Fault recovery port-based fast spanning tree algorithm (FRP-FAST) for the fault-tolerant ethernet on the arbitrary switched network topology

We present a novel approach, named Fault Recovery Port-Based Fast Spanning Tree Algorithm (FRP-FAST), of the Fault-Tolerant Ethernet (FTE) extension method to the arbitrary switched network topology with providing a significant improvement of failure detection and the spanning tree rebuilding time on the switched Ethernet. We provide a mechanism that expedites failure detection time using peer-based hello message algorithm and eliminates the chance of any transient loop creation during the spanning tree reconstruction using a pre-configured recovery port. As a result, unlike IEEE 802.1D, the scheme does not block data transmission on unaffected data path during the spanning tree discovery phase. The FRP-FAST algorithm has been implemented in the kernel mode of Windows NT-based PC using 3 NICs (3 port switch). The measured failure detection and recovery time meets control industry's 2 seconds requirement.