Abstract: The present invention provides a method for interconnecting a plurality of local area networks that are each communicatively coupled to one of a plurality of provider edge nodes. The method includes forming a plurality of tunnels to communicatively connect each of the plurality of provider edge nodes with each of the other nodes in the plurality of provider edge nodes. The method also includes grouping provider nodes to form at least one first island and at least one second island. The first and second pluralities of provider nodes each include at least one of the provider edge nodes and at least one of the provider nodes is configured to function as a first island edge node. At least one inter-island tunnel is formed from the tunnels to communicatively connect each first island edge node with each second island edge node.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for balancing traffic in a load-balancing network having a plurality of nodes. The method includes splitting a traffic flow into a plurality of traffic flow parts associated with designated ones of the plurality of nodes and distributing the traffic flow parts to the designated ones of the plurality of nodes in a first traffic distribution round, wherein each of the designated nodes routes at least a portion of the received traffic flow part to one or more of the plurality of nodes in a second traffic distribution round. The traffic flow is split according to a congestion status associated with each of the plurality of nodes. The congestion status associated with each of the plurality of nodes is determined using congestion status messages distributed by each of the plurality of nodes in response to congestion conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting the switching process of a bridge to partition the bridge ports into a plurality of port subsets such that the bridge operates on each of the port subsets in an independent manner.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rebooting a bridge in a network containing a plurality of bridges. The method includes sending notification to other bridges that the bridge will be updated; updating the bridge; restoring a state of the network prior to the bridge being updated; and sending notification to the other bridges in the network that the update is complete. Sending notification includes sending a special bridge protocol data unit along forwarding links connected to the bridge. The method further includes the other bridges initiating a condition of not expecting additional messages from the bridge subsequent to the notification of the update and disabling a part of the bridge prior to updating. An apparatus includes a forwarding plane adapted to provide physical control of ports in the bridge and a control plane adapted for issuing and executing instructions in accordance with the method that control the physical action of the ports.

Abstract: Method for upgrading software in a network bridge that is part of a VLAN includes sending notification to other bridges of the VLAN that the bridge is scheduled for upgrading; suspending VLAN registration and membership information in the other bridges while upgrading the bridge; restoring a state of the updated bridge and sending notification to the other bridges that the upgrading has been completed. As a result of the notification, the other bridges do not expect additional messages from the upgrading bridge. The step of restoring a state of the bridge includes synchronizing a GVRP protocol running within the network to a current VLAN membership table. Apparatus includes a forwarding plane adapted to store VLAN membership information and a control plane adapted for issuing and executing instructions that control registration and de-registration of one or more ports of the bridge according to the VLAN membership information and the presented method.

Abstract: A method of reconfiguring a ring network having a plurality of nodes connected by a plurality of links, comprising initiating reconfiguring of one of the nodes in response to a network change message received over a link connected thereto from an adjacent node, blocking said link by the one node, reconfiguring network information stored on the one node, flushing any old queued messages on said one node and, in response to completion of said flushing, sending a reconfigured message to the other node adjacent thereto, and de-blocking said link by the one node in response to receipt of a reconfigured message from the first-mentioned adjacent node.