Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with any-to-any multicasting in a tunnel based virtual private network (VPN) are described. One example method includes calculating a resolved address for an unknown reverse path forwarding (RPF) neighbor in an any-to-any multicasting route. The resolved address is calculated using next hop resolution protocol (NHRP) resolution. The address is to be resolved based on control plane traffic. The NHRP address resolution is not to affect unicast routing. The example method may also include establishing the any-to-any multicasting route. Since the multicasting route is any-to-any (e.g., spoke-to-spoke), the multicasting route is not required to include a hub in the logical hub-and-spoke network.

Abstract: A system receives a request at a hub. The request is received from a first spoke regarding a packet to be transmitted from the first spoke to a second spoke. The system identifies, at the time of the request, a preferred route from the first spoke to the second spoke. The system sends a redirect message to the first spoke, the redirect message directing the packet along the preferred route. The system transmits, from a first spoke to a hub, a first request associated with a packet. In response, the system receives, at the first spoke, a redirect message from the hub. The redirect message identifies a preferred route by which the first spoke transmits the packet to a second spoke. The system creates, at the first spoke, a second request containing a destination address of the second spoke, and transmits the second request along the preferred route.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with any-to-any multicasting in a tunnel based virtual private network (VPN) are described. One example method includes calculating a resolved address for an unknown reverse path forwarding (RPF) neighbor in an any-to-any multicasting route. The resolved address is calculated using next hop resolution protocol (NHRP) resolution. The address is to be resolved based on control plane traffic. The NHRP address resolution is not to affect unicast routing. The example method may also include establishing the any-to-any multicasting route. Since the multicasting route is any-to-any (e.g., spoke-to-spoke), the multicasting route is not required to include a hub in the logical hub-and-spoke network.