Method for establishing a limited broadcast path within an interconnected network

摘要

A method for configuring/reconfiguring a limited broadcast route within a bridge-connected network. The method includes an algorithm, which configures a minimum spanning tree route. A source node generates and transmits a search frame with indicia set to a value representative of a configuration time. Each bridge in the network receives the frame and determines if the setting of the indicia matches the setting of a time code in said bridge. If there is a match, the bridge discards the frame. Otherwise, the frame is forwarded and the bridge is characterized as a limited broadcast (LB) bridge. The process is repeated at subsequent bridges until a leaf bridge is determined. Thereafter, broadcast messages are permitted to advance through the LB bridges.