Multiplexing system having an automatically configured topology

Abstract

A switch encapsulates incoming information using a header, and removes the header upon egress. The header is used by both distributed ingress nodes and within a distributed core to facilitate switching. The ingress and egress elements preferably support Ethernet or other protocol providing connectionless media with a stateful connection. Preferred switches include management protocols for discovering which elements are connected, for constructing appropriate connection tables, for designating a master element, and for resolving failures and off-line conditions among the switches. Secure data protocol (SDP), port to port (PTP) protocol, and active/active protection service (AAPS) are all preferably implemented. Systems and methods contemplated herein can advantageously use Strict Ring Topology (SRT), and conf configure the topology automatically. Components of a distributed switching fabric can be geographically separated by at least one kilometer, and in some cases by over 150 kilometers.

1 - 34 . (canceled)  
     
     
         35 . A multiplexing system having an automatically configured topology that determines how a plurality of network elements are interconnected, each of the elements containing all addressing tables necessary to operate as a single distributed switch fabric.  
     
     
         36 . The multiplexing system of  claim 35  wherein the topology comprises a Strict Ring Topology (SRT).  
     
     
         37 . The multiplexing system of  claim 35  wherein the topology comprises a Bus Topology.  
     
     
         38 . The multiplexing system of  claim 35  wherein the topology comprises a Mesh Topology.  
     
     
         39 . The multiplexing system of  claim 35  wherein elements of the fabric can be geographically separated by at least one kilometer.  
     
     
         40 . The multiplexing system of  claim 35  wherein elements of the fabric can be geographically separated by at least 150 kilometers.  
     
     
         41 . The multiplexing system of  claim 35  wherein geographically distributed elements of the system communicate using encapsulated Ethernet frames.