System and method for nodes communicating in a shared network segment

The invention provides a method and system for a network which includes a plurality of nodes, preferably routers, a shared network segment for communication between the nodes, and several multicast channels in the shared network segment on which the nodes, preferably routers, can send multicast messages to the other nodes. A specific multicast channel is provided on which the nodes can send specific start multicast messages to other nodes, wherein a node which starts a protocol application, preferably a routing protocol application such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol, is adapted to send a multicast start message on the specific multicast channel. Another node, preferably a router, receiving this start message is adapted to validate the authenticity of the start message and to send a response message.