Hierarchical network with active redundant links

Abstract

A hierarchical structure network of devices is formed. A group of devices may be grouped together to form a domain. A plurality of domains formed in a hierarchical structure forms a hierarchical network. Traffic flow topology may be updated only within the same domain that topology changes. In one embodiment, traffic flow topology is updated only in a parent domain and a child domain when the status of a link connecting the two domain changes. Thus, other domains within the network have no need to update the traffic flow topology and remain agnostic to the traffic flow updates. Thus, responsiveness of the network to topology changes is improved. Multiple links may each carry traffic if multiple links exist between nodes. As such, a network of robust redundant interconnections with active links is formed that react quickly to network topology changes and that uses the interconnection links in an efficient manner.