Mesh network bridges making operable spanning tree protocol and line fault backup protocol in optimized forwarding environment

摘要

A plurality of mesh-connecting ports interconnect a plurality of bridges including an own bridge and other bridges as a mesh network. A packet transmitter/receiver reciprocally transmits and receives packets between the plurality of bridges through the mesh-connecting ports. A shortest path constructing unit constructs the shortest path between the bridges through the packet transmitter/receiver. An STP processing unit executes STP processing for activating a spanning tree protocol (STP) to provide redundancy to the mesh network. A backup processing unit continuously leaves in the mesh domain a first mesh network bridge detected a line fault, and executes the backup processing to active a back up protocol for forming a backup route in such a manner that the packet reaches a second mesh network bridge that has become unreachable by the line fault, through a third mesh bridge connected with the second mesh network bridge.