Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for providing a MAC-based redistribution policy between networks in a multi-area network. A network can have a boundary node that communicates to neighboring networks. Boundary nodes can receive policy updates that identify which services are redistributable across network boundaries. Boundary nodes can receive a packet for a service, translate the packet's encapsulation, and forward the packet across the boundary towards a destination node. Boundary nodes can forward the packet such that it originates in the second network from a virtual node.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for managing redistribution and remapping of multicast services between networks in a multi-area network. Multicast streams can be sent through networks from a source node towards a boundary node. The boundary node can receive the multicast stream, remap a source node identifier and service instance identifier, and forward the multicast stream into a second network. The boundary node can receive a route for the multicast stream. The route can be installed in a link-state database and can be used to send the multicast stream through the multi-area network from the source node to a destination node.

Abstract: A method for implementing auto attach for a shortest path bridging (SPB) network comprises determining, on an access point, that an auto attach device communicating in a SPB network is enabled for auto attach, and an advertisement is transmitted to a mobile station. The access point acts a proxy between the mobile station and the auto-attach device by communicably coupling the auto attach device and the mobile station via the access point. A virtual local area network (VLAN) identification and service instance identifier (I-SID) is received from the mobile station, when is then transmitted to the auto-attach device. A VLAN (independent of any static VLAN associated with the WLAN) is created off of the VLAN identification and an indication that the I-SID and the VLAN have been accepted. Data communications are then provided between the mobile station and the auto attach device via the VLAN and the access point.

Abstract: A method for implementing auto attach for a shortest path bridging (SPB) network comprises determining, on an access point, that an auto attach device communicating in a SPB network is enabled for auto attach, and an advertisement is transmitted to a mobile station. The access point acts a proxy between the mobile station and the auto-attach device by communicably coupling the auto attach device and the mobile station via the access point. A virtual local area network (VLAN) identification and service instance identifier (I-SID) is received from the mobile station, when is then transmitted to the auto-attach device. A VLAN (independent of any static VLAN associated with the WLAN) is created off of the VLAN identification and an indication that the I-SID and the VLAN have been accepted. Data communications are then provided between the mobile station and the auto attach device via the VLAN and the access point.

Abstract: A Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) network provides a multicast traceroute using network identifiers such as IP addresses for the source and destination (multicast group). The network identifiers, which are based on layer 3 (IP) designations of the traced multicast group, are mapped to a network identifier of the multicast group (corresponding to a layer 2, or MAC address) and an associated Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) which is used to transport the packets belonging to the multicast flow. Therefore, an operator issuing the traceroute command need not be familiar with the layer 2 concepts of the network, but rather need only supply the layer 3 (IP address) designations of the concerned entities.

Abstract: A network management and monitoring application employs diagnostic messages for confirming network path connectivity and identifying and locating connectivity faults. Diagnostic messages similar to conventional “ping” and “traceroute” messages traverse the network along a prescribed path for which diagnostic feedback is desired. The application receives and analyzes return messages sent from network entities along the path to ascertain connectivity issues on the path. The application receives layer 3 identifiers such as IP addresses, however performs diagnostic operations such as continuity checks based on layer 2 identifiers such as MAC (Media Access Control) identifiers because certain network entities operate on L2 identifiers and would otherwise evade a continuity check based on layer 3 identifiers.

Abstract: A network management and monitoring application employs diagnostic messages for confirming network path connectivity and identifying and locating connectivity faults. Diagnostic messages similar to conventional “ping” and “traceroute” messages traverse the network along a prescribed path for which diagnostic feedback is desired. The application receives and analyzes return messages sent from network entities along the path to ascertain connectivity issues on the path. The application receives layer 3 identifiers such as IP addresses, however performs diagnostic operations such as continuity checks based on layer 2 identifiers such as MAC (Media Access Control) identifiers because certain network entities operate on L2 identifiers and would otherwise evade a continuity check based on layer 3 identifiers.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for improving multicast traffic operations in a Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) network by conveying bridging domain information of an incoming interface (IIF) when transporting multicast traffic over the SPB network. Techniques disclosed herein include modifying encapsulation packet header information of existing Mac-In-Mac fields to convey additional information that can be interpreted at edge nodes by modifying edge node interpretation of multicast data. Specifically, the value of the I-SID in the BMAC-DA field can be set to be different from the I-SID value in the I-TAG field. Carrying the L2 VSN I-SID value in the I-TAG allows the Egress BEBs to determine which VLAN/L2 VSN/Bridging-Domain of the IIF is in use, and then modify or preserve underlying header information accordingly.

Abstract: A Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) network provides a multicast traceroute using network identifiers such as IP addresses for the source and destination (multicast group). The network identifiers, which are based on layer 3 (IP) designations of the traced multicast group, are mapped to a network identifier of the multicast group (corresponding to a layer 2, or MAC address) and an associated Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) which is used to transport the packets belonging to the multicast flow. Therefore, an operator issuing the traceroute command need not be familiar with the layer 2 concepts of the network, but rather need only supply the layer 3 (IP address) designations of the concerned entities.