This is the algorithm that switches typically use to build the forwarding table for the network. Traditional spanning tree will only utilize one path between each switch - it will not take advantage of multiple paths. This is necessary for a network of bridges to eliminate routing loops but could be a major shortcoming for a customer that would like to use parallel paths. This might be true but the problem is that RSVP requires special software on the end nodes. IP Switching vs. Tag Switching Ipsilon Networks is shipping a new product line called IP Switches.
Tag switching is a technology that Cisco has announced and has under development.
It is a testament to the power of Cisco that people can take our vaporware so seriously. I'm sure there is a marketing slide somewhere on our web site about this. There were a number of seminars focusing on the changes in the industry due to the Telecom Act of 1996. There were representatives present from the FCC, MCI, Bell Atlantic, and Consumer groups. There might be nothing we can do about it.