Abstract: A method for sending a BIERv6 (bit index explicit replication version 6) packet includes: determining, by a first network device, that an active next-hop device for reaching a second network device is faulty, where the first network device belongs to a first area in a BIER domain, the second network device and the active next-hop device belong to a second area in the BIER domain, the active next-hop device is a border device in the second area and is configured to connect to the first area, and the first area and the second area have different protocols; and sending, by the first network device, a BIERv6 packet to a backup next-hop device for reaching the second network device, where the backup next-hop device is a border device in the second area and is configured to connect to the first area.

Abstract: This application provides a method for sending a BIERv6 packet and a first network device. The method includes: determining, by a first network device, that an active next-hop device for reaching a second network device is faulty, where the first network device belongs to a first area in a BIER domain, the second network device and the active next-hop device belong to a second area in the BIER domain, the active next-hop device is a border device in the second area and is configured to connect to the first area, and the first area and the second area have different protocols; and sending, by the first network device, a BIERv6 packet to a backup next-hop device for reaching the second network device, where the backup next-hop device is a border device in the second area and is configured to connect to the first area.