Dynamically configuring and verifying routing information of broadcast networks using link state protocols in a computer network

Abstract

A technique dynamically configures and verifies routing information of broadcast networks using link state protocols in a computer network. According to the novel technique, a router within the broadcast network receives a link state protocol routing information advertisement from an advertising router, e.g., a designated router or other adjacent neighbor. The router learns of a next-hop router ('next-hop') to reach a particular destination from the advertisement, and determines whether the next-hop is located within the same broadcast network (e.g., subnet) as the designated router. If so, the router further determines whether the next-hop is directly addressable (i.e., reachable), such as, e.g., by checking for link adjacencies to the next-hop or by sending request/reply messages (e.g., echo messages or 'ping' messages) to the next-hop. In the event the next-hop for the destination is not directly addressable by the router (e.g., no adjacency or reply), the router installs a route to the destination via the designated router. Otherwise, the router installs a route to the destination via the next-hop.