Systems and methods for enabling leaf isolation in a multi-node tree network

Abstract

The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for enabling leaf isolation in a multi-node tree network. In one exemplary embodiment, an Ethernet virtual network (EVC) system has a multi-node E-Tree network comprising a plurality of nodes (e.g., switches), including at least one ingress node and at least one egress node. The ingress node is configured to receive a data packet to be communicated through the E-Tree network and to modify a field, such as the tag protocol identifier (TPID), in the packet's header to indicate whether the data packet is received by the ingress node via a leaf port. As the data packet is communicated through the E-Tree network, the nodes determine the leaf status of the packet based on the modified field thereby enabling the nodes to enforce leaf isolation rules. The egress node upon receiving the packet is configured to adjust the modified field as appropriate such that the field on egress matches the field on ingress. Accordingly, the use of the field as a leaf indicator in the E-Tree network should not affect the ability of downstream components to properly handle the data packet.