A scheme for remote LAN bridging across SMDS MANs

Abstract

This paper briefly presents a remote bridging scheme for the interconnection of Local Area Networks (LANs) across cell-based public Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), such as SMDS. The proposed scheme makes use of some characteristics of cell-based networks, such as the hierarchical E.164 addressing scheme, which enables routing at the MAC level through the public environment. This leads to a less complex and more efficient bridging scheme that we call Open Bridging. In contrast with standard MAC bridging approaches, Open Bridging emphasizes the notion of independent domains to reflect the practical aspects of interconnecting unrelated private bridged LANs across a public network. Each domain is allowed to independently manage and operate its internal connectivity. Full support for current bridging standards is provided within each domain.