Abstract: In one embodiment, configuring one or more ports of an access layer entity connected to a distribution layer entity to suppress one or more network topology change information from transmitting to the distribution layer entity of a data network, detecting a state change to a forwarding state on the one or more ports of the access layer entity, and configuring the one or more ports of the access layer entity in the data network connected to the distribution layer entity to transmit a predetermined data packet on the one or more ports of the access layer entity whose state has changed to the forwarding state are provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, configuring one or more ports of an access layer entity connected to a distribution layer entity to suppress one or more network topology change information from transmitting to the distribution layer entity of a data network, detecting a state change to a forwarding state on the one or more ports of the access layer entity, and configuring the one or more ports of the access layer entity in the data network connected to the distribution layer entity to transmit a predetermined data packet on the one or more ports of the access layer entity whose state has changed to the forwarding state are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that promote expedited fast link failover decisions by and end station with redundant multilayer switching paths to a network are disclosed. In response to detecting a change in connectivity with an upstream link to a network, an upstream switch may send a notification to an intermediate switch with a downstream link to the end station. In response to the notification, the intermediate switch may disable (“bring down”) the downstream link to the end station. Bringing the downstream link down in this manner may cause the end station to switch (“failover”) to a different downstream link, for example, allowing the end station to establish connectivity to the network via a redundant path.