Extension of link aggregation protocols over the network

摘要

An extension of a Link Aggregation Protocol (LAP) over the network allows current Ethernet point-to-point LAPs to operate across a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). A maximum disjoint path algorithm allows selection of a plurality of alternative end-to-end physical routes between two data terminals. These physical routes share a minimum number of nodes and physical links. End-to-end logical links are then formed by a plurality of successive physical links between nodes containing protocol compatible devices, the physical links being selected based on their physical characteristics such as bandwidth and delay. ;Multiple logical links can be provisioned, without dedicating, between any two data terminals over the network. The logical links provide the virtual point-to-point links that the edge LAP devices require. The extension of LAP/s over the network provides increased availability because a network failure can now be propagated to the edge of the network to allow the edge LAP devices to quickly react to the failure.