with a first virtual routing and forwarding instance (VRF) fallback policy specifying a first set of rules; making a first determination that the network traffic includes network traffic information matching the first set of rules; initiating execution of VRF lookups in a plurality of VRFs programmed in the network device to obtain a set of VRF lookup results; making a second determination, using the set of VRF lookup results and the first VRF fallback policy, that the network traffic is to be forwarded using a first VRF among the plurality of VRFs; and initiating, based on the second determination, forwarding of the network traffic using the first VRF.

Abstract: A method for network traffic forwarding using multi-virtual routing and forwarding instances forwarding lookups is provided. The method includes: receiving network traffic on an interface of a network device associated with a first virtual routing and forwarding instance (VRF) fallback policy specifying a first set of rules; making a first determination that the network traffic includes network traffic information matching the first set of rules; initiating execution of VRF lookups in a plurality of VRFs programmed in the network device to obtain a set of VRF lookup results; making a second determination, using the set of VRF lookup results and the first VRF fallback policy, that the network traffic is to be forwarded using a first VRF among the plurality of VRFs; and initiating, based on the second determination, forwarding of the network traffic using the first VRF.

Abstract: A first and a second switching node establish a tunnel to transport a packet through a multiprotocol label-switching (MPLS) network. The tunnel is associated with a unique tunnel key. One or more virtual ciruit (VC) labels are automatically generated using the tunnel key.