Application of rapid spanning tree protocol for automatic hierarchical address assignment to bridges

This article describes a method to automatically assign hierarchical addresses in switched networks and proposes some applications areas to be further explored. Hierarchical addressing and routing are since long recognized as scalable and effective. However, its application in fixed and mobile ad hoc networks is restricted due to the overhead needed to group the nodes into clusters, maintain the hierarchy of nodes and the configuration complexity to assign and keep up to date the hierarchical addresses. The node differentiation due to the different roles at different hierarchy levels is also a disadvantage. The address assignment protocol uses the hierarchy set up by the rapid spanning tree protocol with the designated ports numbers of bridges as identifiers. A Bridge address results as the chain of designated port identities from the root bridge to that bridge. These addresses express the node (bridge) position in the network. However, as IP and MAC addresses usage is well established in networks, the proposed hierarchical addresses shall neither typically be used as layer two or layer three addresses, but just as routing aids. Other applications seem possible. Although this proposal is at a initial stage, application looks promising like enhancement of up/down routing protocol and group leader election problems at network level. The protocol is simple and fully distributed among all spanning tree levels.