Layer-3 network routing with RPR layer-2 visibility

摘要

Routing tables of OSI layer-3 network elements are modified in order to enable entry to a RPR subnet at different entry points. This enables virtual tunnels or routing paths to utilize all existing entry links to the RPR subnet and to minimize cost factors, such as the number of RPR spans required to traverse the RPR subnet from the entry point to a destination RPR node. The routing tables of RPR subnet elements are modified, such that traffic leaving different elements but destined for the same network location outside the RPR subnet may have individualized RPR exit nodes. The respective RPR exit points for the network elements are chosen to minimize cost factors, such as the number of RPR spans required to reach the exit node from each RPR node.