An apparatus for designing a virtual VLAN network includes a database containing data representing a plurality of VLAN networks in a spanning tree topology, each of the VLAN networks being formed of a plurality of VLAN member nodes interconnected by links. In response to a network configuration request from a communications network, control circuitry determines the costs of the links, and then determines least cost unicast paths by using a shortest path algorithm. A search is made through the least cost unicast paths for detecting a loop. If at least one loop is detected, a link of highest cost of the loop is blocked. All unicast paths of the blocked link are reestablished through links that circumvent the blocked link. A spanning tree built up with all the links accommodating the least cost unicast paths is established. Configuration command is sent to the network for configuring it according to the established spanning tree.
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