Methods, systems and computer readable media for utilizing a standard spanning tree protocol to indicate an active switching fabric in a network node

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for utilizing a standard spanning tree protocol to designate an active switching device in a network node are disclosed. In one example, the method includes generating a virtual network topology representation that includes a payload processing device connected to each of a first switching device and a second switching device, transmitting, from each of the first and second switching devices to the payload processing device, a standard spanning tree protocol signaling message that contains the virtual network topology representation and a bridge root priority identifier that has been derived using an algorithm that considers whether the transmitting switching device is a preferred active switching device or a preferred standby switching device, and signaling messages at the payload processing device to select the preferred active switching device as a root bridge of a logical spanning tree based on comparing bridge root priority identifiers.