RFC 8243 · INFORMATIONAL · 2017

Alternatives for Multilevel Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links

Overview

RFC 8243, “Alternatives for Multilevel Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links”, is an Informational document published in September 2017 by R. Perlman, D. Eastlake 3rd, M. Zhang, A. Ghanwani, H. Zhai. The canonical text is published by the RFC Editor.

Abstract

Although TRILL is based on IS-IS, which supports multilevel unicast routing, extending TRILL to multiple levels has challenges that are not addressed by the already-existing capabilities of IS-IS. One issue is with the handling of multi-destination packet distribution trees. Other issues are with TRILL switch nicknames. How are such nicknames allocated across a multilevel TRILL network? Do nicknames need to be unique across an entire multilevel TRILL network? Or can they merely be unique within each multilevel area?

This informational document enumerates and examines alternatives based on a number of factors including backward compatibility, simplicity, and scalability; it makes recommendations in some cases.

Abstract as published in the RFC, via rfc-editor.org.

What “Informational” means

Published for the general information of the community. It does not define an IETF standard and carries no standards-track status.

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