System for interconnection of local area networks and apparatus for use in such a system

摘要

The invention relates to a local area network interconnection system through a wide area network, certain interconnection nodes of this network being formed by a plurality of redundant pieces of interconnection equipment. According to the invention, the redundant pieces of interconnection equipment have a false physical address and a logical address in common to form a unique entity with respect to the stations of the local area network, while only a single one of the pieces of interconnection equipment of this entity performs a function of bridge/router at a given instant and the others are intended to ensure support in the case of breakdown. The redundant pieces of interconnection equipment further comprise monitoring means for monitoring their respective states by exchanges of frames on the local area network.