Table-Free Bridging

Abstract

Simple interconnection of high-speed local area networks (LAN's) can be accomplished without special technology through the use of table-free bridges. Self-guided frame routing allows frames to trace specific routes through bridged LAN's without requiring bridges to maintain address tables or perform table lookups. As a result, the technique applies to networks regardless of their operating speed or topological configuration and requires no interbridge protocols. The paper discusses a method known as source routing that provides tablefree bridging and self-guided frame routing for LAN's. Participation by the bridges that interconnect pairs of LAN's and by the stations whose frames they forward is described. Possible frame formats are shown as enhancements to the standard frame formats of the IEEE 802 and ISO 8802 local area networks.