Method and system for maintaining a loop-free topology across multiple spanning trees in a virtual local area network

摘要

A network includes a virtual local area network (VLAN) and multiple spanning tree protocol domains (STPDs). Switches in the network receive messages from other switches and select one path for continued transmission of data based on the content of the messages. The content of each message identifies the path through which the message was transmitted. After one path is selected, all other paths are blocked. Once paths are blocked, no messages are transmitted through those paths to the switch. This eliminates redundant paths and provides a loop-free inter-domain topology throughout the network.