Patent ID: 8559341
Filing Date: 2013-10-15
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: executing an intermediate system to intermediate system (IS-IS) protocol for a first set of network links in a hybrid network; executing a spanning tree protocol (STP) for a second set of network links; generating a network topology that includes using a broadcast tree system identifier (ID) as a root bridge ID for the hybrid network; communicating the root bridge ID to a neighboring network element; wherein the broadcast tree system ID is associated with the IS-IS protocol, and the root bridge ID is associated with the STP; wherein a layer 2 gateway spanning tree protocol (“L2G-STP”) mechanism for implementing a segmented spanning tree and a layer 2 Gateway Interconnect Protocol (“L2GIP”) mechanism for building adjacencies between network elements are provided to prevent loops in the hybrid network; and wherein the broadcast tree system ID is provided as the root bridge ID per virtual local area network (VLAN), and wherein the broadcast tree system ID is a Media Access Control address (MAC address).