Routing method in scalable distributed computing environment

Methods for routing packets from a source node to a destination node using at least one context bridge. Each node has a routing protocol, with the context bridge being one of many context bridges in a heterogeneous network having many nodes. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of receiving a packet at the source node, and determining whether the destination node of the packet has a routable protocol. If the destination has no routable protocol, a route discovery packet is sent to discover one or more context bridges so as to automatically route the packet from the source to the destination node. Based on the discovery, the packet is routed to the destination through one or more context bridges. If the destination has a routable protocol, the packet is routed from the source to the destination using the routable protocol. In another embodiment, the method includes the steps of setting up a list of context bridges and the communication protocols handled by each context bridge in the list, and listening for routing information packets, which are periodically broadcast by other context bridges informing recipients of the communication protocols handled by the broadcasting context bridge. Based on the broadcast, the list is updated using the information contained in the received routing information packets.