Extending the IEEE 802.1 MAC Bridge standard to remote bridges

The IEEE 802.1 MAC Bridge specification describes transparent local bridges, called spanning tree bridges, that interconnect 802-type local area networks (LANs). The author discusses experience with adapting the spanning tree algorithm to the remote bridge environment, including the addition of a distributed algorithm for utilizing backbone networks while they are configured as backup paths by the spanning tree. This results in local and remote bridge configurations that automatically detect and recover from all failures/restorals in a deterministic way. Once the support of the same spanning tree algorithm is pervasive, it is also possible to add distributed algorithms that allow spanning tree backup paths to be utilized.<
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