LAN interconnection: a transparent, shortest-path approach

A new intelligent MAC layer device, called a brouter, is presented. It combines the high performance and transparency advantage of bridges with the traffic control and management features of routers. The spanning-tree restriction is relaxed on interconnected LANs, and allowances are made for arbitrary topology so that all links can be effectively utilized and shortest paths are used to reduce delays. In addition, a learning mechanism is presented for station identification to LAN identification mapping, and it is shown that dynamic station relocation is supported. Feasible congestion control methods for brouters are also discussed. Brouter performance is compared to that of two previous bridge schemes.<>