Abstract: A plurality of network devices such as routers are included in an instance of a spanning tree. The network device creates a ring context on a port that it identifies as both a blocking port and configured to run a spanning tree protocol. The ring context can be comprised of a region name, an STP domain name or a spanning tree instance. The network device transmits a ring discover message for the ring context over a forwarding port and determines that a ring exists when it receives the message at a blocking port. The network device subsequently transmits a reverse ring discover message from its blocking port which includes the status of the discovered ring to the members of the ring topology.

Abstract: Traffic engineering using a label-switching protocol is enhanced for label-switched paths that traverse a logical link that is an aggregation of component links. In one embodiment, a label edge router is provided with information regarding the bandwidth capabilities and loading of the component links of a LAG. The label edge router is then allowed to set up paths that traverse a specific component link of a LAG, and reserve bandwidth on such a component link. Other traffic may continue to be distributed across the LAG membership.

Abstract: A plurality of network devices such as routers are included in an instance of a spanning tree. The network device creates a ring context on a port that it identifies as both a blocking port and configured to run a spanning tree protocol. The ring context can be comprised of a region name, an STP domain name or a spanning tree instance. The network device transmits a ring discover message for the ring context over a forwarding port and determines that a ring exists when it receives the message at a blocking port. The network device subsequently transmits a reverse ring discover message from its blocking port which includes the status of the discovered ring to the members of the ring topology.

Abstract: A dynamic multiple spanning tree protocol is described. In at least one embodiment, this protocol allows for the dynamic creation and destruction of mappings between traffic attributes and spanning tree instances with the spanning tree region. These mappings are determined based on the observation of events in the spanning tree, such as the appearance of a significant traffic stream, not mapped to any spanning tree instance, at an edge port of the region. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.